Three Women Named Grand Marshals Of The 2020 Tournament Of Roses

LOS ANGELES, CA —Actresses Rita Moreno and Gina Torres and Olympian Laurie Hernandez have all been named the 2020 Tournament of Roses grand marshals, it was announced Tuesday.

The 19-year-old gymnast was the youngest member of the United State's 2016 gold-medal winning gymnastics squad. Hernandez took home the silver medal for her balance beam routine. Tournament of Roses President Laura Farber said the three grand marshals are perfect choices to match the parade's theme: 'The Power Of Hope.'

"Rita Morena, Gina Torres and Laurie Hernandez epitomize hope," Farber said in a statement. "Through their talent, efforts, persistence and dedication, they have achieved excellence and have given back to the world stories of hope, dreams fulfilled, dignity, respect and inspiration."

An athlete who overcame hardships to reach the peak of her sport, the Hernandez embodies 'The Power Of Hope,' said Tournament of Roses President Laura Farber.

"I just want to say thank you. I am so honored to be a grand marshal," said Hernandez. "This means the world to me."

Hernandez became a sensation during the 2016 Olympics when she was dubbed the human emoji for her unfiltered facial expressions that went viral. She went on to win season 23 of "Dancing With the Stars."

The Grand Marshals will ride in the 131st Rose Parade presented by Honda, themed "The Power of Hope" and participate in the pre-game celebration at the 106th Rose Bowl Game held on January 1, 2020.

Joining the cadre of Grand Marshals, Torres is a Cuban-American actress best known for her roles in Suits Xena: Warrior Princess and Westworld.

Torres said she was proud to be chosen as a part of the Rose Parade family.

"As I've learned more and more and more about the Rose Parade, and the 936 volunteers that commit themselves every year for years and decades; it's a team," she said. "I am so honored to be part of this team."

The final Grand Marshal, Moreno is a Puerto Rican actress and singer, who made her mark on Broadway in a career that has spanned 70 years. She is known for her standout roles in the films The King and I and is perhaps best known for her Oscar-winning role in "West Side Story," and for her work on the famed 70s kids show The Electric Company.

"The Rose Parade is something I've been seeing all my life on television," Moreno said during a ceremony at Tournament House in Pasadena. " ... It's a dream come true, and I can only tell you I am absolutely thrilled."

Moreno, 87, is one of a select group of performers to achieve what is known as an EGOT, winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards.