Rita Moreno joins the voice cast of the animated series 'Nina's World'

NEW YORK, July 23 (UPI) -- Stage and screen icon Rita Moreno is to lend her voice to the character of Abuelita on the new, animated Sprout series Nina's World, a spinoff of The Good Night Show.

"Nina's World centers around 6-year-old Nina, who lives in a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood with her Mami, Papi and Abuelita, and goes everywhere with her best friend Star," a synopsis said. "Nina's World is a celebration of a little Hispanic girl's life, her supportive and loving family, and of the individuals of a variety of cultures who make up Nina's community. Its multilingual approach will incorporate English, some Spanish and American Sign Language, and will emphasize inclusiveness, as well as the value of communicating across multiple languages and appreciating other cultures."

Moreno joins Michele Lepe, who plays the role of Nina on The Good Night Show and will voice the role of Mami on Nina's World, and newcomer Isabella Farrier, who will voice the role of young Nina. Nina's World will premiere on Sprout in September.

"Rita Moreno is a living legend, and it's fantastic to welcome her to Sprout's family," Sprout President Sandy Wax said in a statement Thursday. "We know that she will bring her character to life as no one else could -- she embodies all of the spirit and energy that Abuelita brings to Nina's World while maintaining an authenticity to the character's Hispanic background."

Moreno, 83, is one of only 12 people in history to win Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards. Her nearly 70-year-long career includes the film classics Singin' In the Rain, The King and I, and West Side Story. She was recently announced as one of the recipients of the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors.