Rita Moreno’s Got Some Lip For A 100 Year-Old Lady

Right on time to plug the upcoming premiere of fall CBS drama “Cane,” Rita Moreno appears out of thin air in an interview with some critic who refers to himself as Mr. Television. (Moreno plays the matriarch of the “Sopranos”-esque series about booze, blood, and boobs in Cuban south Florida.) Her candor about the role of an elderly nun she played years ago in HBO prison series “Oz” affirms our decision to use her as the cover girl for our recent post on abuela lifestyle being key to the Latino New World Order:

It was so against my type. But I think I may have missed a few opportunities because of the way I looked in that role. In the past, I lost work because I looked too young. On this show, I looked just plain horrible. (She laughs.)

At least she’s willing to admit that premium cable turned a former dish like her into an old maid.

That kind of frankness unfortunately devolves into empowerment babble when the appeal of “Cane” comes up:

This is the very first time you are going to see an accomplished, wealthy, educated, well-dressed Hispanic family on television. This show completely breaks the mold, so how could I not accept the role?

It does indeed, insofar as Latino families on TV are never associated with shady business dealings or sex. Ever.

Mr. Television: Lovely Rita [Media Week]
Earlier, Geriatric Latinas Stave Off Death Better Than Their White And Black Equivalents
If This Is It, Please Let Us Know: Assimilated Latinos Possibly Come Of Age On TV
CBS Pushes More “Cane” Than A Cripple
Image [Google]