Rita Moreno Celebrates Her 93rd Birthday at Mardi Gras-Themed Party: 'Still Enjoy All the Good Things in Life!' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Rita Moreno.Photo:Sean Katz

Sean Katz

Rita Morenobrought a bit of New Orleans to Northern California as she celebrated her 93rd birthday.

TheWest Side Storyiconwas the guest of honor at a Mardi Gras-themed birthday party in the Berkeley area on Dec. 7, four days before her actual birthday.

Moreno dubbed the day — complete with purple, green and gold color scheme — “Fat Saturday,” a play on “Fat Tuesday,” the final day of Carnival and the Christian feasting period before the start of Lent.

“How remarkable it is to be 93 and still enjoy all the good things in life!” Moreno tells PEOPLE. “I am particularly grateful for my family and friends who have filled my life with love and laughter.”

Rita Moreno.Nevin Dolcefino

Nevin Dolcefino

Those 60 friends and family members who helped mark the occasion included herdaughter Fernanda, formerOne Day at a TimecostarJustina Machadoand the Netflix comedy’s executive producers Brent Miller and Mike Royce.

During the lively evening, a brass band played several songs, including a special rendition of “Happy Birthday,” and a handful of guests offered sweet toasts to theEGOT winner, who wore a purple sequin jacket emblazoned with Queen of Mardi Gras on the back.

In lieu of a cake, Moreno had a chocolate fountain with strawberries, pretzels and other items for dipping.

Rita Moreno with friends.Sean Katz

Moreno also celebrated — and showed off — her Barbie tribute doll from Mattel, which launched Nov. 20.

“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 in each and every girl today: to live their life with courage and resilience so that they can make their dreams a reality,” she said in a statement in November.

Rita Moreno and her daughter Fernanda in 2018.Presley Ann/WireImage

Moreno has always been one to enjoy a good party. Last year, ahead of her 92nd birthday, she told PEOPLE she was considering multiple events.

“Here’s the problem now: I have a condo that I absolutely adore. It’s beautiful, but it won’t hold all of the people that I have for my birthday, because I always have fabulous birthdays,” she said.

Morenohad at least one bash: at a dinner in London with fellow theater stars Patrick Wilson,Audra McDonald,Daniel Dae Kimand Aaron Tveit, who were all across the pond to sing atThe Rodgers & Hammerstein 80th Anniversary Concert, which featured Moreno as a surprise performer.

source: people.com