Gina Rodriguez Honors Rita Moreno at 2015 Kennedy Center Honors [Watch]
With a heartfelt speech dedicated to entertainment icon Rita Moreno at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors, actress Gina Rodriguez honored the Latina's contribution to pop culture and to the Latino community.
According to Entertainment Weekly, the "Jane the Virgin" star was on hand to lead the Kennedy Center in honoring Moreno for her illustrious artistic career and many lifetime achievements. The ceremony was held on Dec. 6, but aired on Dec. 29 on CBS.
Rodriguez began her speech by explaining that as a young girl in Chicago, she asked her mother why there weren't any Puerto Ricans on television. It was then that she was introduced to Moreno.
"I met you on screen and I just loved you. Your bright smile, your fierce persona, that independent voice that burst through every performance and every interview. I just wanted to be just like Rita," Rodriguez said.
Like Moreno, Rodriguez has been changing Latina stereotypes on television. The young actress is on her way to becoming one of Hollywood's most decorated stars, having already won several awards for her portrayal of Jane Villanueva on the hit CW comedy.
The 31-year-old is currently up for her second Golden Globe and could make history by becoming the only Latina to win a Best Actress award back to back.
Prior to Rodriguez, Eva Longoria, America Ferrera and Moreno were the only Latinas to receive Best Actress nominations in the last 22 years, reported The Huffington Post.
In her speech, Rodriguez explained that she credits Moreno with helping her achieve her own dreams.
"You gave me hope, you gave me a reason to fight and to speak up you gave me a voice and how can I thank you? I'm not sure how but I can tell you this: when you followed your dreams Rita, you gave me the allowance to follow mine," she added. "You are my icon, my living legend and what matters most is my friend. Rita, this is my love letter to you."
Being Puerto Rican Latinas and Golden Globe nominees aren't the only things Rodriguez has in common with Moreno, who is also one of only 12 entertainers to win a Tony, Grammy, Emmy and an Oscar.
The 84-year-old actress currently appears on "Jane the Virgin" as Jane's paternal grandmother.
Check out Rodriguez's emotional speech below.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com