BEVERLY HILLS
Rita Moreno, who continues to be a showbiz dynamo at the youthful age of 86, will be honored by the Television Critics Association (TCA) with its 2018 Career Achievement honor when the organization holds its annual awards ceremony Saturday (Aug. 4) at the Beverly Hilton.
The TCA also announced on Monday that the beloved NBC/Warner Bros. sitcom “Friends” will receive the Heritage Award.
Moreno, a Berkeley resident, will have to find some extra room in her trophy case for the TCA prize. She’s one of only 12 artists to have won all four major annual American entertainment awards: an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony. She is also a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Moreno currently co-stars in the critically acclaimed Netflix sitcom “One Day At A Time.” Her TV career also includes featured roles in “Oz,” “Where On Earth Is Carmen Sandiego?” “The Rockford Files,” “The Electric Company” and “The Muppet Show,” among many others.
In addition to he TV roles, Moreno has remained active in other forms of entertainment. She regularly performs cabaret shows in the Bay Area and beyond. In 2011, Moreno starred in a solo autobiographical show — “Life Without Makeup” — at Berkeley Rep.
As TCA President Daniel Fienberg of The Hollywood Reporter, said of the legend attending the gala, “A singer, dancer and actor without peer, a veteran of comedy and drama, shows for the youngest of children and the most mature of adults, Rita Moreno has been one of the medium’s most versatile performers for decades.”
“Friends,” a generation-defining series that aired on NBC for 10 seasons (1994-2004), left an indelible mark on popular culture with authentic characters, all-star cameos, relatable plots, and unforgettable one-liners.
“We’re also excited to honor ‘Friends’ with our Heritage Award,” Fienberg added. “A show that reshaped television comedy for a generation, ‘Friends’ is nearing the 25th anniversary of its premiere, but we just couldn’t wait to say ‘We’ll be there for you’ a year early.”
Robin Thede will emcee The 34th Annual TCA Awards.