30 Famous Hispanic People Who Have Shaped Our Culture

Most widely recognized for his leading roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, Pedro Pascal is a famous actor known for being an internet heartthrob and for portraying father figures. The Chilean-American actor’s family fled Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship, ultimately moving to San Antonio, Texas, where Pascal was raised. He has also appeared in shows like Game of Thrones and Narcos, and he received Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his work on The Last of Us.

Isabelle Allende is one of the most famous writers of magical realism and an iconic voice in Latin American literature. She’s been called the most widely-read Spanish language writer in the world: Her novels have been translated into more than 42 languages and sold more than 77 million copies.

The Chilean author’s best-known book is The House of the Spirits, which is set in Chile during the Pinochet dictatorship. A little-known fact is that she’s related to actor Pedro Pascal. In 2014, President Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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It’s Mr. Worldwide, Mr. 305! The one and only Pitbull is a Cuban-American rapper and pop star, born Armando Christian Pérez to immigrant parents in Miami. He has best-selling album releases in both English and Spanish. He’s best known for party anthems like “Give Me Everything,” “Fireball” and “Feel This Moment," as well as smash hit collaborations like Kesha’s "Timber." In 2016 he won a Grammy for his album Dale.

Sylvia Rivera was a transgender Latina woman and a prominent figure in the Stonewall uprising that launched the modern gay rights movement. She was an activist for gay liberation and transgender rights. She was born in New York to a Puerto Rican father and a Venezuelan mother.

Along with Marsha P. Johnson, she started the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), which fought for transgender acceptance in the gay rights movement and helped provide shelter and resources to homeless transgender youth.

America Ferrara is best known for her leading role in the iconic Barbie movie. The Honduran actress was nominated for an Academy Award for Barbie, but that wasn’t her first time being recognized for her acting talent. In 2007, she won a Golden Globe for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Ugly Betty. Fans also know her as Amy from the TV series Cloud 9, where storylines sometime touch on her experiences and identity as a Latina woman.

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Jean-Michel Basquiat is one of the most famous American artists. He painted in New York City in the 80s, where he fostered a close friendship with fellow artist Andy Warhol. He was born in Brooklyn to a Haitian-American father and a Puerto Rican mother.

His paintings explore Black and Latino identity, combining bold colors, recurring iconography and text to make political statements. His most famous motifs are crowns, dinosaurs and skeletal figures. Although he died at only 27, his influence on the art world and on street fashion is still felt today, found on designs ranging from Uniqlo to Tiffany.

Throughout her career, Adrienne has made a name for herself as a singer, actress and TV personality. Best known for her role in The Cheetah Girls, the 39-year-old star is of Puerto Rican and Ecuadorian descent. In 2013, Adrienne made TV history when she joined The Real cast, becoming the first Latina host on a U.S. daytime talk show. What’s more, when she’s not filming for her YouTube channel All Things Adrienne, she’s working on her jewelry and handbag lines.

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In 2018, AOC made waves when she ran for office representing New York’s 14th Congressional District and won. The then-29-year-old became the youngest woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress. From the start, the Bronx native of Puerto Rican descent has openly spoken about working as a waitress and bartender to make ends meet. Her experience embodies the definition of the American dream, and it’s helped her connect with the people she represents.

Formally known as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Bad Bunny came on to the Latin trap scene after being discovered on SoundCloud with his song "Diles." The Puerto Rican star wrote, produced and sang original music while bagging groceries at a supermarket in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. Since then, he's collaborated with Drake, Cardi B. and Nicki Minaj. Not to mention, he's been nominated nine times for a Grammy and performed at the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime show.

Cesar has gone down in history as an important civil rights activist for his work in the National Farm Workers Association. His Mexican-American family was among the many who became farm workers in the 1930s. After dropping out of school at age 14 and later serving in the U.S. Navy, Cesar dedicated the rest of his life to fighting for equality for farm workers. He was inspired by other famous figures to push for change in peaceful ways, like unionizing. “I am convinced that the truest act of courage ... is to sacrifice ourselves for others in a totally non-violent struggle for justice,” he said in a speech.

Considered one of the most prolific actors of his time, Danny is a California native of Mexican descent. With hundreds of acting credits to his name, the 79-year-old actor got his start in 1985 on the set of Runaway Train. Although he had no intention of becoming an actor, he caught the attention of many with his signature look and boxing skills. Danny is best recognized for his roles in Heat, From Dusk Till Dawn and Desperado.

The influence of Hispanics can be felt in entertainment, sports and science, as Ellen exemplifies. In 1993, she became the first Hispanic American woman to go to space, just a handful of years after the first Hispanic man, Rodolfo Neri, flew into orbit. The NASA astronaut is of Mexican descent, and she's an advocate for women in STEM.

“I think we need all the best and brightest people working in science and engineering fields, and that is certainly not limited to men or white men or anything like that,” she said to NBC News.

Originally from Mexico City, Eugenio is an international superstar thanks to his 2013 hit comedy drama Instructions Not Included. Before his crossover success, the 61-year-old actor starred in beloved Spanish shows and movies like Al derecho y al derbez, La familia P. Luche, and Under the Same Moon, among many others. Eugenio has studied his craft through and through, earning multiple degrees in acting, singing, dancing and film directing.

Born to Mexican-American parents, Eva dedicated herself to earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology before pursing an acting career. She made her debut in The Bold and the Beautiful followed by General Hospital, The Young and the Restless and Desperate Housewives. Since then, Eva has expanded her talents to also be a director, producer, philanthropist and activist.

Whether you've heard Gloria's name from her time as the lead singer of Miami Sound Machine or her solo career, she's established herself as a pillar in the Latin community. The three-time Grammy winner grew up in Florida after her family fled Cuba during the Cuban Revolution. She rose to stardom alongside her husband, Emilio Estefan. Their life is told in the Broadway musical On Your Feet!. In 2022, she starred in Max's dramedy Father of the Bride.

Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, Pacific Rim, Crimson Peak and The Shape of Water are only a handful of critically acclaimed films by the Mexican director, screenwriter and producer. In August 2019, Guillermo was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he took this opportunity to speak to fellow immigrants.

"You should believe in the possibilities and not the obstacles," he said. "Do not believe the lies they tell about us. Believe in the stories you have inside and believe that we all can make a difference.”

Born in Medellín, Colombia, J. Balvin is a world-renowned reggaetón singer, often referred to as the "Prince of Reggaeton." After moving to the U.S. at age 17, his love for music grew deeper and he eventually returned to Colombia inspired to release original hits. More than a decade later, J. Balvin has collaborated with countless artists like Farruko, Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, Zion & Lennon, Rosalía and Dua Lipa.

Jamie shot to stardom in his native country Mexico with the rom-com telenovela La fea más bella. The 49-year-old actor and singer is of Mexican, Brazilian and Egyptian descent. He went on to give memorable performances in Las tontas no van al cielo and Por ella soy Eva. Jamie continued earning praise with his portrayal of Rogelio de la Vega in Jane The Virgin. When he's not in front of the camera, he's on stage performing musicals and plays.

J.Lo is one of Hollywood's leading ladies with blockbuster movies, hit pop songs and memorable TV appearances. Born in the Bronx, New York to Puerto Rican parents, Jennifer started out as a dancer before landing the lead role in the biopic Selena. She then pursued a music career while still starring in movies like The Wedding Planner and Maid in Manhattan. Today, she is also a producer and businesswoman with an estimated $400 million net worth.

Lin-Manuel's reach in Hollywood spans across movie screens, play stages and musical events. Born to Puerto Rican parents in New York City's Washington Heights neighborhood, the multi-talented artist took inspiration from his upbringing and U.S. history to bring to life celebrated work like In the Heights and Hamilton. He also combined his impactful dialogue and songs for Disney animated movies Moana and Encanto.

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