Rita Moreno is a theater legend. The 90 year old EGOT winner is still making headlines today, most recently for starring in and executive producing West Side Story (2021).
Moreno’s first major film appearance was in the original West Side Story in 1961, for which she won the Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Rita Moreno attributes her success to hard work and dedication. Moreno spoke about her work ethic on the set of West Side Story: “‘I never stopped rehearsing. … That's what you have to do to become a star.’” Part of the reason Moreno worked so hard is because the film industry underestimated her talent and worth as a Puerto Rican woman. Moreno says she grew up “filled with self loathing” because of her heritage and had to work to build self-respect and confidence. She was fueled by a desire to both be loved by the public and to find self-love. Moreno’s motivation to succeed in the film industry was largely extrinsic, as she wanted audiences to see her as a woman with self-respect and dignity. She also wanted to represent the Puerto Rican community well, as starring roles for Latinx women in major movies was rare in the 1960’s. Moreno talked about the importance of her role: “What was important about Anita to me — and still is — is that Anita, believe it or not, was the only part I ever remember where I represented Hispanics in a dignified and positive way.” She even requested the creator of West Side Story, Stephen Sondheim, change one of the lyrics that referred to Puerto Rico as an ugly island, because she refused to have her community portrayed in a negative light.
As an actress who has been working for almost 7 decades, Rita Moreno also needs intrinsic motivation to stay active creatively. Shortly after West Side Story (1961) premiered, Moreno starred in the play I Am A Camera. Moreno wanted to challenge herself. Moreno explained the play made her “tap her creative processes,” and allowed her to develop her acting skills. She also credits her drama coach with helping her tackle the role. When Moreno was 85, an interviewer mentioned that it would be ok if she decided to take it easy and stop working so hard. Moreno immediately pushed back: “No way!! … If somebody took this away from me now I would be heartbroken. I love what I do.” After numerous awards and decades of beloved movies and TV shows, Moreno no longer needs to worry about external validation. Moreno is a dignified artist with a deep love for her craft that will fuel her work for years to come.
I watched the West Side Story film for the first time a few months ago! It was so nice to read about her desire for love and admiration not for herself alone but also for the culture of people in which she shares. I would almost mark that as an extrinsic motivator but it's true - this is what she loves!
ReplyDeleteRita Moreno is absolutely incredible! I love how you pulled in quotes that emphasize her intrinsic motivation, specifically when she says she would be heartbroken if she had to stop. I was also interested in how her identity has played a role in her career. I wonder if she has completely overcome her previous insecurity with her Puerto Rican heritage or if she still has negative moments. I also wonder how she has channeled those emotions into her acting.
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