Rita Moreno, the iconic actress, is not looking back at her past achievements but embracing the present as the best time of her life.
At 89 years old, this Puerto Rican trailblazer has a remarkable list of accolades, including an Oscar, two Emmys, a Tony, and a Grammy, making her the first Latina woman to achieve the coveted “EGOT” status in 1977.
Despite her age, Moreno is currently engrossed in various projects, such as completing a four-season reboot of the sitcom “One Day at a Time” and taking on a new role in Steven Spielberg’s upcoming film “West Side Story,” a modern reimagining of the classic musical that propelled her to fame as the spirited Anita.
Recently, a revealing documentary titled “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, shedding light on Moreno’s extraordinary journey.
During a virtual Q&A session following the film screening, Moreno expressed that she is not only content but also at the peak of her career.
Acknowledging her age, Moreno humorously mentioned her occasional forgetfulness with nouns, attributing it to old age.
Nevertheless, she emphasized her joy and fulfillment in having a documentary showcasing her life and participating in the remake of “West Side Story.”
In a surprising revelation from the documentary, Moreno candidly discusses her 45-year marriage to Leonard Gordon, revealing that despite their seemingly perfect relationship, he was controlling and disapproved of her exuberant personality.
Following his passing, Moreno felt liberated, no longer constrained by his influence.
Reflecting on her marriage in the film, Moreno expressed that she would not have divulged such personal details if her husband were still alive, respecting his privacy.
The documentary delves into her early life in Puerto Rico, her transition to New York, and her struggles with typecasting and limited opportunities in Hollywood.
Moreno recounts challenging experiences in Hollywood, including being typecast as stereotypical minority characters and enduring s**ual assault by a former agent.
Additionally, she opens up about her tumultuous relationship with Marlon Brando, detailing a traumatic incident involving a near-fatal abortion arranged by him.
Following a period of emotional turmoil and a suicide attempt after her affair with Brando, Moreno sought therapy and found closure.
While she no longer attends therapy regularly, she values having a support system and remains open to seeking guidance when needed.
“Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It” will be screened virtually again, offering audiences a glimpse into the resilience and strength of a legendary actress who continues to inspire with her unwavering spirit and determination.
