Wiser Than Me™ – Season 3, Episode: "Julia Gets Wise with Rita Moreno"
Release Date: December 11, 2024
Introduction
In the Season 3 premiere of Wiser Than Me™, Julia Louis-Dreyfus reunites with listeners to engage in a heartfelt and candid conversation with the legendary Rita Moreno. This episode delves deep into Rita’s illustrious career, personal life, and the wisdom she has garnered over her remarkable seventy-year journey in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Guest Introduction: Rita Moreno
Julia opens the episode by highlighting Rita Moreno's groundbreaking achievements. Rita Moreno, a trailblazing Latina actress, has been a significant figure in Hollywood, breaking barriers as the first Latina to win an Emmy and earning accolades across the Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Julia reminisces about Rita’s iconic performances, particularly her role as Anita in West Side Story, and underscores Rita’s enduring charisma and dedication to portraying Latinas with dignity and depth.
Notable Quote:
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [00:55]: "Rita Moreno wasn't just a star, she was their star. La Nuestra."
A Birthday Celebration and Rita’s Reflections
The conversation begins on a celebratory note as Rita Moreno shares that she is celebrating her 93rd birthday. Julia and Rita exchange warm birthday wishes, setting a joyful tone for their discussion.
Notable Quotes:
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [08:28]: "I want more money. I mean, if I'm that terrific, I really need to be paid for this."
- Rita Moreno [09:07]: "I am a jolly, energetic, joyous, emotional. I cry at the drop of a hat. Puerto Rican is what I am. That's what I am."
Personal Life and Family
Rita recounts a recent two-week vacation with her daughter, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences over material gifts. She describes their journey through New England, enjoying the vibrant fall foliage and Broadway musicals, highlighting the deep bond she shares with her daughter.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [10:41]: "It turned out to be such a success, we put on only Broadway musicals and sang the songs at the top of our lungs."
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [13:21]: "I want to completely shift gears here, because there’s one aspect of your life that we haven’t touched on..."
Health, Aging, and Staying Active
Rita humorously discusses the physical toll her extensive dancing career has taken on her knees, leading her to limit activities that strain them. Despite these challenges, she remains sharp and active, acknowledging the importance of staying engaged and connected.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [13:53]: "I don't work out at all."
- Rita Moreno [14:10]: "In order to come down steps, you have to go up steps backstage, right?... That almost killed me."
Career Highlights and Civil Rights Involvement
The discussion shifts to Rita’s illustrious career and her involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. She shares a poignant memory from the March on Washington, where she was seated next to Sammy Davis Jr. and witnessed Martin Luther King Jr. deliver an unsolicited version of his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech, thanks to intervention from gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [27:07]: "Martin Luther King gets up to speak... But Mahalia reaches for the back of his jacket because he started another speech that she was not expecting."
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [32:08]: "Given that, what did you learn about bravery during that period of time?"
Auditioning for Anita in West Side Story
Rita shares her experience auditioning for the role of Anita in West Side Story, detailing the emotional struggle she faced with the original lyrics. Her determination to portray a dignified and self-assured Latina character overcame her initial reservations about certain lines in the script.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [35:18]: "I have to just call my agent and say, I can't do this. But I want the part."
- Rita Moreno [39:03]: "I was then that Sondheim would write a lyric like that."
Facing Sexual Harassment in Hollywood
A significant portion of the conversation addresses Rita’s harrowing experience with sexual harassment at a Hollywood cocktail party. She recounts how the host, Harry Cohen, made inappropriate advances, leaving her speechless and giggling out of shock—a common response among women who were uncertain how to react in such situations.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [40:24]: "The very first thing that came out of his mouth... I'd like to fuck you."
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [40:52]: "Somebody said something like that to me back in the 80s in Hollywood, and I did the same thing. I giggled."
- Rita Moreno [41:28]: "Absolutely. Absolutely."
Marriage, Loss, and Finding Community
Rita opens up about her 45-year marriage to Leonard, sharing the complex emotions following his passing. She discusses the unexpected sense of relief she felt and the challenges of navigating loneliness. Through personal introspection and therapy, Rita discovers the importance of actively seeking friendships and building a community, illustrating resilience and the pursuit of joy even in the face of loss.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [50:07]: "I started a new life. Brand new life."
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [53:56]: "So you don't have a partner now, right? And so can you talk about finding community?"
Cognitive Challenges and Aging Gracefully
Rita candidly discusses her struggles with memory, particularly with recalling names and nouns, attributing it to the natural aging process. She humorously shares anecdotes about forgetting movie titles and names, portraying a relatable and human side of aging.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [57:47]: "That's why I had to ask you about that movie."
- Rita Moreno [58:00]: "So, yes, it's annoying."
Advice and Wisdom for Listeners
Towards the end of the episode, Rita offers invaluable advice to younger generations. She emphasizes the importance of self-worth and the courage to stand up against mistreatment. Her reflections on bravery, self-love, and the significance of addressing inner struggles resonate deeply, providing listeners with actionable insights and inspiration.
Notable Quotes:
- Rita Moreno [64:20]: "You have value. No matter what you think, you are special and you have value."
- Rita Moreno [59:43]: "Sometimes she does, sometimes she doesn't."
Final Reflections and Birthday Wishes
As the episode concludes, Julia brings her mother, Judith Bowles, into the conversation, who shares fond memories of witnessing Rita Moreno’s performances on Broadway. This heartfelt interaction underscores the multi-generational impact of Rita’s work and legacy.
Notable Quotes:
- Judith Bowles [70:45]: "It was just one of those... you just knew that you were going to have a glorious time."
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [73:29]: "Isn't that a very powerful work of art?"
Conclusion
This episode of Wiser Than Me™ masterfully intertwines Rita Moreno’s personal anecdotes with broader discussions on aging, resilience, and empowerment. Through transparent and poignant dialogue, Rita imparts profound wisdom, making this episode a treasure trove of insights for listeners seeking inspiration and guidance from one of Hollywood’s most esteemed icons.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus [00:55]: "Rita Moreno wasn't just a star, she was their star. La Nuestra."
- Rita Moreno [09:07]: "I am a jolly, energetic, joyous, emotional. I cry at the drop of a hat. Puerto Rican is what I am. That's what I am."
- Rita Moreno [27:07]: "Martin Luther King gets up to speak... But Mahalia reaches for the back of his jacket because he started another speech that she was not expecting."
- Rita Moreno [35:18]: "I have to just call my agent and say, I can't do this. But I want the part."
- Rita Moreno [40:24]: "The very first thing that came out of his mouth... I'd like to fuck you."
- Rita Moreno [50:07]: "I started a new life. Brand new life."
- Rita Moreno [64:20]: "You have value. No matter what you think, you are special and you have value."
Key Themes:
- Resilience and Overcoming Adversity: Rita’s ability to navigate personal and professional challenges showcases her unwavering strength.
- Empowerment and Self-Worth: Emphasizing the importance of recognizing one’s own value and standing up against mistreatment.
- Aging Gracefully: Discussing the realities of aging while maintaining vitality and joy.
- Legacy and Influence: Highlighting Rita’s impact on the Latin community and her role in advancing representation in Hollywood.
Final Thoughts
Wiser Than Me™ continues to celebrate the wisdom and experiences of remarkable women. In this episode, Rita Moreno’s stories are not just nostalgic recollections but lessons in courage, self-discovery, and the enduring pursuit of happiness. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the podcast, this episode offers a profound and enriching experience that underscores the essence of what it means to be "wiser than me."