The Most Influential Latino Actors of All Time

Latino performers have shaped film and television across genres and generations, building studios, redefining iconic roles, and opening doors for new talent on both sides of the camera. The men below span classic Hollywood, prestige drama, global blockbusters, and groundbreaking comedy, with contributions that include awards, advocacy, and industry innovations that outlast any single role. Each profile highlights concrete milestones—producing achievements, landmark performances, and institution-building—that continue to influence how stories are made and who gets to tell them.

Desi Arnaz

A Cuban-American innovator, Desi Arnaz co-created and starred in ‘I Love Lucy’ while running Desilu Productions, which became one of television’s most powerful studios. He championed the three-camera sitcom format and live-audience filming that defined how TV comedy is produced. Desilu produced hits like ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’, proving Latino leadership at the highest levels of the industry. His work also normalized bilingual and intercultural relationships on primetime television.

Anthony Quinn

Born in Mexico and raised in the United States, Anthony Quinn became one of Hollywood’s most decorated character leads. He earned Academy Awards for roles that showcased complex, larger-than-life figures and delivered an unforgettable portrayal in ‘Zorba the Greek’. Quinn’s career stretched from prestige dramas to epics, collaborating with top directors across decades. His success expanded casting possibilities for Latino actors in mainstream cinema.

Ricardo Montalban

Ricardo Montalbán gained international fame as Mr. Roarke on ‘Fantasy Island’ and as Khan Noonien Singh in ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’. He founded the nonprofit Nosotros Foundation to improve Latino representation and created the Golden Eagle Awards. Montalbán also led efforts that resulted in the opening of the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood as a cultural hub. His advocacy helped push studios toward more equitable casting and storytelling.

Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos broke through with a celebrated turn on ‘Miami Vice’ and earned wide acclaim for ‘Stand and Deliver’. He became a trailblazer in both film and television, later commanding a major sci-fi franchise as Admiral Adama in ‘Battlestar Galactica’. Beyond acting, he co-founded the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival to showcase underrepresented creators. Olmos’s career has consistently paired prestige roles with community-building initiatives.

Raúl Juliá

Puerto Rican actor Raúl Juliá moved effortlessly between Broadway and Hollywood, collecting multiple Tony nominations and major film roles. He became a pop-culture icon as Gomez Addams in ‘The Addams Family’ while also delivering acclaimed performances in political and art-house dramas. Juliá supported anti-hunger and humanitarian efforts that continued through foundations established in his name. His legacy combines artistic range with a model of social engagement for Latino performers.

Andy García

Andy García’s rise included pivotal roles in ‘The Untouchables’ and ‘The Godfather Part III’, showcasing a blend of intensity and elegance. He leveraged that visibility into a steady presence in ensemble hits like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ while also directing and producing. García has promoted Cuban-American stories through personal projects and music-inflected films. His cross-genre career helped keep Latino leading men at the center of mainstream franchises.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro earned the industry’s top honors for his performance in ‘Traffic’, cementing his status as a transformative screen presence. He anchored biographical epics like ‘Che’ and delivered standout turns in ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘Sicario’. Del Toro’s choices often spotlight morally ambiguous characters, broadening the kinds of roles offered to Latino actors. He has also mentored emerging talent and supported film initiatives in Puerto Rico.

John Leguizamo

Colombian-American multi-hyphenate John Leguizamo built a unique path with one-man stage shows like ‘Freak’ and ‘Latin History for Morons’, later adapted for screen. On film, he delivered memorable performances in ‘Carlito’s Way’, ‘Romeo + Juliet’, and ‘Chef’, and he has directed and produced across mediums. Leguizamo advocates for equitable casting and crew hiring, frequently sharing data on representation. His work links entertainment with education, pushing the industry toward systemic change.

Luis Guzmán

Puerto Rican actor Luis Guzmán is one of Hollywood’s most prolific character actors, with key roles in ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘Traffic’, and ‘Out of Sight’. His grounded performances made him a go-to collaborator for auteur directors and prestige television. Guzmán’s career demonstrates the impact of visibility in complex supporting parts, not just leads. He remains an advocate for community health and youth programs, connecting screen success with service.

Gael García Bernal

Mexican actor-producer Gael García Bernal gained international acclaim with ‘Amores perros’ and ‘Y tu mamá también’. He expanded into global cinema with ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and led the series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’, earning major awards. With Diego Luna, he co-founded Ambulante, a traveling documentary festival that strengthens nonfiction storytelling in Mexico and beyond. Bernal also produces through La Corriente del Golfo, developing Latin American projects for worldwide audiences.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna’s breakout came with ‘Y tu mamá también’, followed by international hits like ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ and the series ‘Andor’. He has directed features and documentaries while producing at La Corriente del Golfo. Luna co-founded Ambulante to expand access to documentary film and training across underserved regions. His dual presence in auteur cinema and major franchises broadens the reach of Mexican talent on a global stage.

Demián Bichir

Demián Bichir earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘A Better Life’, spotlighting immigrant narratives with emotional specificity. He has worked in both Spanish-language and English-language productions, including ‘The Hateful Eight’ and ‘The Bridge’. Bichir supports organizations that aid refugees and migrant communities, aligning public advocacy with his roles. His career underscores how Mexican actors can lead socially resonant stories in the U.S. market.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez parlayed a powerhouse Mexican TV career into international success with ‘Instructions Not Included’, one of the highest-grossing Spanish-language films in U.S. history. He expanded into English-language projects and earned ensemble recognition for ‘CODA’. Through 3Pas Studios, Derbez produces bilingual content that travels across markets. His trajectory proves the commercial viability of Latino-led comedies and family dramas worldwide.

Oscar Isaac

Guatemalan-Cuban-American actor Oscar Isaac trained at Juilliard and broke through with ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’, quickly becoming a versatile leading man. He headlined acclaimed projects like ‘Ex Machina’, the ‘Star Wars’ saga, and Marvel’s ‘Moon Knight’. Isaac also works in theater and audio fiction, showing range across platforms and formats. His success has encouraged studios to entrust Latino actors with marquee, genre-defining roles.

Pedro Pascal

Chilean-American actor Pedro Pascal captured attention with Oberyn Martell in ‘Game of Thrones’ and carried global hits like ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He has balanced franchise leads with stage work and independent films. Pascal’s prominence has sparked broader casting of South American talent in top properties. He actively supports Latin American creatives and causes, helping convert visibility into opportunity for others.

José Ferrer

Puerto Rican-born José Ferrer became the first performer of Latino heritage to win the Academy Award for Best Actor with his portrayal of Cyrano de Bergerac. He balanced a prolific stage career with film and television, directing and acting across mediums. Ferrer also broke barriers on Broadway, earning multiple Tony Awards and helping normalize Latino leadership in classical roles. His trailblazing achievements established a precedent for recognition of Latino talent at the highest levels of the industry.

Cantinflas

Mario Moreno, known as Cantinflas, rose from Mexico’s carpa theater tradition to become a global comedy icon in Spanish-language cinema. His quicksilver wordplay and everyman persona anchored dozens of box-office hits and influenced generations of comic actors. Cantinflas also served as a producer, shaping stories that resonated across Latin America. His philanthropic work and union leadership further cemented his status as a cultural figure with lasting impact.

Pedro Infante

Pedro Infante was a central figure of Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema, combining leading-man charisma with a celebrated recording career. He starred in melodramas, comedies, and musicals that defined popular taste across the Spanish-speaking world. Infante’s screen collaborations with top directors and co-stars helped set enduring standards for star-driven productions. His legacy continues through restored releases, tributes, and sustained popularity across generations.

Germán Valdés

Germán Valdés, widely known as Tin Tan, blended pachuco style, music, and elastic physical comedy to create a singular film persona. He headlined hit comedies that traveled widely in Latin America and showcased bilingual wordplay and cross-border culture. Tin Tan collaborated with leading musicians and filmmakers, expanding the musical-comedy form. His on-screen style influenced fashion, slang, and performance conventions throughout mid-century Mexican cinema.

Ricardo Darín

Argentine actor Ricardo Darín is a mainstay of contemporary Latin American cinema, anchoring festival favorites and international co-productions. He led acclaimed features like ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ and ‘Wild Tales’, working with top directors in Spain and Argentina. Darín’s films regularly cross over to global markets, strengthening the international profile of Argentine storytelling. He also supports theater and film initiatives that develop new talent in Buenos Aires.

Wagner Moura

Brazilian actor Wagner Moura gained wide recognition with ‘Elite Squad’ and later portrayed Pablo Escobar in ‘Narcos’. He has worked in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, bringing Latin American stories to global platforms. Moura directs and produces, championing projects that tackle political and social themes. His transnational career demonstrates how Brazilian talent can lead internationally distributed series and films.

Rodrigo Santoro

Rodrigo Santoro built an international résumé with roles in ‘300’, ‘Westworld’, and ‘Love Actually’, moving easily between Brazilian and U.S. productions. He has portrayed historical figures, antagonists, and romantic leads, showing range across genres. Santoro supports Brazilian cinema through festival participation and co-productions, helping local films gain visibility. His steady presence in global franchises expanded opportunities for Brazilian actors in mainstream markets.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña’s performances in ‘Crash’, ‘End of Watch’, and ‘American Hustle’ made him a go-to actor for complex, grounded characters. He has crossed from indie dramas to tentpole franchises like ‘Ant-Man’, maintaining visibility in widely watched releases. Peña also works as a producer and participates in initiatives that mentor Latino creatives. His body of work underscores the longevity of Mexican-American talent in leading and ensemble roles.

Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits became a television mainstay through major roles in ‘L.A. Law’, ‘NYPD Blue’, and ‘The West Wing’, later extending into ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and ‘Andor’. He has consistently played professionals and leaders, expanding the range of roles available to Puerto Rican actors on television. Smits supports arts education and Latino advocacy organizations that cultivate pipelines into the industry. His multi-decade TV presence helped normalize Latino authority figures in primetime storytelling.

Benjamin Bratt

Benjamin Bratt moved from ‘Law & Order’ into films like ‘Traffic’, ‘Miss Congeniality’, and ‘Doctor Strange’, while voicing key animated characters in family hits. Of Peruvian and American heritage, he has produced documentaries that spotlight Indigenous and Latino communities. Bratt collaborates with nonprofits focused on health and cultural preservation. His balanced film–TV–voice career models sustainable visibility for Latino performers across formats.

Clifton Collins Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. built a respected career with standout work in ‘Capote’, ‘Traffic’, and ‘Westworld’, often transforming physically and vocally for roles. He frequently collaborates with auteur directors, elevating supporting parts into defining moments. Collins has directed music videos and advocated for more equitable casting and crew opportunities. His trajectory shows how Mexican-American actors shape prestige storytelling through precision and range.

Tenoch Huerta Mejía

Tenoch Huerta’s performances span Mexican independent cinema and international productions, including ‘Sin Nombre’, ‘Narcos: Mexico’, and major superhero franchises. He has authored and spoken widely about representation, citing concrete barriers and solutions within the industry. Huerta supports literacy and community initiatives tied to racial and cultural equity in Mexico. His prominence has amplified conversations about Afro-Latino visibility on global screens.

Esai Morales

Esai Morales emerged with ‘La Bamba’ and sustained a diverse career across ‘NYPD Blue’, ‘Titans’, and high-profile action franchises. He co-founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts, which funds scholarships and advocates for inclusion in entertainment. Morales consistently alternates between film, television, and stage, demonstrating long-term adaptability. His advocacy and governance work link on-screen success to structural change.

Roberto Gómez Bolaños

Roberto Gómez Bolaños, known as Chespirito, created and starred in ‘El Chavo del Ocho’ and ‘El Chapulín Colorado’, shows exported throughout the Spanish-speaking world. He wrote, acted, and produced, building an enduring comedy universe across television and live performance. Chespirito’s characters became cultural touchstones that shaped comedic archetypes for decades. His body of work remains one of the most influential in Spanish-language television history.

Damián Alcázar

Damián Alcázar is a pillar of Mexican cinema with acclaimed turns in ‘La Ley de Herodes’, ‘El Infierno’, and international series like ‘Narcos’. He has earned top festival awards and is recognized for politically charged narratives. Alcázar also teaches and mentors, supporting film education across Mexico and Latin America. His career demonstrates the power of socially engaged performances to reach mainstream audiences.

Ignacio López Tarso

Ignacio López Tarso was a titan of Mexican stage and screen, celebrated for classics like ‘Macario’ and a vast theater repertoire. He maintained a multi-decade career, bridging art-house cinema, television, and historical dramas. López Tarso received Mexico’s highest cultural honors and supported theater institutions that train new performers. His legacy anchors the canon of Mexican dramatic acting.

John Ortiz

John Ortiz co-founded LAByrinth Theater Company and delivered memorable screen roles in ‘American Gangster’, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’, and ‘Fast & Furious’ entries. He frequently alternates between stage leadership and film acting, strengthening New York’s theater ecosystem. Ortiz’s productions have launched new writers and directors while showcasing Latino talent. His dual track as actor–producer illustrates how institutional building expands representation.

Tony Plana

Tony Plana is widely recognized for ‘Ugly Betty’ and a long list of film and television credits that highlight Cuban-American stories. He co-founded East L.A. Classic Theatre, bringing bilingual Shakespeare and literacy programs to schools. Plana has directed television episodes and coached young actors, extending his influence behind the scenes. His educational outreach has made arts access a cornerstone of Latino representation.

Lázaro Ramos

Brazilian actor Lázaro Ramos leads critically acclaimed films and series while also directing and authoring children’s books. He has served as a presenter and cultural ambassador, promoting Afro-Brazilian stories in national media. Ramos’s theater work includes management roles that cultivate local artists and audiences. His cross-platform presence has elevated Black Brazilian narratives within the broader Latin American industry.

Rodrigo de la Serna

Argentine actor Rodrigo de la Serna earned international notice with ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and later projects spanning Europe and Latin America. He works across film, TV, and theater, often in ensemble-driven productions that travel widely. De la Serna has collected major festival awards and remains active in Buenos Aires theater. His career helps connect Argentine talent with global co-productions.

Diego Peretti

Diego Peretti, trained as a psychiatrist, transitioned into acting and became a fixture of Argentine cinema and television with titles like ‘The Heist of the Century’. He alternates between comedy and thriller roles, often leading box-office successes. Peretti collaborates with directors who export Argentine films to international markets. His steady output underscores the commercial strength of Argentine star vehicles.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez transitioned from early breakthroughs in drama to leading the rebooted ‘Magnum P.I.’ while balancing film work in action franchises. Of Mexican heritage, he has become a steady network lead, contributing to Latinx visibility in primetime. Hernandez also produces and supports youth-focused initiatives in Los Angeles. His television leadership role underscores how Latino actors can anchor long-running procedural series.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama rose with ‘That ’70s Show’ and later joined ‘NCIS’, while voicing protagonists in animated features and series. He founded a production company to develop Latino-centered stories across formats. Valderrama has served as a spokesperson for civic and educational campaigns that target underserved communities. His cross-generational presence keeps Latino representation visible in family and network programming.

Edgar Ramírez

Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez broke out internationally with ‘Carlos’, earning major awards attention for his portrayal of Carlos the Jackal. He moved fluidly between languages and markets in films like ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘Joy’, and ‘The Girl on the Train’. Ramírez has also headlined Spanish-language projects that maintain ties to Latin American stories. His versatility across thriller, drama, and biopics has made him one of Venezuela’s most visible screen exports.

Daniel Giménez Cacho

Mexican actor Daniel Giménez Cacho is known for collaborations with leading auteurs in films such as ‘Cronos’, ‘Y tu mamá también’, and ‘Zama’. He has worked extensively in theater and television, shaping Mexico’s prestige-acting tradition. Giménez Cacho often chooses projects that challenge conventional storytelling, from period pieces to experimental narratives. His sustained presence across Latin American and European cinema has elevated Spanish-language art-house films worldwide.

Share your picks and the performances that impacted you most in the comments!