BIOGRAPHY / BIOGRAFÍA
Miluka Rivera is indeed a remarkable figure with a diverse and impactful career.
She has made significant contributions across various fields.
She is considered among the most awarded Latina actress-union-activist,
and broke the record for writing the most Spanish books about Puerto Ricans
and Latinos in Hollywood and Broadway with exclusive interviews of legendary stars.
Rivera, is a multi-award-winning actress, arts activist-advocate, author, journalist and producer. Her accolades are impressive. Her multifaceted career showcases her talent and dedication to promoting Latino culture and arts. Her decades of work for the advancement and representation of Latinos and women in the film television, literature and SAG/AFTRA, across the country and in Puerto Rico, is groundbreaking, and paving the way across so many spheres. Becoming an inspiring figure.
Rivera’s volumes pays homage to those Latino pioneers who were able to breakthrough as certified celebrities during eras that were less welcoming to Latino talent. Among the forgotten trail blazers and successful stars were José Ferrer first latino to win an Oscar as “best actor” so far. Sadly his Oscar was stolen. She was in conversation with one of the Academy lawyer with the hope of a replica replacement without much success. As a cultural producer cultural she, wrote an initiative to the Puerto Rican Congress, to honor Ferrer with a street named after him, was successful. In 2016, Avenida José Ferrer in Miramar, Puerto Rico, became the first government honor for Ferrer. Juano Hernandez who broke barriers by portraying dignified roles on Broadway, films, and TV. Being the first Black hero on radio, doctor on Broadway, and judge in cinema, and first black and latino to be awarded by the British press. She celebrated their contributions in the first biographies ever written about these two legendary pioneers and others. Additionally, because of her biographical book about trailblazer Juano Hernández, was honored with a star on the Walk of Fame in San Juan. A large marble plaque in his honor, donated by Rivera, now graces the foyer of the prestigious Tapia Theater in Old San Juan, where Hernández performed an “Othello” monologue during the peak of his career in the 50s.
In 2010, Rivera was awarded the Outstanding Woman of the Year by La Opinión/LA Times and the State Controller of California, acknowledging her significant contributions to the arts and the Latino community. As a historian, she has specialized in the representation of Puerto Ricans and Latinos in the film industry and Broadway, offering insightful talks at universities and through virtual platforms like Zoom.
Rivera’s journalism career is equally distinguished, with her articles appearing in prominent publications such as the LA Times, Hispanic Magazine, Writers Guild of America West Journal, Screen Actor National Magazine, Valiente, El Nuevo Día, and El Vocero. Her dedication to the craft and community is further exemplified by her service on the national board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild, where she was twice recognized for her outstanding achievements.
An ardent activist, Rivera has received numerous awards for her exceptional work advocating for Puerto Rican and Latino actors across Puerto Rico, New York, and Hollywood. Her tireless efforts and excellence have left an indelible mark on the arts and cultural landscape.
Miluka Rivera, has significantly advanced arts and literature in Puerto Rico and the U.S. She is a multi-award-winning actress, activist, writer, cultural producer, film-maker, poet, and former National Board member of the Screen Actors Guild. As a TV/radio host, she interviewed veteran actors and produced the highly praised docudrama “Hollywood Latinos Offspring.” Her activism has been recognized by various cities and states, including New York and Los Angeles, Burbank and the Congress of Puerto Rico. She received numerous awards, including the Woman of the Year Award (2010) by La Opinión/LA Times and recognition from CBS as one of the best Latino literature writers in LA. Rivera has authored nine books, with her first two, “Legado Puertorriqueño en Hollywood” and “Hollywood Latinos Offspring,” earning significant acclaim and awards. She also produced, directed and wrote the highly praised docudrama Hollywood Latinos offspring starring, legendary stars Henry Darrow (The High Chaparral and Olga San Juan (Blue Skies).
Rivera continues to impact the industry as a journalist and author, using her writing to honor and inspire the contributions of Latinos/as in American film, dating back to the pre-silent era.
Rivera is dedicated to making a significant impact as a journalist and author, using her work to celebrate and highlight the contributions of Latinos/as in the American film industry, from its early days. She notes the involvement of Puerto Rican dancers in the first Mutoscope film. Rivera has also made notable contributions to the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), AFTRA and the acting community in the US and Puerto Rico.
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Founding Member of Low-Cost Housing Project: Helped establish the Manhattan Plaza housing project for actors in New York.
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Ethnic Directory and Latino Committee: Chaired the first ethnic directory at SAG and led the Latino Committee, delivering eulogies for notable figures.
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SAG Office in Puerto Rico: Proposed and led the establishment of a SAG office in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Diversity Award Committee: Founded the Diversity Award Committee, later known as “The Actor Award.”
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Manager of SAG’s Candidate Slate: Managed the “Performers for Performers” slate for the SAG Board.
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Event Chair: Chaired events like the Latino Heritage Diversity Award, honoring notable figures.
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Honoring Martin Sheen: Organized an event at the ATAS Theater honoring Martin Sheen, featuring a poem recitation by Edward Albert.
Miluka Rivera is indeed a remarkable figure with a diverse and accomplished career. She has made significant contributions to the arts, both in Puerto Rico and internationally. Here are some highlights of her career:
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Modeling and Television: Rivera started as a principal model on WAPA TV’s “Super Show Goya” and became a well-known figure in Puerto Rican television. She was also a cover girl and participated in fashion shows for top local designers. At the Barbizon School of Modeling, she was one of the busiest models and also taught personal improvement and modeling.
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Film and Theater: Rivera starred in the Puerto Rican film “Tiempos y Ritmos” and co-starred in the docudrama “Hollywood Latinos Offspring” with Eddie Vélez. Her theater credits include notable Spanish plays such as “Tric Trac,” “The Diary of Anne Frank,” “Barefoot in the Park,” and “La Morena: The Dark One.” She performed alongside Elizabeth Peña in New York City and played the lead role in “Pearl” at the Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles.
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Writing and Hosting: Rivera wrote the Spanish version of the TV show “The Extraordinary” starring Ricardo Montalbán. She co-hosted the show “Chef Piero’s y Amigos” and hosted a radio show titled “Living Legends con Miluka Rivera” on KIEV 870 AM, featuring guests like Cliff Robertson, John Randolph, Liz Torres, and Tito Nieves.
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Filmmaking: As a filmmaker, Rivera co-produced, wrote, and directed the docudrama “Hollywood Latinos Offspring,” which explores the contributions and struggles of Latinos in early American cinema. The film features stars like Henry Darrow, Olga San Juan, Roselyn Sánchez, and Eddie Vélez. She studied filmmaking and writing at the Sundance film institute, Doc Simmens Film School and studied writing and journalism at UCLA.
Her multifaceted career showcases her talent and dedication to promoting Latino culture and arts.
Miluka Rivera’s dedication to preserving and highlighting the contributions of Puerto Ricans and Latinos in Hollywood is truly inspiring. Her reference to Joseph Campbell underscores the profound impact that storytellers and myth-makers have on shaping cultural behaviors and perceptions. Being listed in the prestigious Marquis - Who’s Who in the World is a testament to her significant achievements and influence.
Learn more about Miluka Rivera, you can explore several resources:
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Her Official Website: Visit Miluka Rivera’s official website for detailed information about her career, achievements, and latest projects1.
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Books: Rivera has authored several books that delve into the history and contributions of Latinos in Hollywood. You can find her books on Amazon and other book retailers2.
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Social Media: Follow her on social media platforms like Facebook to stay updated on her latest activities and events3.
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Interviews and Articles: Look for interviews and articles about her work and contributions. These can provide insights into her perspectives and ongoing projects.
Exploring these resources will give you a comprehensive understanding of her impactful career and contributions to the arts and Latino culture.
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BIOGRAFÍA
Miluka Rivera es una talentosa multifacética, célebre autora, actriz-activista, periodista, escritora, poeta, cineasta, gestora cultural e instructora de etiqueta y filósofa. Reconocida por CBS entre los mejores escritores literarios latinos en Los Ángeles, CA, las contribuciones de Rivera también han sido honradas por el Estado y la Ciudad de Nueva York, la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico, California, el Comité Noviembre de Nueva York y la prensa Latina ACE.
Rivera es, de hecho, una figura notable con una carrera diversa e impactante. Ha realizado importantes contribuciones en diversos campos. Es considerada una de las actrices-activistas latinas más premiadas de EEUU, y rompió el récord de escribir la mayor cantidad de libros en español sobre los puertorriqueños y latinos en Hollywood.
En 2010, Rivera fue galardonada con el premio a la Mujer Destacada del Año por La Opinión/LA Times y el Contralor del Estado de California, en reconocimiento a sus importantes contribuciones a las artes y a la comunidad latina. Como historiadora, se ha especializado en la representación de puertorriqueños y latinos en la industria cinematográfica y en Broadway, ofreciendo charlas perspicaces en universidades, museos y a través de plataformas virtuales como Zoom.
La carrera periodística de Rivera es igualmente distinguida, con sus artículos apareciendo en publicaciones prominentes como el LA Times, Hispanic Magazine, Writers Guild of America West Journal, Screen Actor National Magazine, Valiente, El Nuevo Día y El Vocero. Su dedicación al oficio y a la comunidad se ejemplifica aún más con su servicio en la junta directiva nacional del Sindicato de Actores, donde fue reconocida dos veces por sus destacados logros.
Ferviente activista, Rivera ha recibido numerosos premios por su excepcional trabajo en defensa de los actores puertorriqueños y latinos en Puerto Rico, Nueva York y Hollywood. Sus incansables esfuerzos y excelencia han dejado una huella indeleble en el panorama artístico y cultural.
Miluka Rivera es, de hecho, una figura notable con una carrera diversa y exitosa. Ha hecho contribuciones significativas a las artes, tanto en Puerto Rico como a nivel internacional. Estos son algunos de los aspectos más destacados de su carrera:
• Modelaje y televisión: Rivera comenzó como modelo principal en el programa "Super Show Goya" de WAPA TV y se convirtió en una figura muy conocida en la televisión puertorriqueña. También fue chica de portada y participó en desfiles de moda para los mejores diseñadores locales. En la Escuela de Modelaje de Barbizon, fue una de las modelos más ocupadas y también enseñó mejoramiento personal y modelaje.
• Cine y teatro: Rivera protagonizó la película puertorriqueña "Tiempos y Ritmos" y coprotagonizó el docudrama "Hollywood Latinos Offspring" con Eddie Vélez. Sus créditos teatrales incluyen notables obras españolas como "Tric Trac", "El diario de Ana Frank", "Descalzos en el parque" y "La Morena: The Dark One" junto a Elizabeth Peña y Raúl Dávila en Henry Street Settlement de Nueva York e interpretó el papel principal en "Pearl" en el Anfiteatro Ford de Los Ángeles. Además produjo y escribió dos obras teatrales para niños.
• Guión y conducción: Rivera escribió la versión en español de la serie de televisión "Lo Extraordinario", protagonizada por Ricardo Montalbán. Fue co-anfitriona del programa "Chef Piero's y Amigos" y presentó un programa de radio titulado "Living Legends con Miluka Rivera" en KIEV 870 AM, con invitados como Cliff Robertson, John Randolph, Liz Torres y Tito Nieves.
• Cinematografía: Como cineasta, Rivera coprodujo, escribió y dirigió el docudrama "Hollywood Latinos Offspring", que explora las contribuciones y luchas de los latinos en el cine estadounidense desde la pre-era silente. La película cuenta con estrellas como Henry Darrow, Olga San Juan, Roselyn Sánchez y Eddie Vélez. Estudió cine, producción y guiones en el Instituto de Cine de Sundance, la Escuela de Cine Doc Simmens y estudió escritura y periodismo en UCLA.
• Reconocimiento: Rivera ha aparecido en las portadas de Escenario del periódico El Vocero y El Nuevo Día de Puerto Rico y ha conducido varias charlas virtuales sobre sus nueve libros, y conferencias filosóficas.
Su carrera multifacética muestra su talento y dedicación a la promoción de la cultura y las artes latinas.
La dedicación de Miluka Rivera para preservar y resaltar las contribuciones de los puertorriqueños y latinos en Hollywood es realmente inspiradora. Su referencia a Joseph Campbell subraya el profundo impacto que los narradores y los creadores de mitos tienen en la formación de los comportamientos y las percepciones culturales. Ser incluida en la prestigiosa lista Marquis - Who's Who in the World es un testimonio de sus importantes logros e influencia.
Conoce más sobre Miluka Rivera, puedes explorar varios recursos:
1. Su sitio web oficial: Visite el sitio web oficial de Miluka Rivera para obtener información detallada sobre su carrera, logros y últimos proyectos.
2. Libros: Rivera es autor de varios libros que profundizan en la historia y las contribuciones de los latinos en Hollywood. Puedes encontrar sus libros en Amazon y en otras librerías.
3. Redes sociales: Síguela en plataformas de redes sociales como Facebook para estar al día de sus últimas actividades y eventos3.
4. Entrevistas y artículos: Busca entrevistas y artículos sobre su trabajo y contribuciones. Estos pueden proporcionar información sobre sus perspectivas y proyectos en curso.
5. Publicaciones y premios: Rivera ha sido reconocido con numerosos premios y distinciones, que a menudo se destacan en diversas publicaciones y artículos periodísticos.
Explorar estos recursos le dará una comprensión integral de su impactante carrera y sus contribuciones a las artes y la cultura latina.
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