Rita Moreno's autobiographical play: 'I once attempted suicide'
About to turn 80, and by now solidifying a life of leisure, Rita Moreno is busier than ever, with her autobiographical play, 'Life Without Make-up,' which takes a look back at her passions and tragedies, and a shocking revelation that she once attempted suicide.
"It was a very emotional time in my life and I attempted to commit suicide. When one fails, sometimes it is very sad, and other times it's very funny," the legendary actress confessed to AOL Latino exclusively.
"What happened in my case was that a doctor prescribed a medication for my thyroid, but it was a depressant. At that time in my life, I was very sad about a few things and I was taking a depressant, so that's what happened. [Otherwise] I would never attempt suicide. It's in my DNA to live," Moreno said.
Another tragic moment Moreno stages in the play, which opens at the Berkeley Repertory Theater in Los Angeles Nov. 12, was the loss of her brother.
"My mom brought me [to the U.S.] from Puerto Rico when I was 5, and I had a younger brother, Francisco Alverio, who I never saw again. I tried to find him many times, but I never did," Moreno said.
Throughout her extensive career, Moreno has always played strong women, from Anita in 'West Side Story,' to Maria Callas in 'Master Class.' This time she gives life to her toughest role: herself.
"The art director at the theater wanted to put on a play about my life. When I turned 77, he called me and said, 'Hey, really think about it.' He reminded me that I have a legacy and a responsibility to my community. Putting everything together took me about a year and a half. We had some workshops, and I realized that it's a very grand life, full of passion. They play is very personal and intimate. The audience identifies with me," she said.
Apart from the play, Moreno also joined the cast of TV Land's 'Happily Divorced,' in the role of Fran Drescher's character's mother.
"I love the series. The woman [her character] is simply divine -- very warm, funny, generous. It's a job that really doesn't seem like work. I start the second season in January and it's like working with my family."
Moreno's career has spanned 70 years, and earned her some of the entertainment industry's most coveted awards. She is one in an elite group of eight living legends in the United States who know what it's like to claim an Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy. She is the only Hispanic to achieve such a feat. Her Academy Award came in 1962, when she played the role of Anita in the iconic film 'West Side Story' -- a role that also earned her a Golden Globe award.
The prestigious Tony Award came in 1975, for her Broadway role as Googie Gomez in 'The Ritz.' In 1977 and '78, her appearances on 'The Muppet Show' and 'The Rockford Files' earned her a pair of Emmys.
Family has always played a major role in all the successes the actress has achieved professionally.
"I wake up singing in the morning. I have my daughter and my two grandchildren. My daughter, Fernanda Luisa, is my life. The [grandkids] are my heart. I don't need anything else in my life. I have it all. I feel profoundly grateful."
La final, en directo
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2 01 11
By TurnOffTheBoobTube
Wow, this beautiful, wonderful lady is about to turn 80? Love her, love everything she's ever appeared in, and I for one will be reading her book!
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2 01 11
By ED
Rita...if you have decent health you've got a reason to live. Once that slips away, one has a good reason not to live....
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2 01 11
By Jennifer
Actually, back in the late 50's, she tried to commit suicide over a failed relationship with Marlon Brando. (My parents are from the 50's) and I have heard that story from both of them ever since I was a little girl watching her on the Electric Company. But time goes by and stories get turned around, even by those who experienced them.
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2 01 11
By Melanie
I am sure your parents know better what happened than Rita herself.
2 01 11
By Sultry
Umm giving my age away, But I remember well and there was no medication mentioned at that time, or later.
2 01 11
By DoyleJohnston
Jennifer, Your parents are 100% correct. She did try to commit suicide after a break with Brando. I know this because not long after, she appeared on one of the late afternoon talk shows like Merv Griffin or Mike Douglas and talked quite openly about it. I was a teenager at the time. Seeing and listening to what she had to say saved my life. I have always wanted to write to her about this but have never been able to find out how I might get a letter or message to her.
2 01 11
By DoyleJohnston
Forgot to add that the year was around 1968.
0 15 01
By DoyleJohnston
Okay, after reading other comments, I see many people leaving replies to Rita. If indeed someone working for her is monitoring this stuff, I would love to thank Rita for myself, my children and my grandchildren. Could I get some info on how to do that? Get my email from AOL. I have wanted to do this for the last 43 years.
2 01 11
By onyway2goisup
say it isn't so !!!! west side story was the first time i saw her performance and that movie...storyline was the most meaningful,compassionate and moving story that i ever saw....i stayed for the credits crying my eyes out...and i was at home watching a tape i bought and played on my first vcr... even though it was a musical with dance and song it still had a powerful impact..i know the actors just acted, danced and sung the performance written for them ...the supreme excellence of those performances still cause me to be weepy over it...please ms moreno...take care of yourself and never add to this tragedy
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2 01 11
By Tom
I have to agree with you. The first time I seen her was when I was 10 years old, in the theater watching "West Side Story". Such a moving story, which she protrayed extremely well. I've loved her as a person ever since. One classy Lady.