Rita Moreno Barbie doll honors icon ahead of 93rd birthday

On November 20, 2024By Littum

Rita Moreno is turning 93, and for her birthday she’s getting a brand new Barbie doll – one that looks just like her.

The announcement from Mattel is just another notch on the “West Side Story” star’s belt: Moreno is one of only 21 artists and the first Latina ever to win an EGOT (also known as the acclaimed combination of Emmy, Grammy- , Oscar and Tony Awards). been a dominant force in the entertainment industry for decades. Her work across film and television has garnered her recognition for titles as diverse as “The Muppet Show” to “Carnal Knowledge.”

In addition to her work on screen and stage, Moreno’s activism despite the “obstacles of sexism and discrimination” was important for the toy company to highlight with its newest celebrity doll.

“Her fierce advocacy for the Latino community and her tireless commitment to pursuing her passions in the performing arts perfectly encapsulate Barbie’s mission to inspire the next generation,” Krista Berger, Barbie SVP and Mattel’s global head of dolls, said in a statement alongside the doll’s message. .

All about Rita Moreno Barbie

Moreno’s doll wears a floor-length black and gold dress with metallic details. Her hair is pulled back in a low bun and she wears sleek black opera-length gloves with a pair of gold earrings. The getup was inspired by a number of the actress’ most iconic red carpet looks, according to Mattel.

As part of the Tribute collection, which the company launched in 2021 to honor pioneering female figures, Moreno’s doll joins the ranks of icons such as Lucille Ball, Vera Wang and Laverne Cox.

“I was a girl who decided to go for it, and despite the challenges I faced, I never gave up on my dreams. That’s what I hope this doll inspires every girl today: to live their lives with courage and resilience so they can make their dreams come true,” Moreno said in a statement provided by Mattel.

The doll will be available for purchase on Wednesday for $40.

It hits the shelves at a time when the Barbie fever may have caught on, but it certainly hasn’t gone away just yet. After the “Barbie” movie crushed box office sales and created a global shortage of pink paint (yes, really), the doll was seemingly everywhere.

This year, the brand’s value has continued to climb, and recent releases from the company feature more inclusive Barbies including a doll in honor of Diwali and several with different abilities.