Having won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 musical, the 'One Day at a Time' actress is joining the cast ensemble of the Steven Spielberg-directed version.
- November 28, 2018
AceShowbiz - Actress Rita Moreno is returning to "West Side Story" almost 50 years after her portrayal of Anita in the movie musical won her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
The veteran Latino star has signed on to play corner store owner Valentina in director Steven Spielberg's new adaptation of the Leonard Bernstein-Stephen Sondheim stageshow.
Moreno, who will also serve as an executive producer, tells Deadline, "Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself revisiting this seminal work, and to be asked by Steven Spielberg to participate is simply thrilling... I am tingling!"
Meanwhile, Spielberg insists he wanted to include Rita in his film from the very beginning, adding, "Her Anita is one of the greatest musical performances ever filmed, and a personal favourite of mine.
"We created an original role for her, and we feel beyond fortunate that Rita will bring her extraordinary gifts as an actress, as well as her deep understanding of "West Side Story" to this production as an executive producer."
