Latina actress Rita Moreno, renowned for her groundbreaking contributions to Hollywood, shared a candid revelation about her journey in embracing her Hispanic identity during an interview on the TODAY show.

The legendary actor of Puerto Rican descent disclosed that for many years, she struggled with feeling unworthy, unattractive, and disconnected from her Latina heritage.

Moreno spoke about her personal challenges, shedding light on the impact of discrimination and typecasting in the film and television industry, according to NBC News.

Early Struggles and Strength from Puerto Rican Roots

Recalling her early years, Moreno revealed the racism she faced upon arriving in New York from Puerto Rico at the age of five.

She highlighted the strength she inherited from her mother, who, like many Puerto Rican women, faced the challenges of navigating a new country without knowing English, BBC noted.

The Latina actress Rita Moreno emphasized that her mother's resilience influenced her character profoundly.

As one of the featured women on the BBC 100 Women list, Moreno discussed her transformative journey from the vibrant colors of Puerto Rico to the industrial landscape of Manhattan.

At 18, she signed with MGM Studios, facing an industry that struggled with her given name, Rosa Dolores Alverio.

Forced to adopt the name Rita, Moreno shared that it was chosen because of her admiration for actress Rita Hayworth.

Despite initial discomfort, she grew accustomed to the name and wouldn't change it now.

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Channeling Personal Experiences for "The Prank" Role

The 92-year-old Hollywood icon, promoting her role in the new comedy film "The Prank," delved into her approach to portraying a mean-spirited professor falsely accused of murder, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Rita Moreno admitted that she drew inspiration from real-life encounters with women in show business who had treated her poorly.

Reflecting on her preparation for the role, she humorously referred to these individuals as "all of these bitches" and embraced the opportunity to use those experiences in her performance.

While Moreno didn't reveal specific names, the discussion highlighted the challenging dynamics in Hollywood, resonating with cohost Whoopi Goldberg, also an EGOT-winning performer.

During the episode, EGOT winner Rita Moreno also shared a lighthearted "Trump Sandwich" joke she encountered in a Los Angeles deli.

The description humorously outlined two slices of white bread, bologna, and a very small pickle.

"I saw a sign in a deli wall in LA, where I was visiting," Moreno shared.

"And it said: Trump Sandwich. And then it goes on to describe it. ... Two slices of white bread, bologna, and a very small pickle," she added.

The candid conversation on "The View" touched on the tempestuous relationships among cohosts, reflecting on infamous clashes from the show's history.

Latina actress Rita Moreno's openness about her struggles with Hispanic identity and her unfiltered approach to her craft shed light on the complexities faced by performers in the industry.

Her journey from overcoming personal insecurities to becoming a trailblazer serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the resilience needed to navigate Hollywood's landscape.

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This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Rita Moreno: 'For many years, I didn't like being a Hispanic person' - From TODAY