Latino Actresses who Deserve Way More Attention
There’s a deep bench of Latina talent working across film and TV right now, from indie darlings to franchise standouts, and many of them are building impressive resumes that speak for themselves. Below are twenty actresses with credits across genres and languages, leading shows, stealing scenes, and carrying whole films on their shoulders. You’ll find blockbuster roles next to festival favorites, plus voice work, prestige dramas, and action hits. If you’re looking for new favorites to follow, this list is a great place to start.
Adria Arjona
Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Mexico City, Adria Arjona has moved fluidly between Spanish- and English-language projects. She’s a key presence in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor,’ playing Bix Caleen opposite Diego Luna. On the film side, she’s taken on action, horror, and adventure in titles like ‘Hit Man,’ ‘Morbius,’ and ‘6 Underground.’ Arjona also headlines Spanish-language features, keeping a truly bilingual career in motion.
Melissa Barrera
Mexican actress Melissa Barrera broke through internationally with ‘Scream’ and its sequel, bringing a dramatic TV background from ‘Vida.’ She led the musical ‘In the Heights,’ showcasing strong singing and dancing alongside her acting. Barrera continues to balance studio films with smaller character pieces, including festival-circuited dramas. She is fluent in Spanish and English and often collaborates on projects that center Hispanic communities.
Yalitza Aparicio
Yalitza Aparicio’s debut in ‘Roma’ earned her historic recognition and opened doors for Indigenous representation from Mexico on the global stage. She has since worked in features and series across Mexico and Latin America, expanding into hosting and advocacy. Aparicio participates in educational initiatives focused on Indigenous languages and women’s rights. Her screen work frequently highlights social realism and community-based storytelling.
Aimee Carrero
Dominican-American performer Aimee Carrero is versatile across live action and voice acting. She voiced the title character in Disney’s ‘Elena of Avalor’ and starred in ‘She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’ as Adora/She-Ra. On camera, she’s appeared in ‘The Menu,’ ‘Maid,’ and ‘Blindspot,’ moving from comedy to thriller without missing a beat. Carrero also works in theater and brings strong stage training to her roles.
Gina Torres
Afro-Latina star Gina Torres has anchored long-running series and delivered key supporting turns in genre favorites. She headlined ‘Suits’ spinoff ‘Pearson’ and is widely recognized for ‘Firefly’ and ‘Hannibal.’ Torres frequently portrays leaders and professionals—lawyers, commanders, and agents—across network and cable shows. She also lends her voice to animation and games, extending her range beyond live action.
Jessica Marie Garcia
Jessica Marie Garcia built a following with standout work in teen and young adult series. She’s a core cast member of ‘On My Block’ and appears in ‘Diary of a Future President,’ bringing comedic timing and grounded emotion. Garcia often portrays sharp, resilient characters who drive subplots forward. She also writes and produces sketches, adding behind-the-camera skills to her resume.
Mishel Prada
Dominican-American actress Mishel Prada first drew attention in ‘Vida,’ where she played Emma with layered nuance. She has since appeared in thrillers and dramas like ‘Riverdale’ and ‘GLOW,’ shifting easily between tones. Prada often works on projects that explore identity, family, and class. She’s bilingual and collaborates with Latinx creatives across indie and mainstream productions.
Melonie Díaz
Melonie Diaz is a New York–born Puerto Rican actress with deep independent-film roots. She earned early acclaim in festival titles like ‘Fruitvale Station’ and later led the ‘Charmed’ reboot. Diaz’s filmography includes character-driven dramas and socially conscious stories. She frequently partners with emerging directors and ensembles that value naturalistic performance.
Diane Guerrero
Colombian-American performer Diane Guerrero is known for major series such as ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Jane the Virgin.’ She expanded into superhero territory with ‘Doom Patrol,’ playing multiple personas within one character. Guerrero also writes about immigration and family separation, bringing advocacy to public platforms. Her voice roles include animation projects that reach younger audiences with inclusive stories.
Natalia Reyes
Colombian actress Natalia Reyes moved from Latin American hits to Hollywood action with ‘Terminator: Dark Fate.’ She previously starred in the acclaimed Colombian series ‘Lady, la vendedora de rosas’ and festival films. Reyes often gravitates to roles that balance intensity with vulnerability. She continues to work across continents, maintaining a strong presence in Spanish-language cinema.
Paulina Gaitán
Mexican actress Paulina Gaitán made waves with ‘Sin Nombre’ and later appeared in ‘Narcos’ and ‘Diablo Guardian.’ She’s known for gritty, grounded performances in stories about migration, crime, and survival. Gaitán has a robust body of work in Mexico’s film and TV industry, alongside international co-productions. Her career demonstrates consistent collaboration with auteur directors and streaming platforms.
Catalina Sandino Moreno
Colombian Oscar nominee Catalina Sandino Moreno broke through with ‘Maria Full of Grace’ and has sustained a global career ever since. She’s appeared in ‘From,’ ‘Che,’ and ‘A Most Violent Year,’ spanning horror, biopic, and crime drama. Sandino Moreno works in both Spanish and English and often chooses morally complex roles. She brings a minimalist, restrained style that fits prestige television and art-house film alike.
Ana de la Reguera
Mexican star Ana de la Reguera has led projects in Mexico and the United States for years. She’s featured in ‘Narcos,’ ‘Goliath,’ and ‘Army of the Dead,’ plus the Spanish-language series ‘Ana,’ which she created. De la Reguera’s career includes comedy, action, and historical drama, with recurring collaborations across international markets. She also supports initiatives that promote Mexican film and television abroad.
Alice Braga
Brazilian actress Alice Braga balances studio films and Brazilian cinema with ease. She’s known for ‘City of God,’ ‘I Am Legend,’ and the series ‘Queen of the South,’ where she led multiple seasons. Braga produces and stars in Portuguese- and English-language projects, expanding creative control behind the scenes. Her choices often spotlight strong, strategic protagonists in high-stakes settings.
Morena Baccarin
Born in Rio de Janeiro and raised in New York, Morena Baccarin works across sci-fi, action, and drama. She’s a central presence in ‘Deadpool’ and known on TV for ‘Homeland’ and ‘Firefly.’ Baccarin frequently portrays characters with intelligence and emotional poise, from diplomats to doctors. She also supports refugee and humanitarian causes through public advocacy.
Karla Souza
Mexican actress Karla Souza gained wide recognition with ‘How to Get Away with Murder.’ Before that, she led successful Mexican comedies and dramas, making her a bankable star at home and abroad. Souza continues to alternate between Spanish-language hits and English-language television. Her filmography highlights quick-witted professionals and ambitious characters in legal and corporate worlds.
Stephanie Sigman
Mexican actress Stephanie Sigman’s breakout came with the festival favorite ‘Miss Bala.’ She later joined ‘SPECTRE’ in the ‘James Bond’ franchise and appeared in ‘Narcos.’ Sigman’s roles include law enforcement, agents, and civilians pulled into criminal networks. She works in both independent features and major studio productions, maintaining an international profile.
Isabela Merced
Peruvian-American performer Isabela Merced moves between family adventure, drama, and action. She led ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ and took on intense turns in ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ and ‘Let It Snow.’ Merced also records music in English and Spanish, building a cross-platform career. She continues to book roles that highlight bilingual, bicultural experiences.
Xochitl Gomez
Mexican-American actress Xochitl Gomez entered the spotlight with Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.’ Before that, she appeared in ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ and short films on the festival circuit. Gomez’s work emphasizes adventurous, empathetic characters for young audiences. She trains in dance and martial arts, adding physicality to genre roles.
Rosa Salazar
Peruvian-American Rosa Salazar is known for performance-capture and live action across film and television. She headlined ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ and anchored the inventive series ‘Undone,’ which uses rotoscope animation. Salazar also appears in psychological thrillers and indie dramas that showcase her range. She collaborates closely with directors and VFX teams, blending precise physical work with nuanced character studies.
Jenna Ortega
Jenna Ortega’s career spans family series, horror standouts, and offbeat dramas. She led ‘Wednesday’ and appeared in ‘Scream,’ while earlier roles in ‘You’ and ‘Stuck in the Middle’ broadened her audience. Ortega often works on projects that center teen and young adult perspectives with sharp, genre-aware writing. She also lends her voice to animation and participates in advocacy focused on mental health and representation.
Rachel Zegler
Rachel Zegler debuted on the big screen in ‘West Side Story’ and immediately moved into fantasy and franchise projects. She has recorded music alongside her acting, showcasing a strong vocal background. Zegler’s roles bridge classic musical traditions and modern genre fare, reflecting wide-ranging casting. She engages with bilingual audiences and supports arts education initiatives.
Eiza González
Eiza González transitioned from Mexican television to Hollywood films and high-profile series. Her credits include ‘Baby Driver,’ ‘Godzilla vs. Kong,’ and ‘Ambulance,’ plus voice work in animation. González has also appeared in prestige-leaning projects, expanding beyond action into drama and thriller territory. She collaborates with international directors and producers, maintaining a cross-border career.
Stephanie Beatriz
Argentine-Bolivian American Stephanie Beatriz is widely recognized for ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ and voice roles in animation. She starred in ‘In the Heights’ and voiced a leading character in ‘Encanto,’ adding musical credentials to her resume. Beatriz frequently supports indie films and theater productions between studio projects. She is bilingual and often participates in panels and programs highlighting Latinx creatives.
Melissa Fumero
Cuban-American Melissa Fumero’s long run on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ showcased sharp comic timing and steady character development. She has since headlined and produced the workplace comedy ‘Blockbuster’ and guest-starred across multiple series. Fumero also directs episodic television, expanding into behind-the-camera work. Her projects often highlight working-class communities and ensemble-driven storytelling.
Camila Mendes
Brazilian-American Camila Mendes rose to prominence with ‘Riverdale,’ taking on music-driven episodes and dramatic arcs. She has built a film slate that includes thrillers and romantic dramas, moving between streaming and theatrical releases. Mendes also models and partners with social campaigns focused on body image and wellness. She continues to explore bilingual roles and Brazil–U.S. co-productions.
Emeraude Toubia
Mexican-Lebanese Emeraude Toubia is known for ‘Shadowhunters’ and Spanish-language romantic comedies. She leads bilingual productions and frequently collaborates with Latin American networks and streamers. Toubia’s work includes hosting and reality formats in addition to scripted roles. She supports philanthropic initiatives focused on health care access and community development.
Genesis Rodriguez
Venezuelan-Cuban American Génesis Rodríguez has appeared in ‘Man on a Ledge,’ ‘The Umbrella Academy,’ and ‘Big Hero 6.’ She works across comedy, action, and animation, with frequent shifts between English and Spanish. Rodríguez brings voice-acting range alongside live-action roles in network and streaming projects. She often joins international co-productions that film across North and South America.
Teresa Ruiz
Mexican actress Teresa Ruiz earned international notice with ‘Narcos: Mexico.’ Her filmography spans independent features and historical dramas, often anchored by method-informed preparation. Ruiz trains extensively for physical roles and dialect work, supporting versatile performances. She also mentors younger actors through workshops in Mexico and the United States.
Veronica Falcón
Verónica Falcón is a Mexican actress and choreographer whose breakthrough for U.S. audiences came with ‘Queen of the South.’ She has worked in ‘Perry Mason’ and genre films, portraying sharp strategists and power brokers. Falcón brings stage and dance expertise to screen blocking and character movement. She continues to book roles in bilingual productions that travel across countries.
Fernanda Andrade
Brazilian actress Fernanda Andrade has credits in ‘Narcos: Mexico,’ ‘Moon Knight,’ and network thrillers. She alternates between guest arcs and series-regular roles, often in law enforcement and espionage storylines. Andrade participates in action training and fight choreography workshops to support screen realism. She also appears in independent dramas that focus on immigration and identity.
Bruna Marquezine
Brazilian star Bruna Marquezine moved from Brazilian telenovelas to international features and big-canvas genre projects. She works in Portuguese- and English-language productions, often balancing action with character-driven beats. Marquezine collaborates with fashion and philanthropic organizations that fund youth programs in Brazil. Her recent roles emphasize tech-forward worlds and ensemble casts.
Daniela Vega
Chilean actress and singer Daniela Vega gained global attention with ‘A Fantastic Woman.’ She has since acted in miniseries and films that address gender identity, class, and spirituality. Vega also performs as a lyric soprano, integrating music into her public work. She advises on scripts that depict trans characters to improve accuracy and dignity on screen.
María Mercedes Coroy
Guatemalan Kaqchikel actress María Mercedes Coroy is known for ‘Ixcanul’ and later roles with director Jayro Bustamante. Her performances often draw on Indigenous traditions and community collaboration during production. Coroy works with cultural institutions to promote Maya languages and arts. She continues to appear in features that travel widely on the festival circuit.
Lorenza Izzo
Chilean actress Lorenza Izzo has appeared in ‘Knock Knock,’ ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls,’ and international co-productions. She works across horror, fantasy, and drama, often in English-language roles. Izzo maintains ties to Chilean cinema and supports women-led productions. Her projects frequently involve globe-spanning shoots and multilingual casts.
Ana Villafañe
Cuban-American Ana Villafañe originated the role of Gloria Estefan on Broadway in ‘On Your Feet!’ and transitioned into television dramas. She appears in legal and medical series while continuing stage work in New York. Villafañe records music and participates in readings of new Latinx plays. She often champions arts education programs serving bilingual communities.
Andrea Londo
Mexican actress Andrea Londo drew attention with ‘Narcos’ and steady work in crime and family dramas. She takes on roles that look at border communities and cross-cultural dynamics. Londo collaborates with indie filmmakers on character pieces between larger shows. She trains in dialects and firearms safety to meet genre demands.
Natalia Cordova-Buckley
Mexican actress Natalia Cordova-Buckley is recognized for ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and Spanish-language features. She alternates between superhero action and grounded dramas that film across Mexico and the U.S. Cordova-Buckley frequently records in both languages to reach broader audiences. She mentors emerging actors through industry workshops and labs.
María Gabriela de Faría
Venezuelan actress María Gabriela de Faría has worked in ‘Deadly Class,’ ‘Control Z,’ and international youth-oriented series. She moves between Spanish and English, often in ensemble casts with strong stunt components. De Faría also does voice work and music projects tied to her series. She supports campaigns focused on literacy and youth mental health.
Stephanie Cayo
Peruvian actress and singer Stephanie Cayo balances film, television, and music releases. She has starred in romantic comedies and adventure dramas, frequently filming in Colombia, Peru, and Spain. Cayo’s projects emphasize travel, family, and second-chance narratives. She records in Spanish and English and tours between acting commitments.
Share your picks in the comments—who else would you add to this list?
