The EGOT Legacy: 7 Must-See Rita Moreno Movies And TV Shows, Including Her Explosive 2024 Role

Rita Moreno continues to be one of the most active and celebrated performers in Hollywood, with a career that has spanned an astonishing eight decades and shows no signs of slowing down, even into the current year, 2024. This article, updated in late 2024, dives deep into the legendary Puerto Rican actress’s most pivotal roles—from her iconic, Oscar-winning performance in *West Side Story* to her recent, scene-stealing appearances in major film franchises and new independent movies. Moreno’s unique place in entertainment history is cemented by her status as one of the few EGOT winners, having secured an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. Her filmography is a masterclass in versatility, showcasing her talent across musicals, dramas, comedies, and even children's television. We explore the essential movies and TV shows that define her legacy, including her latest projects that keep her firmly in the spotlight today.

Rita Moreno: A Trailblazer's Complete Biography and Profile

Rita Moreno, born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano, is a true Hollywood pioneer. She is a celebrated Puerto Rican-born American actress, dancer, and singer whose career is marked by groundbreaking achievements and a refusal to be typecast. Her life story is one of perseverance, from early struggles against racial stereotyping to becoming a global icon.

• Full Name: Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano
• Born: December 11, 1931, in Humacao, Puerto Rico
• Nationality: Puerto Rican, American
• Career Span: 1940s–Present (Over 80 years)
• Spouse: Leonard Gordon (m. 1965; d. 2010)
• Child: Fernanda Luisa Gordon
• EGOT Status: Yes (One of the few to win all four major American entertainment awards)
• Notable Awards: Presidential Medal of Freedom (2004), National Medal of Arts (2009), Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award (2014)
• EGOT Wins:
  • Oscar (1962): Best Supporting Actress for *West Side Story*
  • Grammy (1972): Best Album for Children for *The Electric Company*
  • Tony (1975): Best Featured Actress in a Play for *The Ritz*
  • Emmy (1977 & 1978): Two Primetime Emmy Awards for *The Muppet Show* and *The Rockford Files*

The Latest and Upcoming Projects: Rita Moreno in 2024 and Beyond

Despite her decades-long career, Rita Moreno remains a highly sought-after talent, with recent and upcoming roles that highlight her comedic timing and dramatic depth. Her commitment to fresh projects ensures her filmography is always growing and staying relevant.

The Prank (2024): A Dark Comedy Turn

One of Moreno's most talked-about recent roles is in the dark comedy film, *The Prank*, which saw a limited theatrical release in March 2024 and a digital release in June 2024. In this movie, Moreno plays the imperious and demanding high school science teacher, Mrs. Wheeler. The plot centers on two students who seek revenge after she fails them by falsely accusing her of murder via a prank text message. This role showcases Moreno's willingness to embrace edgy, modern comedy and her ability to anchor an ensemble cast with her formidable presence.

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The Fast & Furious Franchise: Abuela Toretto

Moreno joined one of the biggest action franchises in the world, taking on the role of Abuela Toretto, the grandmother of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), in 2023’s blockbuster *Fast X*. Her casting was a significant and celebrated addition, providing a new layer of family history to the high-octane series. Vin Diesel personally expressed his excitement, noting that they would get to "abuela" before "Mother Toretto." Moreno has expressed a desire to return for the next installment, teasing fans about her involvement in the future of the *Fast Saga*.

Family Switch (2023)

In late 2023, Moreno starred in the Netflix holiday comedy *Family Switch*, a body-swap comedy where she played Angelica, a character who facilitates the magical switch between a family. This role demonstrated her continued ability to thrive in mainstream, family-friendly entertainment, adding star power and a touch of magic to the ensemble cast led by Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms.

The Cornerstones: Iconic Movies and Emmy-Winning TV Shows

Rita Moreno's EGOT status is built on a foundation of roles that redefined Hollywood's perception of Latina performers. These projects are essential viewing for understanding her monumental impact on cinema and television.

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West Side Story (1961 & 2021)

No discussion of Moreno's career is complete without *West Side Story*. Her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 film earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first Latina to win an Oscar in an acting category. The role was groundbreaking, though Moreno has often spoken candidly about resisting the racial stereotypes inherent in the character's original script. Sixty years later, she returned to the story in Steven Spielberg’s 2021 remake, playing the expanded, new role of Valentina, the widow of Doc who runs the corner store. Her return cemented her enduring connection to the musical and provided a powerful, emotional anchor for the new generation.

The Electric Company (1971–1977)

A major shift in her career came with the PBS children's television series *The Electric Company*. Moreno was a main cast member, famous for her roles as Millie the Helper and the character who delivered the iconic catchphrase, "Hey, you guys!" This series was instrumental in her EGOT journey, as the accompanying album won her a Grammy Award for Best Album for Children in 1972.

Oz (1997–2003)

In a dramatic departure from her earlier work, Moreno took on the role of Sister Peter Marie Reimondo in the groundbreaking HBO prison drama *Oz*. Sister Peter Marie was a nun and prison psychologist who provided counseling and spiritual guidance to the inmates. This complex, long-running role on a critically acclaimed cable series demonstrated her versatility and commitment to serious, challenging dramatic work late in her career, earning her a new generation of fans.

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Emmy-Winning Guest Roles: The Muppet Show & The Rockford Files

Moreno's television work is particularly notable because she won two Primetime Emmy Awards for guest appearances, showcasing her ability to steal a scene. She won her first Emmy in 1977 for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for her hilarious and energetic appearance on *The Muppet Show*. The following year, she clinched her second Emmy for a dramatic guest role on *The Rockford Files* (1978), completing her EGOT status in a remarkable 16-year span.

The Enduring Topical Authority of Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno’s career is not just a collection of roles; it is a testament to resilience and the fight against Hollywood’s limitations. She is the first Latina to achieve EGOT status, and one of only three performers to have also won the Triple Crown of Acting (Oscar, Emmy, Tony). Her work has paved the way for countless Latina and minority actors, making her a figure of immense topical authority in discussions about diversity and longevity in entertainment.

From the glamour of classic Hollywood films like *Singin' in the Rain* to the gritty drama of *Oz* and the global spectacle of *Fast X*, Moreno has consistently chosen roles that challenge her and delight audiences. Her most recent work in *The Prank* (2024) proves that her star power and ability to command the screen remain undiminished, ensuring that her filmography will continue to grow for years to come.