In her new memoir, Rita Moreno, the accomplished actress famous for her role as Anita in “West Side Story,” bares all about her tumultuous affair with legendary actor Marlon Brando.

Despite her vibrant on-screen persona, Moreno unveils a vulnerable side as she recounts being consumed by a destructive love that nearly cost her life.

Detailing their eight-year relationship, Moreno describes enduring a rollercoaster of emotions, including infidelity, emotional abuse, and a traumatic abortion.

She reminisces about Brando’s charm, drumming skills, and passionate lovemaking, revealing how her intense love for him pushed her to the brink of self-destruction.

While Moreno’s own journey is remarkable – being the first Hispanic to achieve an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony – a significant portion of her memoir delves into the passionate yet toxic bond she shared with Brando.

Their entanglement, as she puts it, was a whirlwind of emotions that ultimately led her to make a life-altering decision to break free from his grip.

Originating from Puerto Rico, a young Ruby Dolores Alverio captivated Hollywood’s attention with her talent and beauty.

Renamed Rita Moreno, she quickly rose to fame, catching the eye of influential figures like Louis B. Mayer.

Despite the glitz and glamour, Moreno’s personal life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships, none more impactful than her connection with Brando.

Their initial encounter on the set of “Désirée” ignited a passionate flame between Moreno and the charismatic Brando.

She vividly recalls the electric chemistry between them and the profound impact he had on her both physically and emotionally.

However, beneath the surface, Brando’s dark past and insatiable desires drove a wedge between them, leading to heartbreak and betrayal.

As their relationship unfolded, Moreno found herself entangled in a web of jealousy and manipulation, resorting to dating other men to evoke a reaction from Brando.

Despite attempts to move on, she remained ensnared by his magnetic pull, even as he pursued other romantic interests.

The cycle of passion and pain reached a breaking point, culminating in a harrowing incident that pushed Moreno to the edge of despair.

Following a traumatic abortion orchestrated by Brando, Moreno spiraled into a dark abyss of despair, culminating in a near-fatal suicide attempt.

Saved from the brink by a timely intervention, she confronted the toxic dynamics of her relationship with Brando and made the agonizing decision to sever ties for good.

Despite the tumultuous affair with Brando, Moreno’s career soared to new heights with her iconic role in “West Side Story,” which earned her an Oscar.

Reflecting on the film’s legacy, she raises poignant critiques about the industry’s shortcomings, particularly regarding representation and diversity on screen.

Her candid account sheds light on the challenges faced by Hispanic actors in Hollywood and the complexities of navigating a male-dominated industry.

In the aftermath of her turbulent romance with Brando, Moreno found solace and stability in her marriage to Lenny Gordon, a Jewish doctor who provided unwavering support and love.

Despite the lingering temptation of her past, she forged a lasting partnership with Gordon, finding peace and fulfillment in their union.

As Moreno’s memoir unfolds, it offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the tumultuous love story that defined her life.

Through heartbreak, resilience, and redemption, she emerges as a survivor, transcending the shadows of her past to embrace a future filled with hope and healing.