Rita Moreno Gets Her Own Barbie for Her 93rd Birthday!

Rita Moreno is getting a birthday gift fit for a queen. To celebrate her upcoming 93rd birthday on December 11, the legendary Puerto Rican actress and activist now has her own Barbie doll! Mattel crafted this special doll as part of its Barbie Tribute Collection, honoring Moreno’s groundbreaking career and her legacy as a performer who has shattered countless barriers in the entertainment industry.

The Rita Moreno Barbie is already available for purchase on Amazon for $40. You can also find it at other major retailers like Target and Walmart, as well as on Mattel Creations’ website.

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A Barbie Modeled After an Iconic Outfit

The doll boasts a stunning replica of the dress Rita Moreno wore at the 1962 Academy Awards, where she clinched the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her unforgettable portrayal of Anita in West Side Story.

The gown is a sleek black and gold number adorned with intricate floral details, complete with opera gloves and gold earrings, which she donned again at the 2018 Academy Awards. Mattel collaborated closely with Moreno to ensure the doll’s outfit truly encapsulated the spirit of that landmark night.

Rita Moreno wearing the same dress in 2018 as she did in 1962 at the #Oscars is still one of the coolest things ever. #Oscars2021 pic.twitter.com/umfPHMCDws

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) April 26, 2021

Moreno was the first Latina to win an Academy Award, marking a significant moment in Hollywood history. Now, with the release of this Barbie, her achievements are being honored in a way that aims to inspire future generations.

“I was a girl who decided to go for it, and despite the challenges I faced, I never gave up on my dreams. That’s what I hope this doll inspires in each and every girl today: live her life with courage and resilience so that they can make their dreams come true,” said Rosa Dolores Alverio, the real name for Rita Moreno.

And added: “It has been an absolute pleasure working with Barbie to bring this doll to life, and I hope it serves as a reminder to embrace your limitless possibilities and pursue your passions, because when you embrace them, you are destined to go far.”

Moreno’s Barbie is part of the esteemed Barbie Tribute Collection, a series dedicated to honoring women who’ve left a lasting impact. This collection also features dolls inspired by icons like Celia Cruz, Lucille Ball, and Vera Wang.

Who Is Rita Moreno?

Rita Moreno, originally named Rosita Dolores Alverío, was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, on December 11, 1931. She moved to New York City with her mother at the age of five, and it didn’t take long for her to develop a passion for performing. During her teenage years, she started acting on Broadway and soon made her way to Hollywood.

Even though she faced challenges early on with being typecast in stereotypical roles, Rita Moreno broke through with her star-making performance in West Side Story. But that was just the beginning. Over the years, she’s won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony—making her an EGOT winner and one of the most celebrated performers ever.

She’s also used her platform to push for better representation of Latinos in the media and has been honored with both the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts for her contributions to culture and the arts.