Life has come full circle for the one and only Rita Moreno. The vibrant actress and dancer, an EGOT winner, is back in the spotlight with her role as Valentina in the highly anticipated new adaptation of West Side Story. This December 10th, audiences will see her portray the widow of the neighborhood candy shop owner. Now, at 89 years old, Rita continues to inspire with her artistry and authenticity. Her journey with West Side Story began back in 1961 when she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Anita, the fiery girlfriend of Sharks leader Bernardo. In a candid conversation with Closer, Rita shares, “You’re in for one of the greatest experiences of all time.” This film is not just great—it’s a masterpiece that captures the essence of human emotion and storytelling.
And the accolades don’t stop there. Alongside the new West Side Story, PBS is premiering a documentary celebrating Rita’s illustrious career during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It is available on the PBS Video App. This documentary delves deep into her life, showcasing her resilience and triumph over adversity. It’s a story of grit, determination, and unwavering passion for the arts.
Keep reading below for Closer’s exclusive Q&A interview with the legendary Rita Moreno.
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How Winning an Oscar for West Side Story Changed Everything
After winning the Oscar—and let’s not forget, I also snagged a Golden Globe—I found myself in a strange position. The offers were few and far between. The roles that came my way? They were either in lesser gang movies or had me playing some kind of coffee pourer for Hispanic families. It was one of the darkest periods of my life. You’d think winning an Oscar would open doors, but sometimes it feels like it slams them shut.
The Bittersweet Reality of Post-Academy Award Life
I remember sitting down with a powerhouse agent, Sue Mengers, who was known for being brutally honest. She didn’t mince words when she told me, “I really can’t help you, honey, because I don’t think you have it.” Can you imagine? I had just won the Oscar and Golden Globe, and I was being told I wasn’t good enough. It was soul-crushing, but it also made me stronger. I had to fight harder and prove everyone wrong.
Surviving the Downtime
For seven long years after my Oscar win, I didn’t work. It broke my heart, but I knew I couldn’t compromise my values. I was offered more gang movies, but I said, “Not on your life!” I wasn’t about to go back to playing stereotypical roles unless it was for the right reasons. I decided early on that I wouldn’t speak with an accent again unless it was for a role that truly mattered.
Early Career Struggles and Acceptance
When I was young and inexperienced, I didn’t fully grasp the implications of the roles I was playing. I accepted them because that’s what I thought the world expected from me. I just wanted to be a movie star, and at the time, I believed that was the path to success. It wasn’t until later that I realized the weight of those choices.
Breaking Free from Stereotypes in Singin’ in the Rain
When I landed the role of Zelda Zanders in Singin’ in the Rain, I thought, “Finally, a non-Latina role!” Gene Kelly seemed like such an enlightened man for offering me this opportunity. I thought my career was about to take off, but it didn’t quite work out that way. I quickly found myself back in the same old roles, playing native girls. It was a tough pill to swallow, but it taught me resilience.
Facing Sexual Harassment in Hollywood
One of the most challenging experiences I faced was dealing with unwanted advances from the head of the studio at Fox. He already had a mistress, but he kept calling me—twice a week for months on end. It was terrifying because I felt like he wouldn’t stop until something happened. To protect myself, I had my girlfriends answer the phone and pretend I was busy. Eventually, he gave up, but it was a wake-up call for me. I learned how to set boundaries and stand up for myself.
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