Italian
Rita Moreno: ageless passion and a stage comeback
At nearly 93, Rita Moreno, the legendary EGOT winner, remains captivated by the allure of the stage. Despite her years, Moreno still entertains thoughts of returning to the limelight, a testament to her enduring passion for performance.
An undying love for music and performance
“I don’t miss it all the time, but sometimes I do,” Moreno reflected during a Zoom interview from her Northern California residence. Her days are often filled with music, thanks to her trusty Alexa. She loves jazz and can’t help but sing along. “I think you miss this,” she often tells herself when she finds herself performing impromptu concerts in her living room. While dancing may no longer be viable due to her knee issues, her love for singing remains unwavering. “Singing, you can do. You can’t do dancing. My knees would just scream and yell for help,” she jokes.
This connection to music is not merely passive. “I’ll be cleaning a piece of furniture,” she shares, “and I’ll put the rag down and just stand there and perform. I love performing. I’m such a ham bone.”
Honors and accolades: the Icon Award
As Moreno approaches her 93rd birthday, she’s set to receive a prestigious acknowledgment—the Icon Award at the Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles. This event, scheduled for October 19, will also honor Quentin Tarantino and Paul Mescal. Moreno will make a special appearance at a screening of the original “West Side Story” at the museum, followed by an on-stage conversation on October 16.
Admiring cinematic geniuses
When the term “icon” arises, Moreno’s thoughts turn to influencers like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg. “Quentin is a genius,” she marvels, expressing equal admiration for Spielberg’s diverse body of work, singling out “E.T.” as a personal favorite. Each project these directors helm showcases a dedication to innovation and storytelling unparalleled in the industry.
Reflections and personal thoughts
At 28, Paul Mescal represents the new generation of talent, much to Moreno’s teasing chagrin: “The nerve of him – that son of a bitch!” she humorously remarks. But when it comes to offering advice to young actors, Moreno’s playful side takes over, as she jokingly opts to remain silent, occasionally deepening her voice to say, “Hey, bro.”
The secret to Moreno’s longevity in the entertainment industry? A mix of luck and deep personal connection to her craft. “I ask myself all the time,” she ponders. While humor has always been a part of her persona, she acknowledges the serious and profound feelings that accompany her many accolades. “To amuse people, to have them find you charming,” she says, is a quality she’s proud to possess.
A memorable career: West Side Story and beyond
Recalling her role as Anita in “West Side Story,” Moreno shares an anecdote about nearly turning down the part due to a contested lyric in the song “America.” Fortunately, revisions smoothed over her concerns, leading to one of her most iconic performances. This incident underscores the importance of integrity for Moreno, who stands firm in her convictions while navigating her career’s high stakes.
As she reminisces about roles that eluded her, Moreno mentions that many of her dream parts went to Meryl Streep, whom she regards with high esteem. When considering future collaborations, Moreno expresses a desire to work with actresses like Julianne Moore and Emma Stone, whose ability to surprise and captivate her truly stands out.
The concept of retiring
“Have you ever thought about retiring?” one might wonder. For Moreno, retirement is an alien concept. “As long as I can make people laugh or cry, hell no, I’m not leaving,” she declares with conviction. The genuine admiration she holds for her peers and the joy she derives from her work fuel her relentless energy. An anecdote about her encounter with Lenny Kravitz at a Vanity Fair Oscar party highlights the respect and reverence she commands in the industry.
Civic concerns
Beyond her career, Moreno is not shy about expressing her views on contemporary issues. The reversal of Roe v. Wade and its implications deeply worry her. She oscillates between feeling hopeful about emerging political figures and despondent about wider sociopolitical developments. Her disdain for certain public figures is palpable, as she criticizes their false bravado and the detrimental impact they have on public discourse.
A life of laughter, music, and depth
At nearly 93, Rita Moreno is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of performing arts. Her reflections and recollections paint a picture of a life lived with passion, humor, and unwavering dedication to her craft. As she continues to inspire both peers and fans, her legacy remains not only in the roles she’s portrayed but in her unwavering zest for life.
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