Newsypeople – Vin Diesel Honors Rita Moreno at Gala, paid a heartfelt tribute to Rita Moreno at a gala event in New York City, celebrating her legendary career and acknowledging her significant impact on his life and career.
Diesel, who described Moreno as his “first crush,” shared a touching moment from their collaboration on the “Fast & Furious” franchise, where a line was created on the spot for Moreno to deliver, which moved her to tears.
Diesel emphasized the importance of supporting those who make a difference, highlighting his own lack of major awards in comparison to the honor of being recognized by Moreno. The event also featured tributes from Morgan Freeman, Alan Cumming, Lin Manuel-Miranda, and Sally Field, as well as performances by dancers from the Ballet Hispánico and Ansel Elgort.
Moreno, who has won an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony, expressed her gratitude for the celebration, noting it was the first time she had been honored in such a manner. The event was a testament to Moreno’s enduring legacy and the profound impact she has had on the entertainment industry and beyond.
Vin Diesel Honors Rita Moreno at Gala: A Tribute to a Legendary Career
Vin Diesel paid a heartfelt tribute to Rita Moreno at a gala in her honor, celebrating her legendary career and the impact she has had on the world of entertainment. The event, held at the Edison Ballroom in New York City, was organized by the WNET Group on May 7, 2024, and was a celebration of Moreno’s 92-year-old career, which spans decades of achievements in theater, film, and television. Diesel, who has described Moreno as his “first crush” and his “onscreen grandmother,” took the stage to honor her, sharing personal anecdotes and highlighting her contributions to the arts.
Diesel began his speech by reminiscing about his childhood in New York, where Moreno’s role in “The Electric Company” helped him and his neighborhood learn how to read. He then recalled a pivotal moment when he was casting for the role of Abuelita in “Fast & Furious,” and he realized that Moreno was the only actress who could bring the character to life. Diesel praised Moreno for inspiring him as a child to believe that someone who looks like him could achieve fame, giving him the confidence to pursue his own dreams.
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Moreno, who has won an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony, among other accolades, was deeply moved by Diesel’s words. She expressed her gratitude for the tribute, saying;
“I’ve never had any kind of celebration in my honor. Yes, I’ve gotten some pretty fabulous awards and statues but I’ve never had anything in my honor.”
Moreno’s emotional response was met with a standing ovation from the audience, who were moved by her journey and the impact she has had on the world.
Vin Diesel Gives "First Crush" Rita Moreno a Moving Tribute at N.Y.C. Gala in Her Honor https://t.co/JQ0vB7Wbgi
— People (@people) May 8, 2024
The event also featured performances by Morgan Freeman, Alan Cumming, Lin Manuel-Miranda, and Sally Field, who appeared via video to pay tribute to Moreno. Dancers from the Ballet Hispánico and Marvel actress Xochitl Gomez also performed, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. Ansel Elgort performed “Something’s Coming” from “West Side Story,” which led to an emotional moment when Moreno kissed Elgort on stage.
Rita Moreno’s friendship with Vin Diesel has been a source of joy for both of them. Moreno has described Diesel as a fan who sends her greetings and pictures of his family regularly. Their bond was cemented when Diesel invited Moreno to the 2021 premiere of Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story” remake, where they discussed the “Fast and the Furious” franchise. Diesel’s decision to cast Moreno as Abuela Toretto in “Fast X” was a fulfillment of a long-held dream for both of them.
The gala was a testament to Moreno’s enduring legacy and the profound impact she has had on the lives of countless individuals, including Vin Diesel. Her contributions to the arts have not only enriched the entertainment industry but have also inspired countless others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Vin Diesel Collaborates with Rita Moreno on the “Fast & Furious” Franchise
Vin Diesel came to collaborate with Rita Moreno on the “Fast & Furious” franchise through a series of serendipitous events and personal connections. Diesel, who has always admired Moreno’s trailblazing career and her influence on the Latinx community, saw an opportunity to celebrate her legacy in the franchise. The idea of Moreno playing the grandmother of Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, was a natural fit for the storyline, which often explores themes of family and legacy.
Diesel’s decision to cast Moreno was influenced by his admiration for her work and her significance in the industry, as well as the desire to honor her contributions to the entertainment world. The casting was also facilitated by Moreno’s grandson, Justin Fisher, who suggested her to Diesel after a meeting, highlighting the personal connection that led to her involvement in the franchise.
Vin Diesel, known for his portrayal of Dominic Toretto, has been a pivotal figure in the “Fast & Furious” saga since its inception in 2001. The franchise has garnered immense popularity over the years, emphasizing themes of family, loyalty, and high-octane action sequences.
Diesel’s on-screen family, including characters played by Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, and the late Paul Walker, has been integral to the series’ success.
Rita Moreno’s addition to the cast of “Fast X” brings a wealth of experience and talent to the franchise. With a career spanning over seven decades and more than 150 credits to her name, Moreno is a seasoned actress known for her versatility and memorable performances. Her role as Dominic Toretto’s grandmother adds a familial depth to the narrative, aligning with the franchise’s emphasis on the importance of family bonds.
Vin Diesel expressed his long-standing admiration for Rita Moreno, highlighting his dream of working with her. In an Instagram video, Diesel shared his excitement about Moreno joining the cast, emphasizing the significance of her role as Dominic and Mia Toretto’s grandmother. Moreno reciprocated the enthusiasm, expressing her thrill at being part of the franchise and anticipating a fun and engaging experience on set.
“Fast X” has faced some behind-the-scenes changes, including directorial shifts, with Louis Leterrier taking the helm. Despite these challenges, the film remains on track for its scheduled release date on May 19, 2023. The addition of Rita Moreno to the cast underscores the franchise’s tradition of surprising audiences with legendary actors, following the inclusion of stars like Kurt Russell and Helen Mirren in previous installments.
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