Since she debuted as an actress, Rita Moreno has come a long way in the entertainment industry. With her skills and professionalism on screen, she has made a name for herself and become one of the most respected Latina actresses in show business.

Moreno has played many notable roles throughout her career in show business. She upholds her Puerto Rican roots while enjoying her time in the limelight.

Several award-giving bodies acknowledged Moreno's performances. She was among the performers who won an award at the Oscars, Emmy, Tony, and Grammys.

The Puerto Rican-American actress has an experience in various entertainment genres. At nine, she worked as a professional dancer in New York nightclubs.

Rita Moreno landed her first movie at the age of 11 and dubbed Spanish-language versions of films from the United States. She made her Broadway debut a month before her 14th birthday on November 22, 1945.

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Rita Moreno Best Movies

Rita Moreno's career is also as colorful as the culture of the Latin American region. Here are some of the Latina actress' best films that you should see.

Popi

One of the most well-known movies that Rita Moreno acted in is the film "Popi." This movie centers around a Puerto Rican widower struggling to raise her two children in Spanish Harlem, a New York City neighborhood.

Moreno played the role of "Lupe," the protagonist's girlfriend. Moreno played the role so well that it was heartbreaking that her relationship with the main character was not real.

Slums of Beverly Hills

The "Slums of Beverly Hills" is another great film wherein Rita Moreno showcased her acting skills. The story revolves around a teenager named Vivian, played by Natasha Lyonne, and her struggle to maintain some stability in her 1970s lower-middle-class Jewish family, according to Movieweb. 

Moreno plays Vivian's mother, Belle Abromowitz. Although her screen-time is short, the Latina actress manages to make her character memorable. 

This movie features an ensemble of notable artists, including Alan Arkin, Marisa Tomei, and Carl Reiner. The film garnered a nomination at the ALMA Awards.

The Ritz

If you want to watch a movie that features plenty of twists, the film "The Riz" will certainly meet your expectations. This film is based on a play with the same name. 

In this movie, Rita Moreno plays the role of Googie, an entertainer who mistakes the protagonist to be a Broadway producer. Moreno's role as Googie made her win her Tony Award in 1975 for Best Featured Actress, The Wrap reported.

Singin' in the Rain

"Singin' in the Rain" is one of the most well-known classic musicals of all time. In this film, Rita Moreno plays the role of Zelda Zanders.

She acted with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds in this film, which was recognized as the "Great Movie Musical" by the American Film Institute.

West Side Story

"West Side Story" is one of Rita Moreno's most famous films. She was cast in the film in 1961 and was in it again with a different role in its 2021 reboot.

"West Side Story" is a love story between Tony and Maria, who has the world as the enemy of their love. In the 1961 film, Moreno acted as Anita, Maria's confidant. 

While in the 2021 reprisal of the film, she acted as Valentina, a drugstore owner who took in Tony in her basement apartment.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Rita Moreno Demonstrates a West Side Story Dance Stunt - From The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon