63. Rita Moreno

Big Reputations

In this episode, we discuss a woman whose career has spanned 70 plus years, and doesn’t seem to be slowing down: Rita Moreno. We dive into how she got where she is and how she stayed there despite the rampant racism and sexism found in Hollywood. We let Rita speak in her own words about her motivations, and what success means to her and look at how others, both within and beyond the Puerto Rican community, see her. Finally we fangirl over her lengthy accomplishments and her influence on the entertainment industry.

Trigger warnings: rape, abortion, attempted suicide

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Hosts: Kimberly Kunkle and Rebecca L. Salois

Logo Design: Samantha Marmolejo

Music: Shawn P. Russell

Sound Consultant and Mixing: Shawn P. Russell

Recording and Editing: Rebecca L. Salois

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Sources:

• Rita Moreno: A Memoir, by Rita Moreno
• A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer!, a picture book by Anika Aldamuy Denise
• Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It, a documentary currently available on Netflix or PBS Passport
• “Our Rita: How Rita Moreno’s Puerto Rican Roots Changed American Culture,” by Frances Negrón-Muntaner
• “Rita Moreno On 'West Side Story' And Becoming The Role Model She Needed” for Fresh Air on NPR