Rita Moreno Reveals Her Three Career-Defining Performances
The legendary actress opens up about the roles that shaped her decades-long career, from her Oscar-winning breakthrough to unexpected television drama and beloved theater work.
In 1961, Rita Moreno delivered a show-stopping performance as Anita in the musical film that would define her career forever. Her portrayal earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and launched her into international stardom. However, this wasn't her debut in entertainment - Moreno had been performing on stage since the 1940s before transitioning to film work in the 1950s.
During her early Hollywood years, she appeared in various productions including Garden of Evil and Singin' in the Rain, showcasing both her dramatic range and musical talents. Though she has continued working steadily through the decades, taking on everything from Carnal Knowledge to the recent Fast X franchise, and even appearing in Steven Spielberg's recent musical remake, her breakthrough role remains her most recognized achievement.
The Role That Changed Everything
Speaking with Long Island Press, the Puerto Rican performer discussed the parts she treasures most from her extensive career. She began by reflecting on the classic musical that reimagined Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet story in contemporary New York. In this production, Moreno portrayed Maria's best friend, who was romantically involved with Maria's brother Bernardo. The story unfolded against the backdrop of Manhattan's Upper West Side, where rival teenage groups created chaos as Maria fell for someone from the opposing side.
"That became an iconic role for me. It's a role that made me known worldwide, more than anything," she shared. Her impact on future generations is undeniable - Rachel Zegler, who starred in the recent remake, once said: "It wasn't something that I thought was a possibility for someone like me until I saw Rita Moreno dancing on a rooftop in a beautiful purple dress."
An Unexpected Television Triumph
Moreno's second favorite performance came from an unlikely source - the gritty 1990s prison drama series Oz. She was cast as a nun who doubled as a trained psychologist, a character completely different from anything she had tackled before. The role surprised her in the best possible way.
"I was absolutely in shock when it was offered to me. My God, the casting in that show was extraordinary. And every year they'd bring in some new actor to play a new prisoner and it would be somebody incredible. Not a star, but an incredible actor. It was fantastic," she recalled. This departure from her typical roles proved to be one of her most fulfilling professional experiences.
Returning to Her Roots
For her third choice, Moreno selected a theater performance that brought her back to the medium where her career began. She chose her portrayal of Anne Sullivan in The Miracle Worker, a stage adaptation based on the original play rather than the Arthur Penn film version.
"I did a lot of theatre outside of Broadway. I think one of the things I really loved doing was playing Anne Sullivan in The Miracle Worker. I played an Irish girl in that and it was just wonderful and one of the best experiences I ever had," she explained. The production told the story of Helen Keller's teacher, presenting Moreno with a challenging but deeply rewarding opportunity that she continues to cherish.