Rita Moreno reveals Michael Jackson incorporated some of her dance moves in the legendary 1982 Thriller music video
Legendary actress Rita Moreno, best known for her role in Singin' in the Rain, recently shared a surprising connection between her work and Michael Jackson's iconic music video for Thriller.
The legendary actress, known for her captivating performances in musicals and films, shared insights into her encounter with Michael Jackson and how it shaped one of the most iconic moments in pop culture history.
During an interview with PEOPLE magazine, the 92-year-old Moreno revealed a conversation with the late King of Pop where he allegedly admitted to being inspired by her dancing.
"I'm always shocked when Michael — I love to tell the story,” she told People. "He told me one day that I was a huge favorite of his, [in this] tiny little voice, and he said, 'I’ve always loved your dancing, and I copied some of the steps,' and sure enough, when I saw Thriller,sI saw some of the steps from America."
Rita Moreno credits influence on Michael Jackson's "Thriller"
Legendary actress Rita Moreno explained that Jackson admired the choreography from her performance in the song America from the 1961 film West Side Story. Thriller, released in 1982, was a groundbreaking music video that established a new standard for the medium. It featured a nearly 14-minute mini-movie where Michael Jackson transformed into a zombie-like creature.
According to Rita Moreno, Jackson himself acknowledged borrowing inspiration from her dance moves in America for his Thriller video. She said upon seeing Jackson's music video, she recognized elements of the choreography from her song incorporated into the video.
Rita Moreno further elaborated that Jackson held the film's choreographer, Jerome Robbins, in high regard. She explained his appreciation for Robbins' work, suggesting it influenced his own approach to dance.
This revelation highlights the lasting impact of Jerome Robbins, the choreographer behind West Side Story. Rita Moreno elaborates:
"Oh he [Michael Jackson] loved, he loved America, he just loved the choreography. He was influenced by Jerome Robbins," she continued, explaining Jackson's appreciation for Robbins' work and its likely influence on his own approach to dance.
While the spooky song famously began with a warning signed by Jackson disclaiming any endorsement of the occult, and Thriller reportedly cost a staggering half-million dollars to produce, making it the most expensive music video at the time, the true thriller here is the unexpected connection between Rita Moreno's dazzling performance and the iconic dance moves in the video.
However, the EGOT winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award) seems perfectly happy about this lasting influence. In an interview with PEOPLE, Moreno even playfully disagreed with performers who claim they don't care about accolades. She says:
"I love being awarded. I love the attention. I think that most actors who tell you they don't want the attention are lying."
She tells PEOPLE that for most performers, receiving recognition is like nourishment, essential not only for their careers but also for their personal fulfillment.
