West Side Story actress, Rita Moreno, spoke at CU on navigating through Hollywood as a latina.
Puerto Rican star, Rita Moreno lit the stage at CU when she spoke about facing life’s obstacles, the need for activism and her dating life.
A gasp erupted from the crowd as she stumbled down a step. She composed herself, fixing her cobalt blue dress and continued onto the stage. The elated crowd gave her a standing ovation.
Puerto Rican actress, Rita Moreno, visited the CU Boulder campus Tuesday, Sep 20th, and spoke to a buzzing crowd at the University Memorial Center. The event was presented by the Cultural Events Board (CEB) and moderated by CEB members, Taylor McCormick and Cole Metcalf. She touched on an array of subjects including the underrepresentation of Latinos in film, a new rendition of “West Side Story” and dating Elvis Presley.
Moreno’s career began in 1945, at the young age of 13, when she made her Broadway debut. Since then, she has starred in productions such as “One Day At A Time” and “West Side Story,” earning her numerous awards. She is one of the few performers in history to achieve the EGOT, earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. Although 90 years old, her career is far from over.
“I’m still here… which is great!” Moreno exclaimed.
Her path to stardom didn’t come easily. Moreno described her internal battles as a Latina, “I grew up really hating myself. I grew up really feeling that I had absolutely no value. I grew up thinking that whatever I was… was not a good thing.” She was bullied in school and pushed aside when in the presence of movie directors.
Although her role in “West Side Story” earned her an Oscar and a Golden Globe, she says directors turned their heads when they read a Hispanic name. She voiced her frustration with the film community in underrepresenting Hispanics, “I treasure the day when somebody who is Hispanic can play a lawyer with no particular nationality. Or a scientist. Or a grocer. Why do they always have to be just Latino?”
It took Moreno years to obtain a spot in Hollywood and she fought hard to stay. Her well-known presence in “West Side Story” continued in the modern rendition released in 2021. Although no longer Anita, Moreno took on the part of Valentina in the musical. She also has a documentary on Netflix titled “Rita Moreno: Just A Girl Who Decided To Go For It.” It outlines her journey through Hollywood, features her family and highlights her activism.
As a political activist, she has fought for Latino and women’s rights. She claims her roommate from many years ago inspired her to stand up for what was right. “If you’re in the position to help people who aren’t in the position to help themselves, then you have a responsibility,” said Moreno.
The actress continues to fight for equality and representation in film, along with starring in upcoming films. She will have a role in a new film produced by football legend, Tom Brady, releasing early next year, and isn’t slowing down.
Rita Moreno has paved the path for Latinos and women performers with confidence, drive, and a little bit of feistiness.
“I have become, despite any plans that I had in my life… an icon,” Moreno said. And she couldn’t have said it any better.
