Latina film icons: Rita Moreno

Photo courtesy of John Irving via Flickr

Known as the first Hispanic woman to win an Academy Award, Rita Moreno has accomplished many feats.

Rita Moreno, formally known as Rosita Dolores Alverio, is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer who has risen from the adversaries thrown at her. Moreno’s early career was impeded by various studious wanting to typecast her as a stereotypical ethnic character or use her for her sexuality.

Moreno reached critical acclaim in 1961 for her performance as Anita in West Side Story, which led Moreno to be coined as the first Hispanic woman to win an Academy Award.

Moreno would lead a life of success through her work on Broadway. Due to her success on stage, Moreno won a Tony for her portrayal of Googie Gomez in The Ritz.

Moreno also frequented television appearances. In 1972 Moreno received a Grammy for her work on the show, The Electric Company. Following, an appearance on The Muppet Show in 1977 earned her an Emmy.

Moreno’s accomplishments made her the second woman to win an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards). Moreno would continue her career and win her second Emmy in 1978.

Moreno was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bush and President Obama and was named a recipient of a Kennedy Center Honor for her contributions to American culture.

Moreno would go on to publish her memoir, Rita Moreno: A Memoir, where she retells leaving Puerto Rico and the obstacles she faced to get where she is now.