Rita Moreno is celebrated for her role as Anita in the classic film West Side Story (1961). This performance earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making history as the first Latina to achieve this honor. She also featured on popular children’s programs like Sesame Street and The Electric Company.
Remarkably, Moreno is one of only 11 individuals to have won all four major entertainment awards: an Emmy, an Oscar, a Tony, and a Grammy (EGOT). In 2019, she became the first Latino recipient of a Peabody Award, adding another prestigious accolade to her achievements and becoming a PEGOT winner.
Quick Facts About Rita Moreno
| Full Name | Rosa Rita Moreno |
| Born | December 11, 1931 |
| Birthplace | Humacao, Puerto Rico |
| Famous Role | Anita in West Side Story |
| Oscar Win | Best Supporting Actress (1962) |
| First Latina Oscar Winner | Yes |
| Notable Shows | Sesame Street, The Electric Company |
| Major Awards | Emmy, Oscar, Tony, Grammy (EGOT) |
| PEGOT Winner | Yes (first Latino recipient of Peabody Award) |
| Career Start | 1940s (as a dancer and actress) |
| Other Notable Films | The King and I, Carnal Knowledge |
| Activism | Advocate for Latino representation in media |
| Languages | Fluent in English and Spanish |
| Recent Projects | One Day at a Time (2017-2020) |
Early Life of Rita
Rosa Dolores Alverio known as Rita Moreno. She was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico on December 11, 1931. She has opened doors for Latinos in entertainment during her career. Moreno started her show business journey at a young age. She performed on Broadway and landed her first film role as a teenager. She also left school around that time to pursue her career.
Rita Moreno’s West Side Story’s Success
Rita Moreno is widely recognized for her role in West Side Story (1961), a musical inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. As a versatile performer, she sang, danced, and acted in dramatic scenes throughout the film.
Her performance as Anita, the strong yet sensitive girlfriend of the Sharks’ gang leader, earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She became the first Hispanic actress to receive this honor with this win.
Rita Some Other Achievements and EGOT Status
After success in West Side Story, Rita Moreno took on many exciting roles in theater and films. Rita worked alongside stars like Jack Nicholson, Marlon Brando, and James Garner. In the 1970s, she joined the cast of The Electric Company, a children’s show, where she became famous for her catchphrase: “Hey, you guys.” The cast won a Grammy Award in 1972 for the show’s soundtrack.
A few years later, Moreno won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for her role in The Ritz (1975) on Broadway. Her accolades continued with two Emmy Awards for guest appearances on The Muppet Show (1977) and The Rockford Files (1978). She is one of the few people to achieve the EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Tony, Oscar, and Grammy.
Moreno also wowed audiences with her role as a strict nun in the series Oz from 1997 to 2003. She still acts in films, makes guest TV appearances, and performs in theater productions. Additionally, she is co-producing the 2021 remake of West Side Story.
PEGOT
In 2019, Rita Moreno received a Peabody Career Achievement Award. This made her the first Latino to earn this honor and only the second person ever to do so. With this award, she became a PEGOT, a distinction shared by just two others: director Mike Nichols and performer Barbra Streisand.
Personal Life of Rita Moreno
Romantic History
Rita Moreno was once romantically linked to the famous actor Marlon Brando. Their connection drew significant media attention during a time when both were rising stars in Hollywood.
Marriage
In 1965, Moreno married Dr. Leonard Gordon, a dentist. Their marriage lasted for many years, and they shared a strong bond built on love and mutual respect. Together, they welcomed a daughter named Fernanda, who has since given them two grandchildren.
Legacy
Dr. Leonard Gordon passed away in 2010 at the age of 90. His death was a significant loss for Moreno, who often spoke fondly of their life together. Despite the challenges she faced, Moreno has continued to celebrate her personal and professional life while cherishing the memories of her late husband and the family they built together.
FAQs
Is Rita Moreno still alive?
Yes, Rita Moreno is still alive and continues to work in the entertainment industry.
Rita Moreno accomplishments?
Rita Moreno is an EGOT winner, an acclaimed actress, and a Peabody Award recipient.
How old is Rita Moreno?
She was born on December 11, 1931, making her 92 years old as of now.
Rita Moreno movies and TV shows?
She starred in West Side Story, Oz, and The Electric Company, among others.
Rita Moreno 1960s?
In the 1960s, Rita Moreno gained fame for her role in West Side Story and won an Oscar.