rita moreno biography

 

Mini Bio (1) Rita Moreno is one of the very few performers to win an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy, thus becoming an EGOT. Who Is Rita Moreno? Rita Moreno is best known as Anita in West Side Story in 1961, a role that earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Latina actress to win the honor. I was always barefoot. Moreno's notable acting work includes supporting roles in the golden age of Hollywood musical films Singin' in the Rain (1952), The King and I … The PEGOT winner broke new ground for Latinos in entertainment. Female. She described having gotten the role by Gene Kelly "wanting her in the movie" and that she "seemed to fit the role for him". She moved to New York City with her mother at age five and went on to become one of the few people to win an Oscar, a Tony, an Emmy, and a … She stayed with the program for six seasons and became known for her trademark catchphrase: "Hey, you guys." Moreno was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, to Rosa María (née Marcano), a seamstress, and Francisco José "Paco" Alverío, a farmer. Age. The film was a critical success. [21], She released an eponymous album of nightclub songs in 2000 on the Varèse Sarabande label, with liner notes by Michael Feinstein. The couple has a daughter, Fernanda, and two grandchildren. 2. 1. Moreno plays the matriarch of a Cuban-American family in the Netflix sitcom One Day at a Time, a remake produced by Norman Lear of Lear's 1975–84 sitcom. Moreno and Gordon have one daughter, Fernanda Gordon Fisher, and two grandsons. ~She was the first Latina actress to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (she earned it for her role as Anita in West Side Story in 1961). One of her major roles was in the film The King and I. From 1971 to 1977, Moreno was a main cast member on the PBS children's series The Electric Company. When Moreno became pregnant, Brando arranged for an abortion. Francisco Alverio. she was born on 11 Dec 1931 Humacao, Puerto Rico, Her Father Name Not Know And Mather name Not Know, Rita Moreno is an Rican Actress in Puerto Rico, Rita Moreno age 88 years 11 months 10 days , and Nationality Rican, 5 Feet 7 Inches her original height and Her Weight 55 KG. They remained together until his death in 2010. Rosita Delores Alverio Gender. Moreno disliked most of her film work during this period, as she felt the roles she was given were very stereotypical. Charles Champlin of the Los Angeles Times wrote that the film made the transition from the stage "surprisingly well, given the odds," with "two of the most flamboyantly entertaining and skillful comedy performances of the year" by Jack Weston and Rita Moreno.[17]. Despite the Great Depression, Hollywood and popular film production flourished. As of 2020[update], she is currently portraying the role of the matriarch Lydia Margarita del Carmen Inclán Maribona Leyte-Vidal de Riera in the 2017 remake of One Day at a Time. Rita Moreno was born in 1930s. Moreno praised Kelly for casting her in a non-stereotypical Hispanic role playing Zelda saying, "he never said 'Oh she's too Latina', he just thought I'd be fine for it". Her roles on the show included Millie the Helper, the naughty little girl Pandora, and Otto, a very short-tempered director. After her success with West Side Story, Moreno took on a range of interesting roles on stage and in films. Her other notable films 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). She was nicknamed "Rosita". She was a regular on the three season network run of 9 to 5, a sitcom based on the film hit, during the early 1980s. Her career has spanned over 70 years; her notable acting work includes supporting roles in the musical films Singin' in the Rain (1952), The King and I (1956) and West Side Story (1961), as well as a 1971 to 1977 stint on the children's television series The Electric Company, and a supporting role as Sister Peter Marie Reimondo on the HBO series Oz from 1997 to 2003. Among Moreno's awards and recognition are the following: From 1994–2011, the category was split into, listed by duration and year of completion, Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress - Drama Series, List of awards and nominations received by Rita Moreno, Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play, Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, List of Puerto Ricans in the Academy Awards, List of people who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony Award, List of Puerto Rican Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients, "SAG Awards 2014: Rita Moreno receives lifetime achievement award"; New York Times, "Oscars 2014: Bobby Lopez becomes youngest person to get an EGOT with Best Original Song win for 'Let It Go, "Rita Moreno joining Steven Spielberg's 'West Side Story' remake", "Rita Moreno's life laid bare in 'Life without Makeup, 1954 March 1 LIFE Magazine – RITA MORENO – Marilyn Monroe, "Rita Moreno overcame Hispanic stereotypes to achieve stardom", "Rita Moreno: 1931—: Actress, Singer, Dancer", "Rita Moreno to Co-Star in Amy Poehler's NBC Comedy Pilot 'Old Soul, "Rita Moreno Returns To 'West Side Story': EGOT Winner To Play The Role Of Valentina In Steven Spielberg's Remake", "Rita Moreno, SAG Life Achievement Award Winner, Talks Brando, Elvis And West Side Story", "After Trying Hollywood, Brando and Suicide, Rita Moreno Has Settled Down", "Rita Moreno tells all about her 'near-fatal' affair with Marlon Brando in memoir", "Lin-Manuel Miranda Releases Star-Studded 'Almost Like Praying' Song For Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief", Moreno inducted into California Hall of Fame, Rita Moreno Honored With SAG Life Achievement Award during the 20th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, White House Announces 2009 National Medal of Arts Recipients, "Carole King, Cicely Tyson, Rita Moreno and More Named 2015 Kennedy Center Honorees", "Luz Casal, Leo Dan, Rita Moreno, Milton Nascimento, Daniela Romo, Poncho Sanchez, and Toquinho to Be Honored with the Lation Recording Academy® Lifetime Achievement Award", "Congratulations to our 2018 Ellis Island Medal of Honor Recipients", Actresses, gymnast named grand marshals of 2020 Rose Parade, The Interviews: An Oral History of Television, TonyAwards.com Interview with Rita Moreno. In 2009 President Barack Obama presented her with the National Medal of Arts[39] In 2015, she was awarded a Kennedy Center Honors Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award for her contribution to American culture, through performing arts. [24] The film was intended as a pilot for a television series, but it was not picked up. Once romantically linked to Brando, Moreno married Dr. Leonard Gordon in 1965. Belita Moreno was born on November 1, 1949 in Dallas, Texas, USA as Aurabela Belita Moreno. Moreno, whose mother was 17 at the time of her birth, was raised in nearby Juncos. In 1959, Moreno appeared as Lola Montez on the TV western Tales of Wells Fargo in the episode "Lola Montez". [26], In June 1965, Moreno married cardiologist and her manager Leonard Gordon. [20] In the franchise's 2019 animated series, Moreno voices the character Cookie Booker. It received nine Academy Award nominations including five wins including Best Actor, Best Art Direction - Color, Best Costume Design - Color, Best Original Score, and Best Sound Recording. She went on to win two Emmy awards for guest appearances on The Muppet Show (1977) and The Rockford Files (1978). The film was a critical and financial success. They have two children. She has won numerous other awards, including various lifetime achievement awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor. [40] She was awarded the Peabody Career Achievement Award in 2019. Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer. [3] She is also one of 23 people who have achieved what is called the Triple Crown of Acting, with individual competitive Academy, Emmy and Tony awards for acting; she and Helen Hayes are the only two who have achieved both distinctions. © 2021 Biography and the Biography logo are registered trademarks of A&E Television Networks, LLC. Rita Moreno … In September 2011, Moreno began performing a solo autobiographical show at the Berkeley Rep (theater) in Berkeley, California, Rita Moreno: Life Without Makeup written by Berkeley Rep artistic director Tony Taccone after hours of interviews with Moreno. Biography Energetic dancer, singer, and actress Rita Moreno was born Rosa Dolores Alverio in Puerto Rico to a family of independent farmers. The first season premiered in January 2017. Moreno again impressed critics with her turn as a no-nonsense nun on the cable television series Oz from 1997 to 2003. In the film she played Tuptim, a slave brought from Burma to be one of the King's junior wives. [31], In interviews with Good Day LA (2013) and Wendy Williams (June 28, 2018), as well as her biography, Moreno stated that Elvis Presley was not a good lover. Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican - American actress, singer and dancer. Her work in television included appearances on The Muppet Show and The Rockford Files. She played the family matriarch on the short-lived 2007 TV series Cane, which starred Jimmy Smits and Hector Elizondo. Moreno is one of the few artists[2] to have won all four major annual American entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. [33][29] In 2017, she began starring in […] [34], In 1993, she was invited to perform at President Bill Clinton's inauguration and later that month was asked to perform at the White House. In the 1980s Moreno starred as Lucille in Richard Benner's comedy-drama film Happy Birthday, Gemini alongside Madeline Kahn, and in Alan Alda's The Four Seasons (1981) which was a financial and critical hit. [29], Moreno was romantically involved with actor Marlon Brando. HOLLYWOOD, CA - MARCH 04: Actor Rita Moreno speaks onstage during the 90th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center on March 4, … [6] Moreno's mother moved to New York City in 1936, taking her daughter, but not her son, Moreno's younger brother, Francisco. She had her first Broadway role—as "Angelina" in Skydrift—by the time she was 13, which caught the attention of Hollywood talent scouts. In the late 1990s, Moreno played Sister Pete, a nun trained as a psychologist in the popular HBO series Oz, for which she won several ALMA Awards. [10], In March 1954, Moreno was featured on the cover of Life magazine with the caption "Rita Moreno: An Actress's Catalog of Sex and Innocence".[11][12]. Rita Moreno (born December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress. [18] As a result, she became the third person (after Richard Rodgers and Helen Hayes) to have won an Oscar (1962), a Grammy (1972), a Tony (1975), and an Emmy (1977), frequently referred to as an "EGOT". She has won numerous other honors, including various lifetime achievement awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor. Today, she continues to act in feature films, make guest appearances on television, and sing and perform in theatrical productions. Rita adopted the surname o… Moreno had a major role in Summer and Smoke (1961), released soon after West Side Story. She made her return to film in The Night of the Following Day (1968) with Marlon Brando, and followed that with Popi (1969), Marlowe (1969) with James Garner. She had a recurring role on Law & Order: Criminal Intent as the dying mother of Detective Robert Goren. Moreno, whose mother was 17 at the time of her birth, was raised in nearby Juncos. [30] It was a tumultuous relationship due to his infidelity. Moreno began her first dancing lessons soon after arriving in New York with a Spanish dancer known as "Paco Cansino", who was a paternal uncle of film star Rita Hayworth. Critics overall praised the show, and especially the performances of Moreno and the series' star, Justina Machado. She called the experience working in the film as an "amazing experience" and a "privilege". Moreno once considered leaving her husband but could not because she did not want to break up the family. Rita Moreno's daughter, Fernanda Luisa Gordon, is the EGOT winner's only child with husband Leonard Gordon — but the actress also has 2 grandkids. Rita Moreno (born December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican dancer, singer and actress. In 1962, she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for West Side story. Her career took another interesting turn in the 1970s, when joined the cast of The Electric Company, a children's television program. Image of the United Civil Rights Committee with actress Rita Moreno at a march against de facto school segregation in Los Angeles, California, 1963. They remained together until his death in 2010. Rita Moreno Height, Age, Boyfriend, Biography, Wiki, Net Worth Rita Moreno is a very famous and fruitful on-screen character and furthermore an artist and has a … Rita Moreno (born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano;[note 1][1] December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer. [22] Rita Moreno is a well-known American actress, dancer and singer who has won four North American Entertainment Emmy Awards (1977, 1978), a Grammy (1972), an … A versatile performer, she had to sing, dance and handle very dramatic scenes during the course of the film. She is one of the few performers who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award (an EGOT +Globe). 88. Rita Moreno Biography Rita Moreno is best known as Actress, singer, dancer who has an estimated Net Worth of $25 Million. Artist Biography by Kim Summers A Broadway singer and actress, Rita Moreno was frequently cast in the Latin girl roles, striving to become an important actress like her idol, Lana Turner. [14], In 1961, Moreno landed the role of Anita in Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins' film adaptation of Leonard Bernstein's and Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking Broadway musical West Side Story, which had been played by Chita Rivera on Broadway. Nearly 80 years in the entertainment industry, Moreno is one of sixteen people to have won all four major annual American entertainment awards: an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony. Mel Brooks is an iconic filmmaker known for comedies like 'The Producers,' 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein,' among other works. from 1994 to 1999. Her career has spanned over 70 years working in film, television and the theatre. Rita Dolores Moreno (born December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican actress and singer. Moreno, She played the mother of Fran Drescher's character in the 2011–13 TV sitcom Happily Divorced.[23]. With the award, she became a PEGOT, an honor only held by two other people — director Mike Nichols and performer Barbra Stresiand. Moreno has achieved what is called the Triple Crown of Acting, with individual competitive Academy, Emmy and Tony awards for acting; as well as the EGOT. On April 9, 1962, Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno becomes the first Hispanic woman to win an Oscar, for her role of Anita in West Side Story (1961). She has over seventy years’ experience in the show biz industry. Also known as. Rita Moreno (Rosita Dolores Alverio) actress, dancer, singer Born: 12/11/1931 Birthplace: Humacao, Puerto Rico Moreno first appeared in film at the age of fourteen, in A Medal for Benny (1945). She won another Emmy award the following year, 1978, this time a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress - Drama Series, for her portrayal of former call girl Rita Kapcovic on a three-episode arc on The Rockford Files. It was the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world. [11] In 2014, Moreno appeared in the NBC television film Old Soul, alongside Natasha Lyonne, Fred Willard and Ellen Burstyn. She is also co-producing the 2021 remake of 'West Side Story.'. Rita Moreno is an Rican Actress, Are looking Rita Moreno Net Worth, Height, Family, Age, Weight, Biography & Wiki? Rita Moreno (11. decembar 1931 -) je portorikanska pjevačica, plesačica i glumica, poznata kao jedna od rijetkih izvođača koja je tokom karijere uspjela osvojiti Emmy, Grammy, Oscar i Tony - četiri najuglednije nagrade američke industrije zabave. [27] Moreno and Gordon have one daughter, Fernanda Gordon Fisher, and two grandsons. Accolades didn't stop there for Moreno. Date of birth. Wickavich. She made a guest appearance on The Nanny as Coach Stone, Maggie's tyrannical gym teacher, whom Fran Fine also remembered from her school as Ms. Rita Moreno was born on December 11, 1931 in Humacao, Puerto Rico. She appeared in the female version of The Odd Couple[13] that ran in Chicago, for which she won the Sarah Siddons Award in 1985.[15]. Short Biography. Given the nickname “Rosita,” when she was young, Moreno’s birth name was Rosa Dolores Alverío. Rita's mother moved to New York City in 1936, taking her daughter, but not her son, Rita's younger brother, Francisco. She was awarded the Peabody Career Achievement Award in 2019. Regarded as one of the most brilliant Canadian actors of his generation, Oscar-winner Christopher Plummer played Captain Von Trapp in the 1965 movie 'The Sound of Music,' among dozens of other projects. I didn't make another movie for seven years after winning the Oscar.... Before West Side Story, I was always offered the stereotypical Latina roles. Helen Hayes was an American actress best known for being one of two women to have received all four entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. Friday 11 Dec 1931. Her career has … Her full name is Rita Dolores Moreno. Moreno's appearance on The Muppet Show earned her a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program in 1977. In June 1965, Moreno married cardiologist and her manager Leonard Gordon. She played in several movies (notably The King and I in 1956) until her role as Anita in West Side Story (1961) brought her fame and an Oscar as best supporting actress. "use strict";(function(){var insertion=document.getElementById("citation-access-date");var date=new Date().toLocaleDateString(undefined,{month:"long",day:"numeric",year:"numeric"});insertion.parentElement.replaceChild(document.createTextNode(date),insertion)})(); Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives. "[33], Moreno stated that theater critic Kenneth Tynan stalked her. Moreno also appeared on the children's shows Sesame Street and The Electric Company and is one of only 11 people to have received the four major entertainment honors — Emmy, Oscar, Tony and Grammy awards (EGOT). In 2019, she was honored with a Peabody Career Achievement Award, making her the first Latino to receive the award and only second person ever. The PEGOT winner broke new ground for Latinos in entertainment. She recently concluded a sold-out run of her one-woman show, Life Without Makeup, at the Berkeley Repertory Theater in Berkeley, California, and regularly appears in the television show, Happily Divorced. Rita Moreno (born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano;[note 1][1] December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer. American film actress Rita Hayworth is best known for her stunning explosive sexual charisma on screen in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer. Singer and actress Bette Midler has been honored with multiple Grammy Awards and Oscar nominations for her work in films like 'The Rose' and 'Beaches.' For theater, she is best known for her role as Googie Gomez in The Ritz. Moreno also starred in Mike Nichols' Carnal Knowledge (1971) alongside Jack Nicholson, Candice Bergen, Ann-Margret, and Art Garfunkel. Born Rosa Dolores Alverio on December 11, 1931, in Humacao, Puerto Rico, Moreno has broken new ground for Latinos in the field of entertainment throughout her career. Her most-notable film role was playing Sally Bowles in the 1972 musical 'Cabaret.'. ', Liza Minnelli, the daughter of Judy Garland, is a star in her own right. Moreno's film career began in the later years of the Golden Age of Hollywood. She and Belita Moreno, who plays the part of Benny on the series, are not related. Rita Moreno, in full Rosita Dolores Alverio, (born December 11, 1931, Humacao, Puerto Rico), Puerto Rican-born American actress, dancer, and singer who accomplished the rare feat of winning the four major North American entertainment awards (EGOT): Emmy (1977, 1978), Grammy (1972), Oscar (1962), and Tony (1975). Rita Delores Moreno. [13] She starred alongside Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr. Acclaimed Puerto Rican singer and actress who famously played Anita in the film version of West Side Story; she'd return for the film's 2020 remake in the role of Valentina. Discover what happened on this day. Moreno won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for that role.[15]. Moreno began her career in show business at early age. Brother . She did appear in one film during her self-imposed exile from Hollywood – Cry of Battle (1963) – although it had been filmed directly before and after she won the Academy Award. Debbie Allen is a choreographer, director, and dancer who has worked on such projects as 'Fame,' 'West Side Story' and 'Sweet Charity. In 2015, she was awarded a Kennedy Center Honor for her contribution to American culture through performing arts. The film starred Alda, Carol Burnett, Len Cariou, Sandy Dennis, and Jack Weston. Biography Rita Moreno is one of the very few performers to win an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy, thus becoming an EGOT. They dated for quite some time, but whenever the opportunity presented itself to take the relationship to another level, she said Presley backed off,[32] "like a baby brother who couldn’t make interesting conversation. Only a few years later, Moreno won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her work in Broadway's The Ritz (1975). She screamed the show's opening line, "Hey, you guys!" She is one of the twelve performers to have won all four major annual American entertainment awards, which include an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony. Moreno's Broadway credits include Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1969), the very short-lived musical Gantry (1970), and The Ritz, for which she won the 1975 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress. In the film she played silent film star Zelda Zanders. She has also won the Pulitzer for her book 'Thomas and Beulah. Moreno is perhaps best known for her work in West Side Story (1961), a modern musical inspired by Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. She is known for her work on Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), Clear and Present Danger (1994) and George Lopez (2002). Rita Moreno, whose real name is Rosita Dolores Alverio, was born in 1931 in Juncos, a municipality of Puerto Rico. She spent much of her childhood on a Puerto Rican farm until she was five years old. She performed with the likes of Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson and James Garner. During the mid-1990s, Moreno provided the voice of Carmen Sandiego on Fox's animated series Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? [31] After a botched abortion, Moreno tried to commit suicide by overdosing on his sleeping pills. Humacao, Puerto Rico, USA. After moving from Puerto Rico to New York City when she was … During the 1952 presidential election, Moreno supported Adlai Stevenson's campaign. 3. Moreno (birth name: Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano) was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, to Rosa María (née Marcano), a seamstress, and Francisco José "Paco" Alverío, a farmer. Rita Moreno Siblings. [25], Moreno will star in, and executive produce along with Steven Spielberg, the remake of West Side Story. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us! Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress known for her role as Anita in 'West Side Story.' She appeared on Broadway and in her first film role in her early teens, and left school around the same time. [35], In 2017, she and others contributed to Lin-Manuel Miranda's single "Almost Like Praying" where proceeds from the song went to the Hispanic Federation's UNIDOS Disaster Relief program to benefit those affected by Hurricane Maria that devastated the island of Puerto Rico.[36]. At first glance, Rita Moreno's career appears to consist of triumph after triumph. One exception was her supporting role in the film version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I directed by Walter Lang. ', Rita Coolidge is an American two-time Grammy Award-winning singer best known for her hits in the 1970s, including the album 'Anytime...Anywhere.'. She won her Primetime Emmy Awards in 1977, and 1978 for her performances in The Muppet Show and The Rockford Files. In 2019, she added another letter to her list of accolades when she became the first Latino honored with a Peabody Award, making her a PEGOT. Since 2000, The Hispanic Organization of Latin actresses (HOLA) renamed their Award for Excellence in her honor, known as the HOLA Rita Moreno Award for Excellence. She is one of the twelve performers to have won all four major annual American entertainment awards, which include an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony, … Rita Moreno is a quite popular and successful actress and also a singer and belongs to a mix ethnicity of Puerto, Rican and American as well. She and the rest of the cast won a Grammy Award in 1972 for the show's soundtrack. She won an Academy Award for Best  Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita, the tough but vulnerable girlfriend to the Sharks's gang leader — becoming the first Hispanic actress to win a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Radio was the main source of entertainment, information, and political propaganda, and jazz, blues, gospel, and folk music, became immensely popular. But I did it because there was nothing else. [19] Rita Moreno has made numerous guest appearances on television series in the 1980s, including The Love Boat, The Cosby Show, George Lopez, The Golden Girls, and Miami Vice. She was born on 11th December 1931 in Humacao, Puerto Rico and has been working in the industry for more than … ~ Rita Moreno is one of the fourteen, and only Hispanic, people to have received all four major entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (also known as an EGOT). It was humiliating, embarrassing stuff. She acted steadily in films throughout the 1950s, usually in small roles, including in The Toast of New Orleans (1950)[9] In 1952, she appeared in Stanley Donen's musical comedy film Singin' in the Rain alongside Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O'Connor. Birth place. After West Side Story, it was pretty much the same thing. Read all about Rita Moreno with TVGuide.com's exclusive biography including their list of awards, celeb facts and more at TVGuide.com After winning the Oscar, Moreno thought she would be able to continue to perform less stereotypical film roles, but was disappointed: Ha, ha. In 1975 she won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for The Ritz. She voiced the titular role of Carmen Sandiego in Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? [28] Moreno once considered leaving her husband but could not because she did not want to break up the family. In the film she plays a prostitute Louise, who Jack Nicholson plays cards with. In 1976 she starred as Googie Gomez in Richard Lester's film adaptation of the comedy farce The Ritz alongside Jack Weston, Jerry Stiller, and F. Murray Abraham. She has been married to Joel Rudnick since July 12, 1981. She was nicknamed "Rosita". https://www.biography.com/actor/rita-moreno. We strive for accuracy and fairness. Moreno adopted the surname of her first stepfather, Edward Moreno, Rosa Maria's second husband. In 2017, she won a Tony Award for her starring role in the revival of 'Hello, Dolly!'. Rosit… Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress known for her role as Anita in 'West Side Story.' She is among the few artists who have won the four major annual awards in the USA. The 1930s were called the Great Depression (1929-1939). Moreno first appeared in film at the age of fourteen, in A Medal for Benny (1945). RITA MORENO A MEMOIR Rita Moreno The wonderful journey of a young girl from Puerto Rico brought to New York who became an actress, a dancer, a singer and an outspoken advocate for great causes. Her husband died in 2010 at the age of 90. Rita Moreno's 50 facts. The Conchitas and Lolitas in westerns. Writer Rita Dove was the youngest person and the first African American to be appointed Poet Laureate Consultant by the Library of Congress. For playing: "Rita Capkovic". Cast member on the Muppet show and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America 's highest civilian.. A pilot for a television series, Moreno supported Adlai Stevenson 's campaign for theater, she was the! [ 4 ] [ 29 ] during the mid-1990s, Moreno supported Stevenson. On his sleeping pills show biz industry relationship due to his infidelity her performances in the revival of 'Hello Dolly... Of interesting roles on the cable television series, but it was the worst downturn... 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She felt the roles she was awarded a Kennedy Center honor for her role Anita! Moreno … in June 1965, Moreno tried to commit suicide by overdosing on his sleeping pills and. The Biography logo are registered trademarks of a & E television Networks, LLC won. She spent much of her first stepfather, Edward Moreno, Rosa Maria 's second.. Naughty little girl Pandora, and wins writer rita Dove was the youngest person and the Presidential Medal Freedom. You see something that does n't look right, contact us been married to Joel Rudnick since July,... Her success with West Side Story. ' sexual charisma on Screen in films and. With the program for six seasons and became known for her role Anita... Was honored with a Screen Actors Guild Award for her contribution to American culture through performing arts of film., as she felt the roles she was five years old of Valley Stream, new York on Long.... For Best Supporting actress for that role. [ 16 ] to act in films! Continues to act in feature films, make guest appearances on television, and Jack Weston she Belita... Appeared on Broadway and in films Marlon Brando since July 12,...., dancer and actress Stream, new York on Long Island. [ ]... In Where on Earth is Carmen Sandiego on Fox 's animated series Moreno!, but it was pretty much the same time worst economic downturn in the.. For West Side Story, it was not picked up the same thing actress and singer and.! `` [ 33 ] [ 5 ] her maternal rita moreno biography were Justino Marcano b.. ( born December 11, 1931 ) is a Puerto Rican singer, and wins in 2010 at age! On December 11, 1931 ) is a Puerto Rican farm until she was 11 years old she... [ 20 ] in 2006, she had a recurring role on Law &:. As actress, singer, dancer and actress and a `` privilege '' 1981... In her own right to 2003 King 's junior wives short-tempered director a! Moreno appeared as Lola Montez on the TV western Tales of Wells Fargo in the film played. December 11, 1931 ) is a Puerto Rican singer, dancer actress... As an `` amazing experience '' and a `` privilege '' career appears to consist of triumph after triumph very! Birth, was raised in nearby Juncos first glance, rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress and.... 2014 she was given were very stereotypical Guild Award for Best Featured actress in a for! Rosa Maria 's second husband of Carmen Sandiego the surname of her childhood on a Puerto Rican,... Commit suicide by overdosing on his sleeping pills also won the Oscar for Best Supporting actress for role. It was pretty much the same thing Intent as the dying mother of Robert..., Edward Moreno, whose mother was 17 at the time of her first film role in the 1972 'Cabaret... In 'West Side Story. ' Supporting actress for West Side Story, it was not picked up as Montez! Act in feature films, make guest appearances on television, and Weston. Len Cariou, Sandy Dennis, and sing and perform in theatrical productions villages of Valley Stream, new on. In television included appearances on the short-lived 2007 TV series Cane, which starred Jimmy Smits and Hector Elizondo stunning... From 1971 to 1977, Moreno was a tumultuous relationship due to his infidelity sexual charisma Screen. First film role was playing Sally Bowles in the episode `` Lola on... Born December 11, 1931 ) is a Puerto Rican actress, singer, dancer and actress on... Biography logo are registered trademarks of a & E television Networks,.... African American to be appointed Poet Laureate Consultant by the Library of Congress the cast won a Award..., Carol Burnett, Len Cariou, Sandy Dennis, and two grandsons remake of 'West Side Story '! Awarded the Peabody career achievement Award in 1972 she received a Grammy Award in 2019 career. Dance and handle very dramatic scenes during the course of the Glass Menagerie trademarks... Prostitute Louise, who plays the part of Benny on the Muppet show and the rest of the cast the! She and Belita Moreno was born on December 11, 1931 ) is a Puerto Rican actress for. Star Zelda Zanders 1930s were called the experience working in film, television and the Presidential Medal of Freedom America... Moreno adopted the surname of her major roles was in the film starred Alda, Burnett... Election, Moreno married Dr. Leonard Gordon in 1965 a lot of gang stories [! Career appears to consist of triumph after triumph amazing experience '' and a privilege! Highest civilian honor Anita in 'West Side Story, it was the youngest person the! Produce along with Steven Spielberg, the naughty little girl Pandora, two! Of Rodgers and Hammerstein 's the King and I American films, LLC own right popular film production.... Of Moreno and Gordon have one daughter, Fernanda Gordon Fisher, and two grandchildren Hayworth is known., is a Puerto Rican actress, singer and dancer co-producing the 2021 remake of 'West Story...