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.

What did Rita Moreno do to 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 was the life lesson learned from Rita Moreno?

Rejection doesn't mean you don't have what it takes. Realizing that was she was being ignored by Hollywood because of her nationality was “horribly depressing.” But she continued to work and believe in herself, and stressed the importance of perseverance.

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 did Rita Moreno win her egot for?

1977: Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in Variety or Music – The Muppet Show (Episode: "Rita Moreno")

Rita Moreno - Animal - fever.avi

Why is Rita Moreno important?

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.

Who gave Rita Moreno her Oscar?

She did want to win — badly. So on April 9, 1962, when Rock Hudson opened the envelope, paused, then read her name — making Moreno, who is Puerto Rican, the first Latina actress to win an Academy Award — her saucer-size eyes and open mouth said it all. Sign up for the Watching newsletter, for Times subscribers only.

What are 5 facts about Rita Moreno?

How many Oscars does Rita Moreno have?

With a career spanning nearly 80 years in the entertainment industry, Moreno is one of a few individuals to have won the four major annual American entertainment awards: an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony.

What is a famous quote from Rita Moreno?

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

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 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.

What is Rita Moreno personality?

Her Sagittarius traits are apparent in her personality as she is known for being enthusiastic, optimistic, and adventurous. She has an infectious sense of humor and a lively spirit that makes her a joy to be around.

Is Rita Moreno the only Latina to win an Oscar?

Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno made history at the. 34th Academy Awards as the first Latina to win an.

What did Rita Moreno say to animal?

CLOSING NUMBER - "FEVER"

Rita stops her song and smashes Animal's head between two cymbals. ANIMAL: That my kind of woman! [If you are wondering what Rita says in Spanish, here it is: "Listen Buddy. All I wanna tell you is that you shouldn't do that.

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 did Rita Moreno get a Grammy?

Moreno also frequently appeared on television. From 1971 to 1977 she starred in the children's educational series The Electric Company, where she became noted for the catchphrase “Hey, you guys!” In 1972 she received a Grammy for her work on the show's album.

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 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.

How old was Rita Moreno when she came to America?

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 type of dance did Rita Moreno do?

Around the age of 6, Moreno began taking Spanish dance lessons from Paco Cansino, the teacher and uncle of Rita Hayworth. At the age of 9, Moreno had her first performance dancing at a nightclub in Greenwich Village. Throughout her early teens, she would perform at clubs around New York, often going by herself.

Who was Rita Moreno romantically involved with?

Rita Moreno had a tumultuous eight-year on-and-off relationship with actor Marlon Brando. During that time, she became pregnant, however, Brando arranged for her to have an abortion. The procedure was botched and ended up threatening her life as she bled for days after.

Who is the social activist?

A social activist according to the Oxford dictionary is defined as: “a person who works to achieve political or social change, especially as a member of an organization with particular aims.”