Rita Moreno is a Puerto Rican-born American actress, dancer, and singer who has won the four major North American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She is also the first Hispanic woman to receive an Oscar for her role as Anita in West Side Story (1961). At the age of 89, she still looks stunning and radiant, which has sparked rumors of plastic surgery among her fans and critics. But what is the truth behind her ageless beauty? Has she really gone under the knife or is it all natural?
Rita Moreno’s Early Career and Struggles with Stereotypes
Rita Moreno was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, on December 11, 1931. She moved to New York City with her mother when she was five years old, and began taking dance lessons. She made her Broadway debut at the age of 13 in Skydrift, opposite Eli Wallach. She later changed her name from Rosita Moreno to Rita Moreno, and started appearing in films. Her first movie role was in So Young, So Bad (1950), where she was credited as Rosita Moreno.
However, Moreno faced many challenges and obstacles in her early career, as she was often cast in stereotypical ethnic roles or as a sexpot. She had to endure racism, sexism, and typecasting in Hollywood, which limited her opportunities and potential. She once said, “I was always cast as a housemaid or a slave. I had no identity of my own.” She also had to deal with the pressure of looking glamorous and sexy on screen, which sometimes involved darkening her skin or wearing revealing costumes.
Rita Moreno’s Breakthrough and Oscar Win
Despite the difficulties, Moreno persevered and continued to work hard. She landed some notable roles in musical films, such as Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and The King and I (1956), where she showcased her talents as a singer and dancer. However, her breakthrough came in 1961, when she was cast as Anita, the fiery and loyal girlfriend of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks gang, in West Side Story, a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet set in New York City.
Moreno’s performance as Anita was widely praised and acclaimed, as she brought charisma, energy, and emotion to the role. She also sang and danced in some of the most memorable scenes and songs in the film, such as “America”, “I Feel Pretty”, and “A Boy Like That”. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first Latin American woman to win an Academy Award. She also won a Golden Globe for the same role.
Rita Moreno’s Plastic Surgery Rumors and Denials
After her Oscar win, Moreno’s career took off and she became one of the most versatile and respected performers in the industry. She starred in various films, TV shows, and stage productions, and won the other three major awards: Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. She also received many honors and recognitions, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honor, and the Peabody Award.
However, as Moreno aged gracefully, some people began to wonder how she managed to maintain her youthful appearance and flawless complexion. Rumors of plastic surgery started to circulate, as some speculated that she had undergone facelifts, botox injections, or other cosmetic procedures to enhance her looks. Some even compared her photos from different years and pointed out the differences in her features.
However, Moreno has always denied having any plastic surgery, and attributed her beauty to her Puerto Rican genes. She once said, “It’s Puerto Rican genes. I know it is. There’s no plastic here.” She also revealed that she had a simple skincare routine, which involved keeping her skin clean and moisturized. She said, “I don’t do anything except keep my skin clean and moisturized and they want to smack me. They say ‘It’s not fair!’ I really sympathize with them, but I don’t have any problems with my skin.”
Rita Moreno’s Legacy and Inspiration
Rita Moreno is one of the most celebrated and admired icons in the entertainment world, and an inspiration to many aspiring artists, especially those from minority backgrounds. She has broken barriers and stereotypes, and achieved success and recognition in various fields and genres. She has also used her voice and platform to advocate for social justice and human rights, and to support causes that are close to her heart.
She is still active and working, and has recently starred in the Netflix series One Day at a Time, and the remake of West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg. She has also released a documentary about her life and career, titled Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2021. She has also written a memoir, titled Rita Moreno: A Memoir, which was published in 2013.
Rita Moreno is a living legend, and a testament to the power of talent, passion, and perseverance. She is a role model and a trailblazer, and a source of pride and joy for the Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities. She is also a beautiful and graceful woman, who has defied age and time, and proven that beauty is more than skin deep.
FAQ
How old is Rita Moreno?
Rita Moreno is 92 years old as of 2024. She was born on December 11, 1931.
Is Rita Moreno married?
Rita Moreno was married to Leonard Gordon, a cardiologist and her manager, from 1965 until his death in 2010. They had one daughter, Fernanda Luisa Gordon, who was born in 1967.
What awards has Rita Moreno won?
Rita Moreno has won the four major North American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She is one of the few people to achieve this feat, and the first Hispanic woman to do so. She has also won many other awards and honors, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, the Kennedy Center Honor, and the Peabody Award.
What movies has Rita Moreno been in?
Rita Moreno has been in more than 40 feature films, including West Side Story (1961), Popi (1969), Carnal Knowledge (1971), The Four Seasons (1981), I Like It Like That (1994), and Slums of Beverly Hills (1998). She also reprised her role as Anita in the 2021 remake of West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg.
What TV shows has Rita Moreno been in?
Rita Moreno has been in countless TV shows, including The Electric Company (1971-1977), The Muppet Show (1977), The Rockford Files (1978), Oz (1997-2003), Where on Earth Is Carmen Sandiego? (1994-1999), Jane the Virgin (2015-2019), and One Day at a Time (2017-2020).
