Rita Moreno is candidly reflecting on the tumultuous relationship she had with the renowned actor Marlon Brando.
In a recent chat with Jessica Chastain for Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, the 90-year-old actress shared her thoughts on Brando, describing him as “a bad guy when it came to women.”
Chastain had opened the conversation by acknowledging Brando’s legendary status, noting the challenges Moreno faced at a time when he was receiving abundant opportunities in Hollywood.
The two stars first crossed paths on the set of the 1954 film Désirée, when Moreno was just 22 years old, embarking on a complicated relationship that would last nearly eight years.
Moreno admitted that being with Brando was a thrilling experience, stating, “Oh, my God, it was exciting.”
However, she quickly pointed out that this excitement came with a darker side—Brando’s mistreatment of her.
“I was such a different person then,” she recalled, reflecting on her vulnerability during that period.
Moreno’s feelings about Brando ran deep, but they often led to heartache.
She related, “I was all the makings of a doormat,” indicating how she allowed his behavior to shape her experience.
A particularly harrowing revelation was when she disclosed that she attempted to take her own life by swallowing pills in Brando’s home.
She explained, “I didn’t understand that if I was going to kill this pathetic, sad, trod-upon Rita, the rest of Rita was also going to go with me.”
The actress elaborated on the complex nature of their relationship, describing Brando’s deceitful ways and how he would flash a certain grin when caught in a lie.
“I could read him like a book,” she said, acknowledging that this understanding is what drew him to her, but it also resulted in multiple ways she felt mistreated.
Her emotional turmoil during their time together was palpable, underscoring the destructive nature of their bond.
Their paths crossed again years later while filming The Night of the Following Day in 1969.
At that point, a married Moreno was raising her daughter, Fernanda, but Brando still expressed a desire to rekindle their romance.
“What’s interesting is that he wanted to renew,” she shared, reflecting on a complicated dynamic where their lives had diverged yet Brando sought a return to their past connection.
In conversations about Brando’s allure, Moreno has described him as the “lust” of her life.
She even mentioned keeping a picture of him in her bedroom, a testament to the complicated feelings she held.
“He was a big love of mine in my life,” she recounted, juxtaposing it with her love for her now-late husband, Leonard Gordon, whom she wed in 1965.
In Netflix’s documentary Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It, she also reflected on her feelings of inadequacy in relation to Brando, stating, “He was the daddy that I couldn’t please.”
It was a poignant acknowledgment of the psychological imprint he left on her, shaping not only her view of love but also her self-worth.
Moreno’s revelations are a testament to the struggles she experienced as she navigated the complexities of her emotional landscape.
Even as she went on to achieve critical acclaim as one of the few performers to earn an EGOT, the shadow of her time with Brando lingered, underscoring the personal toll that fame and tumultuous love affairs can exact.
Despite the pain, Moreno has made peace with her past.
She emphasizes, “Ultimately, I can’t say that anything about the making of West Side Story was a mistake,” referencing the Oscar-winning film that significantly altered her career trajectory.
However, she has critiqued aspects of the film, particularly regarding the representation of Puerto Rican actors at that time.
The layered narrative that Moreno shared serves as a powerful reminder of her resilience.
While her relationship with Brando was fraught with emotional strain, it has shaped her as a person and an artist.
She rose from the depths of despair to become an icon, showcasing the strength that can emerge from vulnerability.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, help is available.
Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the Crisis Text Line for support.
The conversation surrounding mental health is crucial, and no one should navigate their struggles alone.
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