Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Rita Moreno reflects on lifetime of acting

Rita Moreno’s career-defining role was in the 1961 film “West Side Story.” Her role as a Puerto Rican immigrant named Anita earned her an Oscar, making her the first Latina to win the esteemed award.

By Madeleine Brand • Dec 13, 2021 • 49m Listen

Rita Moreno’s career-defining role was in the 1961 film “West Side Story.” Her role as a Puerto Rican immigrant named Anita earned her an Oscar, making her the first Latina to win the esteemed award. She eventually earned EGOT status — the honor bestowed upon entertainers who win all four major entertainment awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). Moreno talks about her early years in Hollywood, handling sexual assault on and off the screen, and her relationship with Marlon Brando.

Also, KCRW remembers Mexican ranchera singer Vicente Fernández.

Madeleine Brand
Host, 'Press Play'
Sarah Sweeney
Vice President of Talk Programming, KCRW
Angie Perrin
Producer, Press Play
Michell Eloy
Line Editor, Press Play

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Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Rita Moreno reflects on lifetime of acting

Rita Moreno’s career-defining role was in the 1961 film “West Side Story.” Her role as a Puerto Rican immigrant named Anita earned her an Oscar, making her the first Latina to win the esteemed award.

Share

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Rita Moreno reflects on lifetime of acting

Rita Moreno’s career-defining role was in the 1961 film “West Side Story.” Her role as a Puerto Rican immigrant named Anita earned her an Oscar, making her the first Latina to win the esteemed award.

Share