Being a grandfather brings the renowned performer immense delight. One of her two adored grandkids even helped her land a role in a big movie franchise. She is a proud mother of one and a grandma of two.
Rita Moreno, a prominent Puerto Rican singer and EGOT recipient, is best known for her iconic roles in “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) and “West Side Story” (1961).
Off-screen, she takes pleasure in her role as a loving mother and grandmother to her two grandchildren, one of whom has received praise for being “handsome.”
Rita found long-term pleasure away from the spotlight when she married Leonard Gordon, a retired doctor who eventually became her manager, in June 1965. Sadly, he died in 2010 after 45 years of marriage.
Rita admitted in a candid interview that she “probably” would’ve left her “very controlling” late husband after reflecting on their marriage and the lessons she learned.
She confessed that difficulties in the relationship had risen dramatically and that her daughter was the primary reason she remained. Rita also stated that she was unsure whether divorce was ever a possibility since she “had no plans to have a life with anybody else.”
Two years after their September 1967 wedding, the legendary actress and her hubby had their only child, Fernanda Luisa Gordon.
Rita reflected on her daughter’s effect, saying, “She brought with her a light that, over the years, has grown into a perpetual incandescence in which I warm myself more and more as the years pass.” You might say she is the gift that keeps on giving…
Fernanda grew up to be a superb singer and dancer who frequently appeared in Rita’s theatrical plays.
Academically accomplished, the actress graduated with honors from Tufts University and a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Southern California.
Fernanda paid homage to her mother on Mother’s Day in May 2022, accompanying it with a fond snapshot of the two of them. In her statement, she stated, “You have always been an excellent mother and have become a true friend.” I am grateful to have had so many wonderful experiences with you, my compañera.
Fernanda discovered her own happiness after marrying David Tyler Fisher in October 1996. At the time, David was a manager in Andersen Consulting’s telecommunications business in San Ramon, California.
Fernanda and David went on to have two boys, Justin and Cameron Fisher, whom Rita adores. Rita’s love for her grandkids is inexhaustible, as she revealed during an interview at TIME’s Women of the Year Gala.
When asked when she feels most attractive, the grandmother said, “When I’m looking into the eyes of my grandboys, and that’s one of them,” referring specifically to her grandson Justin, who accompanied her to the event.
She said with delight, “I’m simply so proud of him. I cannot stand myself.” This is my boy.” Meanwhile, Justin acknowledged his respect for his grandma, adding, “Whether you’re 24 or 91 years old, spending time with Rita is always enjoyable.”
Justin not only speaks but also acts in honor of his grandmother, the first Hispanic Academy Award winner. In 2023, he accompanied Rita to the Los Angeles premiere of “80 For Brady.”
Justin disclosed on the red carpet that he helped his grandma win a role in the high-octane picture “Fast X,” which originated from a chance encounter with Vin Diesel at the “West Side Story” premiere in 2021. He revealed that the actor is fond of his renowned grandma.
Justin acknowledged his participation in the casting, stating, “It was my idea to get her in ‘Fast and Furious 10.'” Rita, noted for her sharp wit, subsequently quipped that she owed him a percentage of her salary for the proposal.
“[Vin and I] caught up and grabbed drinks after the event, and he’s so fond of my grandma,” he told me. I urged him, ‘You should work with her.'”You should treat her as your grandmother and let her scold you.”Let her express herself a little, as you are familiar with her; everything has a tone.”
Justin is now 26 years old and continues to make his family proud. His mother, Fernanda, marked his 23rd birthday in June 2021 with a poignant Instagram post that included a mosaic of his childhood images.
She wrote, “Hello, @justinfish26! Today is your 23rd birthday, and we’re sending you hugs and high-fives. We love you and are really proud of you. Keep living your life to the fullest and loving Colorado.”
Fast forward to January 2024, when Justin published a photo of himself with his mother and grandma, whom he now towers over. He captioned the Instagram photo, “Starting off 2024 with a tropical note, sponsored by La Familia y Pacifico.”
Justin’s outstanding appearance has received a lot of attention on social media, with many people complimenting him on his images. One person wrote on a picture of him with his mother, “You look so beautiful, and your son is so handsome!” “What a wonderful photograph!” In a solitary photo, one user commented, “Looking fine,” while another said, “Handsome,” in a different post.
Justin’s family has also cherished Cameron, his younger brother. Fernanda celebrated his 21st birthday in July 2021 with an emotional Instagram post, uploading a montage of childhood and recent images with the remark, “Happy 21st Birthday, @cfishy1!!!” “We love you.”
By May 2023, Fernanda joyously announced Cameron’s graduation. She captioned a photo of him with Justin and Rita, “Very proud mother today! @cfishy1 graduated from the #BU School of Communications with a double major in #film and #mediascience. #Bravo Cam.” Cameron, unlike his older brother, likes a secluded existence.
Rita Moreno’s family continues to shine in their own unique ways, embodying the virtues of love, skill, and perseverance that she taught them. Her legacy goes far beyond her renowned career, including her valued role as a grandmother and the successes of her children and grandchildren.