Rita Moreno | Source: Getty Images
The iconic entertainer takes immense joy in being a grandparent. Among her two cherished grandchildren, one even played a key role in securing her a part in a blockbuster movie franchise. She is the proud mother of one and grandmother to two.
Rita Moreno, the celebrated Puerto Rican performer and EGOT winner, is best remembered for her unforgettable performances in “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) and “West Side Story” (1961).
Off-screen, she embraces her role as a devoted mother and grandmother to two grandsons, one of whom has been described as “handsome.”
Rita found lasting happiness beyond the spotlight when she married a retired cardiologist who later became her manager, Leonard Gordon, in June 1965. He sadly died in 2010 after 45 years of marriage.
Reflecting on their union and the lessons she learned, Rita revealed in a candid interview that she “probably” would’ve left her “very controlling” late husband.
Leonard Gordon and Rita Moreno attend a party on September 13, 1983, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
She acknowledged that tensions in the relationship had grown significantly and that her daughter was the primary reason she stayed. Rita also noted that she wasn’t certain divorce was ever a viable option, as she “had no plans to have a life with anybody else.”
The veteran actress and her spouse welcomed their only child, Fernanda Luisa Gordon, two years after tying the knot in September 1967.
Reflecting on her daughter’s impact, Rita shared, “She brought with her a light that, through the years, has grown into a perpetual incandescence where I warm myself more and more as the years go by. You could say she is the gift that keeps giving…”
Over the years, Fernanda followed in her mother’s artistic footsteps, becoming a talented singer and dancer who often performed in Rita’s stage productions.
Academically accomplished, the actress graduated cum laude from Tufts University and earned a Master of Fine Arts in acting from the University of Southern California.
In May 2022, Fernanda honored her mother on Mother’s Day with a heartfelt tribute accompanied by a nostalgic photo of the two together. In her message, she wrote, “You have always been an amazing mom – and have become a true friend. Grateful to share so many beautiful experiences with you, mí compañera.”
Fernanda has found her own happiness, marrying David Tyler Fisher in October 1996. At the time, David worked as a manager in the telecommunications practice at Andersen Consulting in San Ramon, California.
Fernanda and David went on to welcome two sons, Justin and Cameron Fisher, whom Rita adores deeply. Rita’s love for her grandchildren is boundless, a fact she shared during an interview at TIME’s Women of the Year Gala.
The grandmother shared that she feels most beautiful “when I’m looking into the eyes of my grandboys, and that’s one of them,” as she gestured toward her grandson Justin, who was by her side at the event.
Rita Moreno and Justin Fisher attend TIME Women of the Year on March 8, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Overflowing with pride, she added, “I’m just I’m so proud of him. I can’t stand myself. This is my boy.” Meanwhile, Justin expressed his admiration for his grandmother, saying, “Whether you’re 24 years old or 91 years young, it’s always a fun time with Rita.”
Justin’s admiration for his grandmother, who became the first Hispanic woman to win an Academy Award, is evident not just in words but also in his actions. In 2023, he accompanied Rita to the premiere of “80 for Brady” in Los Angeles.
Rita Moreno and Justin Fisher attend the Los Angeles premiere screening of “80 For Brady” on January 31, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
On the red carpet, Justin revealed, “It was my idea to get her in ‘Fast and Furious 10.'” This was after his encounter with Vin Diesel at the “West Side Story” premiere in 2021.
Rita, known for her quick wit, joked that she owed him a portion of her paycheck for the suggestion. Justin further elaborated on how the idea came to life, recounting his conversation with Vin after the premiere.
“[Vin and I] caught up and grabbed drinks after the event, and he’s so fond of my grandma,” he recalled. “I told him, ‘You should work with her. You should have her be your grandma, have her slap you upside the head. Have her have a little tone, because you know her, it’s all tone.'”
Justin continues to make his family proud. In June 2021, his mother, Fernanda, celebrated his birthday with a heartfelt Instagram tribute featuring a collage of his childhood photos.
She wrote, “Hey @justinfish26! We are thinking of you today on your 23rd birthday and sending hugs and high fives. We love you and are so proud of you. Keep living life to the fullest and enjoying CO.”
Fast forward to January 2024, Justin, now 26, shared a glimpse of his family bond with a photo featuring himself alongside his mother and grandmother, whom he now towers over. Captioning the Instagram post, he wrote, “Poppin off 2024 on a tropical note, sponsored by La Familia y Pacifico.”
Social media users have frequently admired Justin’s striking appearance, often sharing compliments on his photos. Under a picture of him with his mother, one user commented, “You look so beautiful and your son is so handsome! What a wonderful photo!” In a solo shot, one person remarked, “Looking fine,” and another stated, “Handsome,” in a different post.
Justin’s younger brother, Cameron, has also been celebrated by their family. In July 2021, Fernanda marked his 21st birthday with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing a collage of his childhood and recent photos alongside the caption, “Happy 21st Birthday @cfishy1!!! We love you.”
By May 2023, Fernanda proudly announced another milestone—Cameron’s graduation. Sharing a photo of him with Justin and Rita, she wrote, “Very #proudmama today! @cfishy1 graduated from the #BU school of communications with a double major in #film and #mediascience. #bravo Cam.” While Fernanda shared her pride in Cameron’s accomplishments with the world, he has chosen to maintain a more private life compared to his older brother.
Rita Moreno’s family continues to shine in their own unique ways, reflecting the values of love, talent, and resilience she has instilled in them. From her cherished role as a grandmother to her children and grandchildren’s accomplishments, her legacy extends far beyond her iconic career.
