Photo: Mary Evans/AF Archive/Kobal/Wireimage; Niko Tavernise /© 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett Collection
West Side Storyfirst graced the big screen in 1961.
In 2021,Steven Spielbergbecame the latest director toremake the originalfor a new generation, starring brand-new faces in the leading roles.
While the 2021 film featureda fresh set of young actorsplaying Tony, Maria and more, it still paid tribute to its roots.
Rita Moreno— whoplayed Anita in the original movie— depicteda newly created characternamed Valentina in Spielberg’s film and even served as executive producer.
Maria: Natalie Wood and Rachel Zegler
Silver Screen Collection/Getty; 0th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett
Natalie Woodoriginally played Maria in the 1961 film. Even though the late Oscar-nominated actress had many notable roles throughout her career, includingMiracle on 34th Street,Splendor in the GrassandGypsy, her part inWest Side Storyis often regarded as one of her greatest.
Beating out 30,000 candidates,Rachel Zeglerscored the role of Mariaat just 17 years old in 2019. The filmmarked her feature film debut, and she went on to win a Golden Globe for best actress in a comedy or musical. Zegler has since starred in the 2023 blockbusterShazam! Fury of the Godsand will lead theupcomingSnow Whitelive-action remake.
Tony: Richard Beymer and Ansel Elgort
everett; Niko Tavernise /© 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett
Richard Beymer originally played Tony in the 1961 classic, for which he received twoGolden Globenominations for most promising newcomer and best actor in a comedy or musical. Beymer later played Ben Horne onTwin Peaksopposite his formerWest Side Storycostar Russ Tamblyn.
Riff: Russ Tamblyn and Mike Faist
United Artists/Getty; Patrick Higgins, 2021. © 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett
Mike Faist is no stranger to musical theater. Before starring as Riff, the actor made his Broadway debut in 2012 as Morris Delancey in Disney’sNewsiesand originated the role of Connor Murphy in the Broadway production ofDear Evan Hansen, earning his first Tony Award nomination in 2017.
Anita: Rita Moreno and Ariana DeBose
Silver Screen Collection/Getty; Niko Tavernise / © 20th Century Studios / Courtesy Everett
Moreno famously played Anita, Bernardo’s girlfriend and Maria’s best friend, in 1961’sWest Side Story. She won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role (though she’s sinceexpressed regrets over the skin-darkening makeupshe had to wear). SinceWest Side Story, she has had an extensive career in film and theater and is one of few performers toreceive an EGOT(an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony). In the 2021 adaptation, Moreno played a new character named Valentina — the owner of her late husband’s drugstore and Tony’s confidant.
Bernardo: George Chakiris and David Alvarez
George Chakiris was a well-known dancer in Hollywood (known for his performance inMarilyn Monroe’s “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” number andWhite Christmas)before landing the role of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks gang. In 1962, Chakiris won both an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe for best supporting actor – motion picture.
Before starring as Bernardo,David Alvarezplayed one of the original Billys in the Broadway production ofBilly Elliot the Musical. He later became one of the youngest Tony Award winners for best actor in a leading role in a musical. Alvarez took time off from performing tojoin the Armybut returned to the stage in Broadway’sOn the Town.
source: people.com
