She broke racial and gender barriers through her portrayals of an Irish teacher, Italian widow, evangelist, English lady and southern belle, helping pave the way for non-traditional casting of Latinas.

What does Rita Moreno like to do for fun?

“I have many hobbies that help me unwind,” Rita divulges. “I take enormous joy in feeding the little birds in my area. I have a big, beautiful patio with bird feeders everywhere. I love, love hearing music, so I play music in my house all day long, and I'm also a news junkie.

Why is Rita Moreno a hero?

After earning the four major entertainment awards: an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony, Moreno became the first Latina woman to have an “E.G.O.T.” In 2004, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her many contributions to the arts. Rita Moreno was born on December 11, 1931 in Humacao, Puerto Rico.

How is Rita Moreno an activist?

Rita Moreno's first foray into social justice was attending the March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr. "I was there when he uttered the 'I Have a Dream' speech," she said. She continued to be a conscious activist throughout her career, fighting for Latine and women's rights.

What is Rita Moreno quotes?

Rita Moreno | Celebrating her Most Important Moments

Who was Rita Moreno involved with?

Rita Moreno has had a long, legendary career in Hollywood and an equally storied dating history, having dated both Elvis and Marlon Brando, but the EGOT winner had one relationship that spanned the majority of her career — her marriage to Leonard Gordon.

What are 5 facts about Rita Moreno?

What is important about Rita Moreno?

Rita Moreno, (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).

Why did Rita Moreno change her name?

But in what would be her first clear experience of how little power she had in that era, the teenager known as Rosa Dolores Alverio was forced to change her name. "They didn't know what to do with me because of my name," she says. "I didn't like the name Rita but they chose it because I liked the actress Rita Hayworth.

What are five fun facts about Rita Moreno?

What is the most interesting fact about Rita Moreno?

Rita Moreno's extensive career in music, film and dance ranges from her Academy-Award winning performance as Anita in the 1962 motion picture "West Side Story" to her two Emmy Award-winning performances on "The Muppet Show." She is the only female performer to win all four of the entertainment industry's most ...

What are some fun facts about Rita Moreno for kids?

From 1971 to 1977, Rita starred in a children's television series called The Electric Company. In 1972, she was given a Grammy Award for the show's soundtrack. In 1975, a few years after winning her Grammy, she starred in the Broadway production of The Ritz as Googie Gomez.

What are some characteristics of Rita Moreno?

Moreno's integrity, courage, and steadfast belief in herself are all traits that can be applied in our personal and professional lives. Read on for five great lessons she has imparted over the years.

Why did Rita Moreno change her name?

But in what would be her first clear experience of how little power she had in that era, the teenager known as Rosa Dolores Alverio was forced to change her name. "They didn't know what to do with me because of my name," she says. "I didn't like the name Rita but they chose it because I liked the actress Rita Hayworth.

What is a famous quote from Rita Moreno?

Bigger than life is not difficult for me. I am bigger than life.

How did Rita Moreno change the world?

As an outspoken advocate for racial and gender equality, childhood education, immigrant families, relief for her homeland of Puerto Rico, and many other causes for which she is impassioned, Rita is a shining example of what can happen when you show up, shake things up, and give back to your community.

What did Rita Moreno do for the Hispanic culture?

Moreno was the first Hispanic woman to win an Oscar. In 1962, she earned the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Anita in “West Side Story.” That movie also earned her a Golden Globe. “It's really pretty thrilling.

At what age did Rita Moreno come to the US?

Rita Moreno came to the United States from Puerto Rico in 1936, when she was not quite 5 years old, knowing not a word of English.

What was Rita Moreno first job?

Rita's professional career began before she reached adolescence. From the age of nine, she performed as a professional dancer in New York night clubs. At age 11, she landed her first movie experience, dubbing Spanish-language versions of US films.

Is Rita Moreno still working?

At 91, Hollywood legend Rita Moreno is working as much as she ever has, with prominent roles in films like the recent 80 For Brady and the upcoming Fast X.

How many awards has Rita Moreno won?

Rita Moreno has won all four of the most prestigious awards in show business: an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmys, and a Grammy.