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RITA MORENO SPEAKS WITH AQUI MILWAUKEEaquimilwaukee.com online exclusiveAn exclusive interview with the only human to win an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmys and a Grammy Rita ¡Aquí! Can you describe some of biggest challenges you've faced in your career as a There's always the problem of having to confront to stereotypical casting…it's a struggle that has been with me forever. This is why I think that people like Jennifer [Lopez] think I'm a pioneer. When I talk about stereotypical casting, I'm talking about always having to use an accent, being offered in those days, the sexy conchita Lolita roles. But I did it because I had no choice at all; either that or quit show business. But, you have to make your choices in the belief that one day things will change for you and other Latino actors and actresses…which means that you just have to have an enormous tolerance for perseverance. I don't ever give up. That is part of the baggage that you carry with you.
It's changed a great deal. I don't think the door is all the way open but certainly half way open. You will see some Latinos, Black people and that's already a big improvement but it's not the real deal. Not so in films. For example, if you look at Oriental actors, the movies don't represent the world they live in. So there is still a lot to be done. Well aside from my favorite Anita in West Side Story, I'd have to say Maria Callas, the opera singer. I played her about three years ago in a play called Master Class at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre. I loved playing her because she had so many different facets to her personality. She was insensitive, blunt, and too direct while teaching a master class to the singers. She was funny but also a very damaged person. She was a very rounded character for me to play and I loved it.
The day I won the Oscar. It was the most wonderful feeling that I had won the Oscar.
You still see too many gangs and this happens a lot…more to the black community. You see bad guys doing bad things to good people. But it does represent a part of the world as it is today. The Internet has definitely contributed to many things, however, I'm not familiar with Internet…(laughs)…I'm true to my age…I'm 76 and I don't really know how to use a computer. I want to get one though.
I'm trying to find a play to do with the Berkeley Repertory Theater. I've already done 2 plays there…I don't want to miss out on doing something that I love. What do you think is the secret to a long-lasting successful career in In my case it's been a career that is on-going. I think it has to do with my ability to do many things…drama, singing, comedy, dancing, well I'm old now but you know me meneo (laughs) and that has kept my career alive. I've been able to do radio, TV, films, lectures, the works and it's kept my career really moving…I'm 76 now and it's been a remarkable career. Since I was a tiny little girl, I knew I wanted to do this...I was one of those little girls.
I think they have an obligation to themselves to study their craft. Whatever it may be…whether they are acting, singing, dancing. They have to attend classes and get their high school diploma and go to college because in this business, there is no guarantee that they are going to be self-supported actors and actresses. Some people get into this business because they want to be a star. But what they don't realize is that you need technique. You need to learn a lot of things…its necessary even if you are very talented. Some people think that they are going to get the first gig they audition for, make money and go on from there to get lots of money, a big home and be a star. But that's a very naïve mentality. They forget the work that goes into it.
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