Thursday, December 11, 2008

Happy Birthday Rita




Growing up wanting to be an actress, I looked at not only my Black actresses for inspiration, also, other actresses of color. This lady always is at the top of the list for me. Very few actors win Oscars. Even fewer win an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony and a Grammy. Rita Moreno is part of an exclusive club of nine performers who have achieved this honor.

This accomplished and beautiful Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy award winning Latina actress is 77 years young today. Go on, Rita. I remember Rita of course from her Oscar winning role in West Side Story as "Anita". Rita was one on the few Latina actresses I saw working consistently in movies and television.

Rita is a true trailblazer. She has talked openly about the racism she faced and how she did her best to battle on. Early in her career she was always cast as the "spicy spitfire" and sometimes other "exotic" role as she was in The King and I. Despite all of this, Miss Rita has carved out a long, full and successful career in film, theater and television. I respect this lady immensely. Rita Moreno is a true legend.

Now you know I had to leave a clip. I love this song.


BTW, Tonight my sweetie pie, Laurence Fishburne is joining the cast of CSI. I know it's the highest rated show. I've only seen one episode. Now, I have to start watching it with him on it. Also, thank you to everyone for your kind words during my break. I'm healing and doing better.

6 comments:

Her Speak said...

Such great film! The dancing always amazes me. Happy Birthday, Rita!

Many Blissings!~*
Molly

Joelle Dolce Bebe said...

BIG kisses to you! XOXO

maritessb said...

oooohhh I have to check CSI.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RITA!!!!

Suzie Ridler said...

Oh I adore Rita! She absolutely rocks in WSS, still one of my favourite musicals ever. She's a bonfire of energy and beauty. She still is! And what a dancer. She inspired me so much as a little girl and I had no idea she was so vocal about racism, that rocks. Although I shouldn't be surprised, she was always a firecracker who never backed down. What a hero!

Unknown said...

So this is my first time stopping by, but I have to say I love the vibe or the language you use in your blog. Good stuff.

couragetocreatewriteandlove said...

Lawrence Fishburne is mine!!!
LOL
hugs to you!

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