Rita Moreno at 90: A Life in Pictures

A Legendary Career Spanning Seven Decades

Rita Moreno, the iconic actress and singer, turns 90 today, and her remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From her breakout role in "West Side Story" to her acclaimed performances in "The King and I" and "One Day at a Time," Moreno has been a force to be reckoned with for seven decades. To celebrate her milestone birthday, let's take a photographic journey through her life and career.

Early Life and Career

Born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno's family moved to New York City when she was five. She began her career as a child actress, appearing in Spanish-language films. Her breakthrough came in 1956 with her role as Anita in the musical "West Side Story," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first Latina to receive an Oscar.

Stage and Screen Success

After "West Side Story," Moreno's career continued to soar. She appeared in numerous Broadway productions, including "The King and I," "Gypsy," and "The Odd Couple," earning Tony Award nominations for all three. On the big screen, she starred in films such as "The Long, Hot Summer," "Elmer Gantry," and "Singin' in the Rain."

Television Breakthrough

In the 1970s, Moreno made the leap to television, becoming a household name with her role as the fiery Puerto Rican housekeeper Maria Delgado in the sitcom "The Electric Company." She later starred in the critically acclaimed series "One Day at a Time," playing the widowed mother of two teenage daughters, a role that earned her two more Golden Globe Awards.

Later Career and Legacy

Throughout her later career, Moreno continued to impress audiences with her versatility. She voiced characters in animated films such as "Over the Moon" and "Encanto," and appeared in television shows such as "Jane the Virgin" and "Grace and Frankie." In 2019, she received the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime contributions to the arts.

A Trailblazing Role Model

Beyond her acting accomplishments, Moreno has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has served as a role model for generations of aspiring performers, particularly for Latina women. Her work has paved the way for a more equitable and representative entertainment landscape.

Rita Moreno Trivia

• Moreno is the first Hispanic actress to win all four major entertainment awards: an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony.
• She is one of only 24 people to have achieved the EGOT, an acronym for winning all four awards.
• Moreno has been married to Leonard Gordon since 1965.
• She is a devout Catholic and has spoken openly about her faith.
• Moreno is a supporter of the Democratic Party.

Memorable Quotes from Rita Moreno

• "I'm a Latina actress, and I'm proud of it. I don't let it stop me from doing anything I want to do."
• "I've been very lucky in my career. I've had the opportunity to play a wide range of roles, and I've always been able to bring my own unique perspective to them."
• "I'm not afraid to say what I think. I believe in speaking up for what's right, even when it's unpopular."

Tables of Notable Achievements

Tips and Tricks for Aspiring Performers

• Be persistent. Don't give up on your dreams, even when things get tough.
• Be versatile. Be willing to play a variety of roles, even if they're not your first choice.
• Stay true to yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not.
• Find a mentor. Someone who can guide you and support you in your career.
• Be prepared for hard work. Acting is a demanding profession that requires dedication and perseverance.

Conclusion

Rita Moreno's life and career are an inspiration to us all. She has broken down barriers, paved the way for others, and left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As she celebrates her 90th birthday, we wish her a happy and healthy year ahead. May she continue to grace our screens and inspire generations to come.