Celebrate Rita Moreno’s 94th Birthday with a Look Back at Her Life in Photos
Rita Moreno.
Credit: Bruce Bailey/Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty
Rita Moreno, a revered figure in Hollywood, has captivated audiences for over 70 years through her work as an actress, singer, and dancer. At 94 years old, she continues to shine, marked by a prolific career that includes iconic performances in numerous musicals and films.
Known for her leading roles in classics such as Singin’ in the Rain, The King and I, and both the original and 2021 West Side Story, Moreno has garnered numerous awards, becoming one of the few individuals to achieve the prestigious EGOT status, securing an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony throughout her career.
As her 94th birthday approaches on December 11, 2025, fans and followers are given a chance to reflect on some of her significant life moments.
Rita Moreno in West Side Story
Widely renowned as her most significant role, Moreno portrayed Anita in the 1961 film West Side Story, a performance that won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, establishing her as a remarkable talent in the film industry.
Rita Moreno at the 1962 Academy Awards
Moreno’s Oscar win at the 1962 Academy Awards was pivotal in her career, highlighting her impact and talent within the industry.
Rita Moreno and Marlon Brando in Désirée
Moreno met Marlon Brando while filming the Napoleon biopic Désirée. Their on-and-off relationship lasted for eight years, during which Moreno later described Brando as the "lust" of her life.
Rita Moreno in The Ritz
Moreno starred in several Broadway productions in the late 1960s to early 1970s, including The Ritz, for which she received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in 1975.
Rita Moreno and Husband Leonard Gordon
In 1965, Moreno married cardiologist Leonard Gordon, with whom she welcomed a daughter, Fernanda Luisa Gordon, in 1967. The couple remained married until Gordon’s death in 2010.
Rita Moreno in The Electric Company
From 1971 to 1977, Moreno featured in the PBS children’s series The Electric Company, earning a Grammy Award for Best Children’s Album for her contributions.
Rita Moreno in 9 to 5
Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, Moreno appeared in notable television shows such as The Love Boat, The Golden Girls, and Miami Vice. She also starred in the sitcom 9 to 5, based on the 1980 film.
Rita Moreno in Happily Divorced
Following her guest role on The Nanny in the 1990s, Moreno reunited with Fran Drescher in the sitcom Happily Divorced, which aired from 2011 to 2013.
Rita Moreno in One Day at a Time
Moreno’s role as Lydia in the Netflix reboot of One Day at a Time was critically acclaimed, earning the show a Primetime Emmy Award in 2020.
Rita Moreno at the 2018 Academy Awards
At the 2018 Academy Awards, Moreno paid homage to her past by wearing the same dress she donned when she won Best Supporting Actress for West Side Story in 1962.
Rita Moreno in 2021’s West Side Story
In Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake of West Side Story, Moreno made a surprise appearance as Valentina, a newly crafted character. Ariana DeBose portrayed Anita and earned an Oscar for her performance.
Rita Moreno and Her Grandchildren
Rita Moreno and Cameron Fisher.
Credit: Rita Moreno/Instagram
Through her daughter Fernanda, Moreno is the grandmother to two grandsons, Cameron and Justin. She has frequently brought them to high-profile events, allowing them to experience the excitement of Hollywood.
Asked about her feelings of beauty, she reflected in a 2021 interview, saying, "When I’m looking into the eyes of my grandboys, and that’s one of them."
Rita Moreno Becomes a Doctor
In May 2025, Moreno was honored with an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Harvard University, solidifying her status as a cultural icon. During the commencement ceremony, students paid tribute to her with a performance of "Somewhere" from West Side Story.
Rita Moreno Today
Rita Moreno.
Credit: Alekandra London/WireImage
As she celebrates her remarkable achievements, Moreno continues to garner accolades. In October 2025, she attended the Billboard Latin Music Awards, presenting Bad Bunny with the Top Latin Artist of the 21st Century award.
In November, she received the George Eastman Award for her contributions to cinema, expressing her gratitude by stating, "What a place…What a legacy! I am still pinching myself."
