Rita Moreno receives honorary doctorate from Harvard

Washington (EFE) – Legendary actress Rita Moreno received an honorary doctorate this Thursday for her outstanding contributions to the arts during Harvard University’s graduation ceremony, marking another milestone in the Puerto Rican icon’s illustrious career.

The 93-year-old actress, singer, and dancer was one of six distinguished individuals awarded honorary degrees during Harvard’s 374th commencement ceremony.

Moreno has achieved tremendous success over her more than 70-year career, becoming the first Latina to win an Oscar for her role as Anita in West Side Story, directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise.

She is also part of the elite group of artists known as EGOT winners—those who have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Harvard Magazine highlighted the extraordinary career of Rosa Dolores Alverío—Moreno’s birth name—who arrived in New York as a child with her mother.

At just 13 years old, Moreno made her Broadway debut. Her role in Skydrift led to offers from Hollywood, though she was often cast in stereotypical ethnic roles, despite appearing in predominantly white productions such as Singin’ in the Rain by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, where she played Zelda Zanders.

Nevertheless, throughout her career, she also took on roles that dignified and elevated Latino representation, such as her character in the series One Day at a Time.

Moreno has been honored by U.S. presidents from both parties. Former President George W. Bush awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to the arts, and former President Barack Obama presented her with the National Medal of Arts.

Alongside Moreno, the following figures also received honorary doctorates from the prestigious university: NBA star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, climate scientist Richard Alley, Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo, Asian American studies pioneer Elaine H. Kim, and physician and professor Abraham Verghese.