There are plenty of Hispanic or Latina actresses you should be familiar with when it comes to Hollywood. The list includes celebrities like Jessica Alba, Zoe Saldana, and Salma Hayek. Here is a look at 20 famous Hispanic or Latina actresses in Hollywood who spotlight their actions and looks. These 20 Hispanic or Latina actresses are some of the most popular from their respective countries or channels. Some were born in Latin America, but all either currently reside in the U.S.A. or started their acting career in English-Language TV shows.
Our list does not include all of the famous actresses out there, nor do we intend to be a definitive list. Instead, we hope to provide some basic information to get your basic knowledge about actresses who happen to be Hispanic or Latina. This list comprises accomplished actresses who are an important part of being a modern and global society. Let’s find them!
20. Rachel Zegler
| Height: | 5’5″ |
| Birthplace: | Clifton, New Jersey, USA |
| Children: | None |
| Parents: | Gina Zegler, Craig Zegler |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | West Side Story |
Rachel Zegler has captured the hearts of audiences with her versatile talents in acting, singing and songwriting. Growing up in New Jersey with her American father and Colombian mother has clearly influenced her diverse range of skills.
Zegler, an up-and-coming Latina actress who took Hollywood by storm with her stellar film debut as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s much-loved classic West Side Story (2021), has an exciting lineup ahead of her. Look out for her captivating performances in the highly anticipated movies Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and Snow White (2024).
19. Victoria Justice
| Height: | 5’5″ |
| Birthplace: | Hollywood, Florida, USA |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Serene Justice, Zack Justice |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | Zoey 101: Spring Break-Up, Unknown |
Our next favorite Hispanic actress is Victoria Justice. Many women have followed Marisa Tomei’s footsteps and are being taken seriously in their film careers. She started her job as a model before making her motion picture debut in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon (1988). Tomei would establish herself as a comic actress with performances in such films as My Cousin Vinny (1992), Only You (1994), Untamed Heart (1993), and What Women Want (2000). She has appeared in various roles and genres, ranging from drama to crime to historical and medieval epic. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Untamed Heart.
18. Ana de Armas
| Height: | 5’6″ |
| Birthplace: | Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Ramon de Armas, Ana Caso |
| Nationality: | Spanish, Cuban |
| Best Movies: | Blade Runner 2049, Knives Out, No Time To Die, The Gray Man |
Ana de Armas, a Cuban-Spanish actress, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Born on April 30, 1988 in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba, she kicked off her acting career with a bang, starring in the film Una rosa de Francia (2006) and the super-popular teen drama El Internado (2007-2010). In 2014, the Hollywood hills beckoned and she heeded their call to pursue her passion. Since then, she has mesmerized viewers with her powerful performances in blockbuster hits such as Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Knives Out (2019), and No Time to Die (2021).
17. Roselyn Sanchez
| Height: | 5’4″ |
| Birthplace: | San Juan, Puerto Rico |
| Children: | Sebella Rose Winter |
| Parents: | – |
| Nationality: | United States of America, Puerto Rico |
| Best Movies: | Captain Ron, Rush Hour 2 |
Roselyn Sanchez Hispanic & Latina Actresses is our next choice. This presenter actress and former model are perhaps best known for her roles in the James Bond film Die Another Day, playing a femme fatale opposite Pierce Brosnan or an FBI agent Elena Estrella Martinez. Appearing in a variety of film industries, this Spanish female actress has appeared alongside leading actors. She was featured in the 2011 film Colombiana with Zoe Saldana (From Scratch) and was in Fast Five, The Rock, Jordana Brewster, and Tyrese Gibson (Morbius). Roselyn Sanchez is well recognized for her appearance in the 2006 Tyler Perry film Madea’s Family Reunion as Latina maid Teresa Solis.
16. Eiza Gonzalez
| Height: | 5’8″ |
| Birthplace: | Caborca, Sonora, Mexico |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Carlos Gonz¡lezo, Glenda Reyna |
| Nationality: | Mexican |
| Best Movies: | Horton Hears a Who!, From Dusk Till Dawn |
Eiza González, a talented Mexican actress and singer, was born on January 30, 1990 in the vibrant city of Mexico. Her captivating performances began in Mexico, where she made her debut in the highly popular teen drama Lola, érase una vez (2007-2008). Her acting career has flourished over the years, and she has graced the screens with her incredible talent in numerous movies and TV shows including From Dusk till Dawn: The Series (2014-2016), Baby Driver (2017), and Hobbs & Shaw (2019).
15. Gina Rodriguez
| Height: | 5’3″ |
| Birthplace: | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Magali Rodriguez, Genaro Rodriguez |
| Nationality: | American |
| Best Movies: | Awake, Brooklyn Nine-Nine |
Gina Rodriguez (born July 30, 1984) is an American star and singer who began her career as a child actress. She is known for starring as Jane the Virgin since 2013, for which she has been nominated for multiple awards, including for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series and winning the Golden Globe Award in 2014. Over time, Gina Rodriguez has become one of the most popular Latina actresses in Hollywood. Starting as a model and an activist, she is now a featured T.V. actress on Jane the Virgin and a voice actress for several animated films. Perhaps one day, we will hear her nominated for an Academy Award.
14. Natalie Martinez
| Height: | 5’7″ |
| Birthplace: | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Odalys Nunez, Manuel Martinez |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | End of Watch, Magic City Memoirs |
Natalie Martinez is a beautiful Hispanic actress and woman of mixed descent with Hispanic and black ancestry. Natalie Martinez’s stardom began in the year 2003. Along with performing the work for the T.V. shows like “Candy Stripers,” “The Bold and the Beautiful,” A.B.C. ‘s “General Hospital,” and much more. She was nominated for the Choice Breakout Actress – Television Series -this award was in 2004. Natalie Martinez has starred in Spanish television commercials and guest-starred on several T.V. shows like Smallville, Without a Trace, and House M.DM.D. Her first leading role was in the film titled Supercross (2005). She recently played Jackie Burke in the short-lived series Prime Suspect which she received critical acclaim for her performance as a pregnant homicide detective.
13. Aubrey Plaza
Aubrey Christina Plaza (born June 26, 1984) is an American Hispanic actress. She began her career performing improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (U.C.B.) in Los Angeles. Plaza later appeared in shows such as How I Met Your Mother (2006–2014), Parks and Recreation (2009–2015), Bob’s Burgers (2014–present), and Legion (2017). Her feature film credits include Dirty Grandpa (2016), Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016), Life After Beth (2015), Safety Not Guaranteed (2012), Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010). No doubt why we ranked her in our best Hispanic and Latina actresses list.
| Height: | 5’6″ |
| Birthplace: | Wilmington, Delaware, USA |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Bernadette Plaza, David Plaza |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | Someday This Pain Will Be Useful to You, Funny People |
12. Rita Moreno
| Height: | 5’1″ |
| Birthplace: | Humacao, Puerto Rico |
| Children: | Fernanda Luisa Gordon |
| Parents: | Paco Alverío, Rosa María |
| Nationality: | United States of America, Puerto Rico |
| Best Movies: |
Rita Moreno is a Dominican-American actress and entertainer. Moreno began her career in 1950 when she joined the national tour of the musical South Pacific. She came to prominence for her supporting roles in two movies that won Best Picture Oscars: The King and I (1956) and West Side Story (1961). Moreno received Golden Globe nominations for The Music Man, Mary Poppins, That’s Entertainment! III, The Ritz, and In & Out. Her performance as Adela Morales in this film brought her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar at age 76.
11. Melissa Fumero
| Height: | 5′ 6″ |
| Birthplace: | Lyndhurst, New Jersey, USA |
| Children: | Enzo Fumero, Axel Fumero |
| Parents: | Carlos Gallo, Martha Gallo |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | Brooklyn Nine-Nine |
Melissa Fumero is a Hispanic and Latin American film and television actress, best known for her roles as Amy Santiago on the sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Sofia Falcone in the Fox series Gotham. Without a doubt, Melissa Fumero is one of the rising stars to look out for. Not only has she starred in many great T.V. series, but she has also got positive reviews from some critics and a huge number of fans all over the world. She played the character Mercedes on the C.W. comedy-drama television series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. On April 6, 1986, she was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and moved to New York at a young age. She is of Puerto Rican descent.
10. Michelle Rodriguez
| Height: | 5’4″ |
| Birthplace: | Bexar County, Texas, USA |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Rafael Rodriguez, Carmen Milady Pared |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | The Fast and the Furious 6, Girlfight |
Notable Hispanic & Latina actresses with birth names that are Heteronymic compounds include Michelle Rodriguez, born as Micaela Rafaela Pereyra Diaz. She changed her last name to Rodriguez because it was her father’s surname. From blockbuster Fast and the Furious franchise to indie dramas, Michelle Rodriguez has built a career that makes no compromises—she’s feisty, fierce, and fearlessly outspoken. From her stunning performances in Avatar and Resident Evil to her recent Oscar-nominated turn in the gripping drama, Traffic, this multi-talented actress is a standout onscreen as well as on the red carpet.
9. Rosario Dawson
| Height: | 5’7″ |
| Birthplace: | New York, New York, USA |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Patrick C. Harris, Isabel Celeste |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | 25th Hour, Grindhouse |
Over the past decade, America has been captivated by Rosario Dawson’s unforgettable face, soulful aura, and steadfast heart. So, our next choice for best Hispanic actresses is Rosario Dawson. Her pictures represent images of the attractive actress with her Latino background. People are identifying with both Spanish and Native American ancestry. She made her screen debut beside her mother, Elena, in the 1995 film Gloria. Later, Rosario Dawson gained recognition for her role as the stellar-looking exotic dancer Gail Nelson in Top Dog (1995). Her television debut came in 1996 as a semi-regular cast member on the medical drama E.R. alongside The Midnight Sky’s George Clooney (1996–1999).
8. Eva Longoria
| Height: | 5’1″ |
| Birthplace: | Corpus Christi, Texas, USA |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Enrique Longoria, Jr., Ella Eva Mireles |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | The Sentinel, Morning Glory |
Eva Longoria is among the most famous actresses in the Hispanic and Latino American film industry. That’s why we ranked her number eight on our list. She was born in Texas on September 15, 1975. Her birthplace and childhood home are the United States of America. Eva Longoria’s father and mother are Ricardo Longoria, a Mexican-American, and Mary Louise “Petite” Parker, an Anglo-American woman. Her parents had two other daughters besides Eva Longoria from her father’s first marriage. The identity of her sisters has not been completely disclosed to the media so far. She is best known for her movies like Morning Glory and The Sentinel.
7. Jennifer Lopez
| Height: | 5’4″ |
| Birthplace: | Castle Hill, New York City, New York, United States of America |
| Children: | Emme Maribel Muniz, Maximilian David Muñiz |
| Parents: | Guadalupe Rodríguez, David Lopez |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | U Turn, The Wedding Planner |
Jennifer Lopez is a Puerto Rican-American actress, singer, fashion designer, dancer, producer, and television personality. She is also seen for her roles in Money Train (1995), Selena (1997), The Wedding Planner (2001), Maid in Manhattan (2002), Monster-in-Law (2005), and The Back-up Plan (2010). Hollywood superstar Jennifer Lopez’s career has spanned 17 years and now encompasses movies, music, fashion lines, and a never-ending list of accomplishments. JLo has portrayed strong women ranging from Latina immigrants to Selena throughout her career – one of the most famous Latinas in history. From making her screen debut in 1992’s El Mariachi to her more recent film roles in Parker and The Wedding Planner, Lopez is renowned for her ability to transform into any character thrown at her with ease.
6. Jessica Alba
| Height: | 5’6″ |
| Birthplace: | Pomona, California, USA |
| Children: | Honor Marie Warren, Haven Garner Warren |
| Parents: | Catherine Jensen, Mark Alba |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | Spy Kids: All the Time in the World, Little Fockers |
Popular actress Jessica Alba is one of our favorite Hispanic actresses. She is best acknowledged for her role as the superheroine in “Honey” (2003), a variation of the tale “Cinderella.” Born in California to a family composed of Mexican and Italian heritage, she gained access to scholarship programs for creative arts that allowed her to study early. Her first acting role was in the television show “Dark Angel” (2000). Young beauty also appeared in several movies such as Idle Hands (1999), Valentine (2001), and Fantastic Four (2005). Whether she’s appearing in one of her hit movies or gracing the red carpet at the Oscars, Jessica Alba has built a growing legion of fans by mixing stunning beauty with incredible talent.
5. Eva Mendes
| Height: | 5’6″ |
| Birthplace: | Miami, Florida, United States of America |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Eva Perez Suarez, Caridad Corrales, Juan Carlos Mendez |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | The Women, Hitch |
Eva Mendes is a Cuban American Hispanic and Latina actress, model, and singer. Eva’s Filmography includes Hitch, The Other Woman, Out of Time, Ghost Rider, and many others. Some actresses follow trends, and then some actresses shape the trends. Eva Mendes may fall into the latter category. Her work in movies like Hitch, Ghost Rider, and We Own The Night has opened doors for future Hispanic actresses and has shown Hollywood that she cannot only act, but she can pull off roles like these better than any one of her counterparts. In addition to being well recognized for her acting ability, she has also been regarded as one of the most beautiful women in the world.
4. Penelope Cruz
| Height: | 5’6″ |
| Birthplace: | Madrid, Spain |
| Children: | Leo Encinas Cruz, Luna Encinas Cruz |
| Parents: | Encarna Sánchez, Eduardo Cruz |
| Nationality: | Spain |
| Best Movies: | Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Vanilla Sky |
Penelope Cruz is a Spanish and European actress, model, and singer. She is the recipient of various accolades, including two Goya Awards, five nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama, four nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actress, and one nomination for the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her breakthrough role was in the 2001 Spanish film Vanilla Sky. This Spanish Latina actress in later starred in several Hollywood films, including All the Pretty Horses (2000), Captain Corelli’s Mandolin (2001), Blow (2001), Bandidas(2006), Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008).
3. Sofia Vergara
| Height: | 5’6″ |
| Birthplace: | Barranquilla, Colombia |
| Children: | Manolo Gonzalez-Ripoll Vergara |
| Parents: | Margarita Vergara Dávila de Vergara, Julio Enrique Vergara Robayo |
| Nationality: | Colombia |
| Best Movies: | The Three Stooges, Soul Plane |
Sofía Vergara, full name Sofía Margarita Vergara Vergara, also known as Sofi, is a Colombian actress, model, and one of the most Hispanic actresses in Hollywood. As of October 2012, she plays Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, the sarcastic wife of the main character Jay Pritchett on the A.B.C. hit comedy Modern Family. She was on Dance with the Stars season ten and came in second place with her partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the A.B.C. sitcom Modern Family won Sofía Vergara her first Emmy Award in the 2012 Season and her second Emmy Award in the 2013 Season.
2. Zoe Saldana
| Height: | United States of America |
| Birthplace: | Passaic, New Jersey, USA |
| Children: | – |
| Parents: | Asalia Nazario, Aridio Saldaña |
| Nationality: | United States of America |
| Best Movies: | Avatar, The Words |
Our next choice of best Hispanic and Latina actresses is Zoe Saldana. She is a Dominican and Puerto Rican actress. She is most well-known for her characters as Anamaria in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Nyota Uhura in the Star Trek film series, Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar on the house of cards as Elisa Esposito. In 2009, she became known for portraying the roles of Nyota Uhura in the science fiction film Star Trek and Neytiri in James Cameron’s Avatar. She also voices Kaileena in the video game Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands. On May 28, 2011, Cosmopolitan Magazine honored Zoe Saldana with the “Women of the Year Award.”
1. Salma Hayek
| Height: | 5’1″ |
| Birthplace: | Coatzacoalcos, Mexico |
| Children: | Valentina Paloma Pinault |
| Parents: | Sami Hayek Dominguez, Diana Jiménez Medina |
| Nationality: | United States of America, Mexico |
| Best Movies: | Fools Rush In, Desperado |
Our leading lady for the best Latina actresses is American superstar Salma Hayek. She is known for being an icon of the screen and stage. The daughter of Lebanese parents, this Mexican actress was born on September 2 in the Mexican state of Tabasco. After her breakthrough role in “Desperado” with Antonio Banderas, Hayek went on to star in films like “Fried Green Tomatoes,” which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. In 2003, this famous Latina actress produced and directed The Maldonado Miracle and starred in Real Women Have Curves. In addition to her acting career, Hayek is also the co-designer of two clothing lines for French couturier Lanvin.
Don’t miss out on these amazing Mexican actresses! You should definitely check out Karol Sevilla, Paola Real, Yare Santana, Elisa Beristain, and Suki Waterhouse.
Conclusion!
Latinas & Hispanic actresses are not just beautiful, but they are also famous for their acting skills. These Hispanic actresses have gained much popularity because of their talent in the field of entertaining other people through the art of acting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Which is One Hispanic Actress?
Rita Moreno, the talented Hispanic actress, broke barriers and made history when she won an Oscar for her outstanding work, becoming the first Hispanic woman to achieve this prestigious award.
Q2. Who is the Most Popular Mexican Actress?
Salma Hayek, the iconic Mexican-American actress, has made her mark and cemented her status as one of the greatest Mexican actresses of all time. Born in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico in 1966, Hayek started her academic career studying political science at the National University of Mexico.
Q3. Who is the Highest Paid Latina Actress?
Sofia Vergara, the talented Latina actress, has made waves in Hollywood, including being ranked by Forbes as the highest paid actress in the world in 2020 with an impressive US$43 million. Her dynamic presence is especially notable in her role as a key member of the hilarious Modern Family cast.
