Bigger than life is not difficult for me. I am bigger than life. It is very important that women of this country be made aware of the dangers of osteoporosis in the sense that it is a silent and invisible disease with no symptoms whatsoever. [Her Oscar acceptance speech] I can't believe it!

She broke racial and gender barriers through her portrayals of an Irish teacher, Italian widow, evangelist, English lady and southern belle, helping pave the way for non-traditional casting of Latinas.

Moreno's early work included supporting roles in the classic musical films Singin' in the Rain (1952) and The King and I (1956), before her breakout role as Anita in West Side Story (1961), which earned her the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first Latin American woman to win an Academy Award.

Rita Moreno made history for her portrayal of Anita in West Side Story (1961), but the actress nearly turned down the role due to insulting lyrics. West Side Story's film portrayal of Anita was originated by Rita Moreno in 1961, who nearly rejected the role due to the lyrics of an important song.

She delivered one of the shortest acceptance speeches in Oscars history: “I can't believe it! Good Lord! I leave you with that.” It lasted just seven seconds. “I ran out of anything to say once I decided I wasn't going to say thank you,” she said.

As an outspoken advocate for racial and gender equality, childhood education, immigrant families, relief for her homeland of Puerto Rico, and many other causes for which she is impassioned, Rita is a shining example of what can happen when you show up, shake things up, and give back to your community.

Charities & foundations supported 6

• Actors Fund of America.
• American Heart Association.
• American Stroke Association.

Puerto Rico's culture is a colorful tapestry of old and new, mixing indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. You'll find expressions of that culture all around the Island - from art museums to vibrant murals, from bomba dance lessons to lively festivals that fill the streets.

And yet, in the face of Hollywood's prejudices, Rita persevered. And, by doing so, inspired a generation of Latinas and other young women of color who believed they, too, could follow their dreams, thanks to the barriers she shattered and the doors she snap-kicked–twirled her way through.

Fast Facts

• Moved from Puerto Rico to New York with her mother when she was 5.
• Made her Broadway debut in November 1945 in Skydrift, opposite Eli Wallach, when she was only 13 years old.
• One of the few people to win all four major American entertainment awards (Oscar, Emmy, Tony and Grammy)

Doc (Older Male) The owner of the candy store where the Jets hang out. He tries to guide the Jets youthful angst and provides a safe haven for Tony. Old fashioned and wise in his ways.

Natalie Wood as Maria Wood played the lead female character of Maria in 1961's West Side Story. Maria is compared to Shakespeare's Juliet who falls in love with Tony's Romeo.

"After a bunch of back and forth, it didn't feel like she can get a performance to the caliber that we're used to with her, that she's used to," Weiss explained Wednesday. "So she is not going to perform on the show."

Halle Berry - the first-ever woman of color to win Best Actress - presented Yeoh with the award. "This is history in the making," Yeoh said through tears.

Rejection doesn't mean you don't have what it takes. Realizing that was she was being ignored by Hollywood because of her nationality was “horribly depressing.” But she continued to work and believe in herself, and stressed the importance of perseverance.

Rita Moreno's first foray into social justice was attending the March on Washington with Martin Luther King, Jr. "I was there when he uttered the 'I Have a Dream' speech," she said.