Two-time (E)mmy award winner. (G)rammy Award winner. (O)scar winner. (T)ony Award winner. And now the subject of the latest Barbie Tribute Collection doll from Mattel. The toy maker has released a doll honoring the legendary Rita Moreno in celebration of her upcoming 93rd birthday.
The Barbie doll from Mattel showcases the contributions and immense cultural impact of women such as Moreno, who broke down barriers for Latina actresses (including winning an Academy Award for her groundbreaking role as Anita in the 1961 musical West Side Story).
The doll’s dress is inspired by the gown Moreno wore on the night she made history at the 34th Oscar ceremony in 1962. According to Mattel, the company worked closely with her to sculpt a doll that properly reflects the likeness of the iconic performer.
“Rita Moreno has long been a star on-stage, and a heroine in real life. As the first Latina to win the venerated EGOT prize, and a fiercely outspoken advocate for representation, her most important role to date is being the role model she never had,” the official Barbie account said Tuesday in a post on Instagram.
In addition to rising to EGOT status, accolades for Ms. Moreno include a Golden Globe Award for West Side Story in 1962, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004, the National Medal of Arts in 2009, a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Screen Actors Guild in 2014 and The Television Critics Association in 2018, a Kennedy Center Honor in 2015, and a Peabody Award for career achievement in 2019.
“It’s an honor to celebrate Rita Moreno as the latest addition to our Barbie Tribute Collection,” said Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of dolls at Mattel in a statement. “She has shattered stereotypes and barriers for Latinas in the entertainment industry and beyond. Her fierce advocacy for the Latino community and her tireless commitment to pursuing her passions in the performing arts perfectly encapsulates Barbie’s mission to inspire the next generation.”
The Barbie Tribute Collection, which started in 2021, has honored other trailblazing women including Lucille Ball, Vera Wang and Laverne Cox. The first celebrity Barbie doll was based on the British fashion model Twiggy.
The Rita Moreno Barbie doll goes on sale to the public November 20. On December 11, meanwhile, we officially wish Rita Moreno a Happy 93rd Birthday! All together now…you are a real “doll!”
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