Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno was one of six individuals who received an honorary doctorate on Thursday during Harvard University’s graduation ceremony.
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Moreno, the first artist to achieve the so-called “EGOT”, by winning the four main awards in American entertainment: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, was recognized for her legendary career in the arts.
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The Harvard Magazine highlighted the Puerto Rican’s career when announcing the honorary degree to the dancer as well.
“Born as Rosa Dolores Alverío in Puerto Rico in 1931, Moreno arrived in New York City with her mother as a child and took dance classes. At the age of 13, she made her Broadway debut in Skydrift, which led to offers from Hollywood, but the roles she was offered were often stereotypical portrayals of ethnic minorities. After a seven-year break from Hollywood, during which she mainly performed in summer theater, she returned to the entertainment industry, winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony over a 70-year career.”
She has appeared in movies and television shows (including The Electric Company, The Muppet Show, and The Rockford Files). In 1993, she was invited to perform at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration. In 2004, President George W. Bush, MBA (Class of 1975), awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to the arts. And in 2009, she received the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama, J.D. ’91," the publication highlighted.
During the ceremony, the award-winning artist was moved when the song “Somewhere” from the musical West Side Story -which earned her the Oscar for Best Actress- was performed by Carolyn Hao.
Moreno joined Hao at the end of the melody, which caused applause and a standing ovation from those present.
At 93 years old, Rita Moreno continues to be active, acting in movies and television series.