Mattel Unveils Rita Moreno Barbie Doll to Honor EGOT Legend’s Legacy Ahead of Her 93rd Birthday

### Honoring a Pioneer: Rita Moreno Receives Her Own Barbie Doll

Barbie, the legendary doll that has motivated countless individuals across the globe, continues its endeavor to honor visionary women and cultural figures through its Tribute Collection. In celebration of her upcoming 93rd birthday, actress, singer, and activist **Rita Moreno** has been included in this prestigious group with a Barbie doll created in her honor, recognizing her remarkable career and the groundbreaking moment she became the first Latina recipient of an Academy Award.

Moreno’s historic achievement at the **1962 Oscars** for her portrayal of Anita in *West Side Story* marked a significant cultural milestone. This not only propelled her to fame but also opened doors for increased representation of Latinas in the film industry. Fast forward to 2023, and Mattel has enshrined the living icon by incorporating her into its Tribute Collection, an initiative launched in 2021 to acknowledge pioneering figures in fashion, film, and more.

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### The Design: A Tribute to Timeless Hollywood Glamour

The **Rita Moreno Barbie doll** embodies her elegance and style with an attire that reflects two pivotal moments in her journey: her remarkable Oscar win in 1962 and the occasion she revisited that look at the 2018 Academy Awards. The doll wears an **elegant black gown adorned with metallic embellishments** on the skirt, reminiscent of her iconic Oscar dress. To encapsulate Moreno’s everlasting grace, the doll is equipped with opera-length gloves, black footwear, striking gold earrings, and a detailed up-do hairstyle.

In the creation of the doll, Mattel collaborated closely with Moreno to ensure that her likeness and personal flair were genuinely represented. From initial sketches to the final touches of the gown, Moreno’s insights were vital. This partnership led to the creation of a doll that authentically captures her spirit.

Krista Berger, senior vice president of Barbie and global head of Dolls at Mattel, articulated her enthusiasm for the project. “As one of the few performers to achieve EGOT-status excellence, [Rita Moreno] has broken stereotypes and hurdles for Latinas in the entertainment field and beyond,” she remarked.

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### Commemorating an EGOT-Winning Icon

Belonging to the prestigious **EGOT** club—an acronym representing winners of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—places Moreno among an elite few. She accomplished this in 1977 after securing her Grammy for *The Electric Company*. Her distinguished career spans over seven decades in film, television, theater, and music, establishing her as one of the most celebrated performers in history. Nonetheless, Moreno’s influence goes beyond her honors.

Throughout her professional journey, she has been a relentless advocate for **Hispanic and female representation in Hollywood**, challenging persistent stereotypes and addressing the sexism and racism that have historically affected the entertainment industry. Alongside her on-screen endeavors, Moreno has committed her life to uplifting marginalized communities by sharing her own experiences and victories. With the unveiling of her Barbie doll, Mattel highlights this aspect of her legacy, aiming to inspire a new wave of dreamers and achievers.

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### Moreno’s Message of Empowerment

For Moreno, Barbie represents more than just a doll—it symbolizes empowerment for young girls. “I was a girl who chose to pursue my dreams, and despite the obstacles I encountered, I never relinquished my aspirations,” she shared. Moreno wishes for her doll to motivate young girls to live boldly, embrace their boundless potential, and transform their dreams into reality.

By lending her image to a Barbie doll, Moreno seeks to promote resilience and self-confidence in the face of adversity. This perfectly aligns with Barbie’s broader mission of demonstrating that girls can become anything they aspire to achieve.

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### A Legacy of Honoring Trailblazers

The Rita Moreno Barbie doll is part of Barbie’s **Tribute Collection**, which acknowledges powerful women who have significantly impacted their fields. Other esteemed figures in the collection include **Vera Wang**, a groundbreaking Asian-American designer; **Laverne Cox**, a pioneering transgender actress and advocate; and **Lucille Ball**, a comedic icon and the first woman to lead a major TV production studio. By introducing these individuals as dolls, Mattel not only honors their contributions but also cements their legacies in the hearts of future generations.

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### Inspiring the Future

Despite her numerous accomplishments, Moreno’s greatest aspiration is that her Barbie doll becomes a source of inspiration for the future generation. As a pioneer who overcame significant challenges to achieve her dreams, Moreno exemplifies the strength of perseverance and the importance of self-advocacy. Her narrative serves as a powerful reminder that representation is crucial and that young people deserve to see themselves mirrored in the icons they look up to.

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### Where to Purchase the Rita Moreno Barbie Doll

The **Rita Moreno Barbie doll** is