Rita Moreno with American author Amy Tan and a friend. Image: Instagram/@theritamoreno
Rita Moreno celebrated turning a year older with her loved ones and close friends in a surprise party organized by her daughter, actress and jewelry designer Fernanda Luisa Gordon.
The Puerto Rican actress, an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) winner, treated fans to moments from the intimate event through her Instagram page on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Among Moreno’s guests were American actress-director Pamela Gaye Walker and author Amy Tan.
“High on life at 91!” she said in the caption. “Overjoyed with the outpouring of love and gratitude and elated to have spent my day with some of my nearest and dearest.”
Gordon threw a “white party” which complemented the interior of Moreno’s new home, as per Gordon’s exclusive interview with People.
“She had said to me previously how much she wished she could celebrate her birthday in her new home but she just didn’t see how to make it happen, so she was thrilled that I made it happen,” Gordon told the publication.
Gordon also narrated some highlights from the party which include Moreno receiving a surprise gift from her friends in the industry — a performer who belted out Frank Sinatra’s songs to serenade the birthday girl.
Moreno’s recent films include the 2021 “West Side Story,” Steven Spielberg’s remake of the film that won the actress an Oscar in 1962. Moreno is set to star in the upcoming comedy film “80 for Brady” alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sally Field.
Moreno is also part of the “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” TV special where she will serve as the show’s narrator. EDV