Rita Moreno is feeling cheeky.
On Tuesday, the legendary actress, who has been a show business pioneer for seventy years, joined Hoda Kotb. Today to talk about his latest movie, Quick Xand how she got the role.
“Sleeping with the right people pays off,” Moreno, 91, told Kotb, 58, who burst out with laughter. The calming host said she heard that the EGOT winner helped her grandson get a role in the blockbuster series.
“He thinks so,” Moreno replied. He then went on to tell the story of his 24-year-old grandson, Justin Fisher, when he met Vin Diesel. West Side Story It premiered in 2021 and offered her grandmother for the movie.
“Vin had already decided she wanted me to be in it,” Moreno said. “But Justin is sure he gave me the job… he’s going around bragging about everybody.”
Moreno was quick to spot the “amazing cast” in the star-studded summer blockbuster, the tenth installment in the series. fast and furious franchise
“I’m texting friends with Chris,” Moreno said of rapper Ludacris, aka Chris Bridges, who plays technologist Tej Parker in the film. “Before I left, I asked him for his number, I found him very interesting. You know, he’s a smart, outspoken guy.”
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The movie also stars Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Tyrese Gibson, Nathalie Emmanuel, Charlize Theron, Cardi B, Brie Larson, Michelle Rodriguez and Jason Momoa.
Diesel shared the news of Moreno’s casting by posting a selfie-style video of himself on Instagram in May 2022.
“Working with Rita Moreno has been my dream forever and having her here playing my grandmother makes my soul smile. I’m so lucky,” she said.
Later in Tuesday’s interview, Moreno revealed that he’s already been cast. Fast and Furious 11shared the beauty of aging and the “very mischievous nature” in general.
“Every year I get dirtier,” he mocked.
Quick X It hits theaters on May 19.