Rita Moreno ‘shocked’ to learn Michael Jackson was a big fan of hers

Rita Moreno was “shocked” to learn that Michael Jackson was a fan of hers.
The 92-year-old actress won an Oscar for her role as Anita in the 1961 classic “West Side Story” and performed heavy choreography in the number “America,” but met the late King of Pop – who passed away in 2009 at the age of 20. 50 years later – several years later and was surprised to realize that she had inspired some of the movement in his single “Thriller”.
She said in this week’s issue of People magazine: “I’m always shocked when Michael – I love telling stories – he once told me that I was one of his big favorites, (along with that) tiny voice and he said, “I always liked your dancing and I copied some of the steps,” and of course, when I saw “Thriller,” I saw some of the steps from “America.” “.
“He loved choreography. He was influenced by Jerome Robbins (the choreographer of West Side Story). Oh, a lot. A lot.”
Meanwhile, the Hollywood star – who also appeared in the 2021 remake of ‘West Side Story’ – starred alongside retired NFL star Tom Brady in ’80 For Brady’ and praised the sportsman for his “tremendous manners”, but joked that his ex-wife Gisele Bundchen may disagree.
She said: “He’s gorgeous, he looks like a really big boy. He’s really handsome. Great manners. You know, his wife might not think so. I’m not his wife.”
Rita starred alongside Jane Fonda, Sally Field and Lily Tomlin in the 2023 comedy which saw the actresses play four friends on a mission to see Tom perform at the Super Bowl and previously explained that making the film was a “unique experience”. ” for her.
She said: “The opportunity to work alongside these four incredibly talented women has truly been a unique experience! »