Rita Moreno

A Memoir

De: Rita Moreno

Narrado por: Rita Moreno

In this luminous memoir, Rita Moreno shares her remarkable journey from a young girl with simple beginnings in Puerto Rico to Hollywood legend—and one of the few performers, and the only Hispanic, to win an Oscar, Grammy, Tony and two Emmys.

Born Rosita Dolores Alverio in the idyll of Puerto Rico, Moreno, at age five, embarked on a harrowing sea voyage with her mother and wound up in the harsh barrios of the Bronx, where she discovered dancing, singing, and acting as ways to escape a tumultuous childhood. Making her Broadway debut by age thirteen—and moving on to Hollywood in its Golden Age just a few years later—she worked alongside such stars as Gary Cooper, Yul Brynner, and Ann Miller.

When discovered by Louis B. Mayer of MGM, the wizard himself declared: “She looks like a Spanish Elizabeth Taylor.” Cast by Gene Kelly as Zelda Zanders in Singin’ in the Rain and then on to her Oscar-winning performance in West Side Story, she catapulted to fame—yet found herself repeatedly typecast as the “utility ethnic,” a role she found almost impossible to elude.

Here, for the first time, Rita reflects on her struggles to break through Hollywood’s racial and sexual barriers. She explores the wounded little girl behind the glamorous façade—and what it took to find her place in the world. She talks candidly about her relationship with Elvis Presley, her encounters with Howard Hughes, and the passionate romance with Marlon Brando that drove her to attempt suicide. And she shares the illusiveness of a “perfect” marriage and the incomparable joys of motherhood.

Infused with Rita Moreno’s quick wit and deep insight, this memoir is the dazzling portrait of a stage and screen star who longed to become who she really is—and triumphed.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“It's clear Rita Moreno was a pioneer in every aspect of her life.”—The Huffington Post

“Sure to inspire and empower, straight from our very own living legend and the original triple threat: Rita Moreno.”—Being Latino

wonderful

I love Rita, her story made me smile, laugh, and cry. loved it! Gracias Rita for sharing your story.

Beutiful memoir!

Rita Moreno is amazing. I enjoyed this book from the beginning to the end. Rita was raw, unapologetic and beautiful in every sentence. Bravo!

The little Rosita in all of us

To say that it was deeply rendering, comically innocent (that left me at times crinkling in amusement) and toning in occasional wonderment while also succeeding to be heart aching does not do her writing and narration justice. It felt was if she had laid out her essence within the palms of her hands only to pour it into ours. Her words were in truth, soul baring. Certain aspects of her story were at times reflective in thoughts and similar experiences that we as humans have shared, and felt embarrassed or slightly ashamed to have ever thought, endured or admit. It planted a seed in my mind of how I too should live in my truth and be in acceptance of it all.

Beautiful story by a beautiful woman

What a life. I don’t write reviews but her story was touching. It touched my heart. Beautifully written and beautifully told. Highly recommend. ❤️

An Admirable Puertorican Woman

I admired Rita when I was a child as I watched The Electric Company. I admire her more today and this memoir was amazing.