27 Famous Hispanic People You Need to Know About in 2024

Before starring in the live-action Barbie movie, America embarked on a remarkable road in Hollywood. In 2006, she was tapped to play Betty Suarez in ABC’s dramedy Ugly Betty. Throughout its four-year run, she won multiple awards, including at the 2007 Primetime Emmy Awards where she became the youngest person to be named Lead Actress in a Comedy Series at the age of 23. Since then, the actress of Honduran descent has also earned recognition for her work in NBC’s popular series Superstore.

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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.

Constance got her start as a dancer before portraying Selena Quintanilla‘s mother in the 1997 biopic Selena. The actress of Mexican descent went on to have lead roles in George Lopez and Switched at Birth. Fans have also spotted her in That ’70s Show, CSI and According to Jim. What’s more, Constance appeared in Amazon Prime shows like With Love and Undone.

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.

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.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ricky joined the music group Menudo at age 12. He eventually left to pursue a career in acting. In 1991, Ricky released his first album (self-titled), and it was an instant success. Eight years later, in 1998, the singer was ready to make his English crossover with another self-titled album, earning recognition again, thanks to his song “Livin’ la Vida Loca.” After taking a short break from his career, Ricky returned in 2010 to release new music and later a memoir.

Today, Major League Baseball touts names like the Toronto Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Yankees’ Nestor Cortes. But before they were setting records, Roberto pioneered the way for Hispanic players. Throughout his 18-season career, the Puerto Rican native became the first Latino to achieve 3,000 career hits. Though he died at the young age of 38 in a plane crash, he continues to be remembered for his sportsmanship and community outreach.

With lyrics in Spanish and Catalan, Rosalía brings a unique flair to the Latin pop scene from Spain. Her debut album, Los Ángeles, earned her a Latin Grammy nomination. The following year, she took the win home with her second album, El Mal Querer. Best known for her flamenco-inspired beats, she has collaborated with other top artists like J. Balvin, Ozuna and Travis Scott.