Born: 1931 (Humacao, Puerto Rico)
Biography:
Rita Moreno (born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano; December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer. She is noted for her work on stage and screen in a career spanning over seven decades and is one of the last remaining stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Moreno’s contributions to the entertainment industry have been widely recognized, as she is one of the few performers to have achieved the prestigious EGOT status, having been awarded an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony. She has also earned the Triple Crown of Acting with individual competitive Academy, Emmy, and Tony awards.
Moreno’s remarkable career has been graced with numerous accolades and honors. In 2004, she was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, for her significant contributions to the field of entertainment. In 2009, she was recognized with the National Medal of Arts, which celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the arts and culture of the nation. In 2013, the Screen Actors Guild honored her with the Life Achievement Award, in recognition of her exceptional career and humanitarian efforts. Two years later, in 2015, she received the coveted Kennedy Center Honor, celebrating her outstanding contributions to the performing arts. In 2019, Moreno was awarded a Peabody Award for her role as a groundbreaking artist and activist.
Moreno’s early career included supporting roles in classic musical films such as Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and The King and I (1956). However, it was her breakout role as Anita in West Side Story (1961) that propelled her to stardom and earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This made her the first Latin American woman to win an Oscar, a significant milestone that shattered barriers and paved the way for generations of future artists.
Throughout her career, Moreno has been involved in a wide range of projects that showcase her incredible talent and versatility. Her notable film credits include Popi (1969), Carnal Knowledge (1971), The Four Seasons (1981), I Like It Like That (1994), and the cult film Slums of Beverly Hills (1998). In 2021, Moreno reprised the role of Valentina in Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated remake of West Side Story, demonstrating the longevity and timelessness of her talent.
In addition to her success on the big screen, Moreno has also made a significant impact on the stage. She starred as Googie Gomez in the 1975 Terrence McNally musical The Ritz, earning her the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Her portrayal of this larger-than-life character showcased her impeccable comedic timing and stage presence. Moreno’s talent extended beyond acting and singing to include dancing, and she showcased her skills in various theatrical productions throughout her career, including Lorraine Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window in 1964 and Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple in 1985.
In addition to her accomplishments in film and theater, Moreno has also made a significant impact on television. She was a cast member on the beloved children’s television series The Electric Company from 1971 to 1977, where she showcased her versatility as an actress, singer, and dancer. Her performance on the show earned her two consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards. Moreno also portrayed Sister Peter Marie Reimondo on the critically acclaimed HBO series Oz from 1997 to 2003, demonstrating her ability to tackle complex and challenging roles. Additionally, she gained acclaim for her performances in shows like Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego (1994-1999), Jane the Virgin (20152019), and the Netflix revival of One Day at a Time (20172020).
Moreno’s influence goes beyond her impressive accolades and iconic performances. As a trailblazer for women and Latinx artists, she has broken down barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her contributions have been recognized not only within the entertainment industry but in society as a whole. In 2021, the documentary Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It shed light on her inspiring journey, showcasing her resilience, determination, and the impact she has had on the world.
Rita Moreno’s life and career exemplify the power of perseverance and talent. From her humble beginnings in Puerto Rico to her groundbreaking success in Hollywood, she has overcome countless challenges and made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her story is a testament to the importance of diversity, representation, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. As we celebrate her extraordinary achievements, we honor Rita Moreno as a true icon and trailblazer in women’s history.
Awards:
– Emmy Award
– Grammy Award
– Oscar
– Tony Award
– EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony)
– Presidential Medal of Freedom
– National Medal of Arts
– Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award
– Kennedy Center Honor
– Peabody Award