3a:T554,On today’s episode of Wiser Than Me, Julia connects with EGOT-winning actress, singer, and dancer Rita Moreno on her 93rd birthday. The two discuss why Rita almost backed out of her Oscar-winning turn as Anita in West Side Story and the complex emotions Rita experienced after her husband of 45 years passed away. Julia and Rita also bond over the fact that they both find Mel Brooks sexy. Later, Julia talks with her 90-year-old mom, Judith, about seeing the original West Side Story on Broadway and how musicals can be an important vehicle for storytelling. Follow Wiser Than Me on Instagram and TikTok @wiserthanme and on Facebook at facebook.com/wiserthanmepodcast. Keep up with Rita Moreno @theritamoreno on Instagram. Find out more about other shows on our network at @lemonadamedia on all social platforms. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at bit.ly/lemonadapremium. Wiser Than Me is sponsored by ZOE. Visit ZOE.com to find out what ZOE Membership could do for you and use the exclusive code WISER10 to get 10% off membership. For exclusive discount codes and more information about our sponsors, visit https://lemonadamedia.com/sponsors/. For additional resources, information, and a transcript of the episode, visit lemonadamedia.com. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.3b:T4fc,

Rita Moreno has been an icon of stage and screen for over seven decades, making history as the first Latina to win an Academy Award for her 1961 performance as Anita in West Side Story. But life wasn’t always easy for Rosita, as she calls her young self. In this episode of Making Space, Rita gets real about the pressures of Hollywood, her troubled romance with Marlon Brando, and how — at 90 years old — she loves what she does now more than ever. Rita also shares about her path to creative fulfillment and self-acceptance, and reminds us of the power of hard work… Sometimes the impossible is just one opportunity away.

For more of Rita Moreno’s story, you can watch NBC’s special, “Inspiring America: The 2022 Inspiration List,” celebrating extraordinary people making an impact. You can watch it on demand on Peacock.

Rita Moreno shared a story about her attempt to take her own life. If you or anyone you know is struggling, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK (8255) to 741741.

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Rita Moreno (West Side Story)