Moreno is also one of the rare Hollywood stars to become an EGOT winner; Along with an Academy Award from “West Side Story”, she won an Emmy Award for her performance on “The Muppet Show”, a Grammy Award for “The Electric Company” and a Tony Award for “The Ritz”.
She says she became a star because she worked harder – and longer – than anyone else.
“I never stop working out. In fact, someone recently told me they did some extra dancing on the mambo at the gym. And one of the girls turned to her when we were on break. ten minutes, and she said, “Look at Rita Moreno. She is still practicing. “She said, ‘That’s what you have to do to be a star. “
Despite her talent, she still has insecurities, she said, stemming from being raped when she first arrived in Hollywood and the racism she experienced.
“I grew up with self-loathing because I’m Puerto Rican. When you’re a kid, you’re told you’re worthless, you believe it,” she said, adding, “I wanted to be supportive. Women know it All the accolades in the world will never make up for what I’ve been through in my life All and in the end the respect and self-respect that I lost so much time in. to earn.”
Moreno also discussed her relationship with Marlon Brando. Brando was married when Moreno was pregnant with her child. She said he pressured her to have an abortion and that she attempted suicide afterwards.
“What I’m really trying to do is kill that bad side of me that always comes back to him. That bad woman, who doesn’t respect me, is who I am, the other side of me.” she said.
Six months later, she landed on “West Side Story,” and the movie changed her life.
“Anita, a person with a sense of self. A sense of dignity. And I had to portray that. And it felt really good,” she said.
In the new film, Moreno plays Valentina, the wife of Doc, the candy store owner in the original.
“West Side Story” will be released on December 10.
