Rita Moreno — Biography

Rita Moreno, born December 11, 1931, is a celebrated Puerto Rican performer whose talents encompass acting, dancing, and singing. Her professional journey has impressively extended across more than seven decades. Her significant acting contributions include memorable supporting turns in the celebrated musical films The King and I and West Side Story. Audiences also recall her dynamic presence on the children's educational program The Electric Company from 1971 to 1977, and her impactful portrayal in the dramatic television series Oz between 1997 and 2003. Moreno stands out as one of the select few individuals to have achieved the esteemed EGOT, a recognition encompassing an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, a Grammy Award, and a Tony Award. Furthermore, she is among a small group of twenty-three individuals to have earned the Triple Crown of Acting, signifying competitive wins for an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Tony in acting categories. Notably, she and Helen Hayes are the sole recipients to have accomplished both of these prestigious dual distinctions. Her accolades extend far beyond these, including a multitude of lifetime achievement awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian decoration.