Latino Actors who Deserve Way More Attention

From festival favorites to blockbuster standouts, Latino actors keep shaping film and TV across genres and languages, often carrying major stories while flying under far too many viewers’ radars; here are twenty working today whose credits, training, and range make a strong case to keep them on your watchlist.

Tenoch Huerta Mejía

A Mexico City native, Tenoch Huerta broke out internationally with roles in ‘Narcos: Mexico’ and ‘The Forever Purge’. He portrayed Namor in ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, blending Indigenous Mesoamerican influences into the character’s backstory. His Spanish-language work includes ‘Güeros’ and ‘Sin nombre’, along with numerous Mexican features and series. He is also known for public advocacy projects focused on representation in Latin American media.

Diego Calva

Diego Calva drew wide attention playing Manny Torres in ‘Babylon’, earning major award nominations for his performance. Before that, he appeared in ‘Narcos: Mexico’ and several acclaimed shorts and features from the Mexican indie scene. Calva trained at Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC) in Mexico City. He continues to work in both Spanish and English, moving between studio productions and auteur-driven projects.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal’s career spans global hits like ‘Y tu mamá también’ and ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ as well as the series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. He headlined the biopic ‘Cassandro’, portraying lucha libre legend Saúl Armendáriz. Beyond acting, he co-founded the Ambulante documentary festival, supporting nonfiction storytelling across Latin America. Bernal routinely alternates between Hollywood productions and Spanish-language cinema.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna leads the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ after first playing Cassian Andor in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. He co-starred in ‘Narcos: Mexico’ and has directed features like ‘Abel’ while producing through La Corriente del Golfo. Luna has a long stage and film background in Mexico, including early roles in ‘Y tu mamá también’. He remains active behind the camera, developing scripted and documentary projects.

Wagner Moura

Brazil’s Wagner Moura is widely recognized for playing Pablo Escobar in ‘Narcos’ after leading the Brazilian hit ‘Elite Squad’ and its sequel. He made his directorial feature debut with ‘Marighella’. Moura appears in international productions such as ‘The Gray Man’ and ‘Civil War’, demonstrating fluency in Portuguese, Spanish, and English roles. He frequently collaborates with noted Brazilian filmmakers and continues to work across continents.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal has fronted major series including ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. Earlier, he gained notice as Oberyn Martell in ‘Game of Thrones’ and appeared in ‘Narcos’. Born in Chile and raised in the United States, Pascal trained at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. His film credits span action, drama, and comedy, and he maintains an active stage presence in New York and Los Angeles.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac’s diverse résumé includes ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’, ‘Ex Machina’, and ‘Dune’, along with the limited series ‘Scenes from a Marriage’ and ‘Moon Knight’. Born in Guatemala to a Guatemalan mother and Cuban father, he studied at Juilliard. Isaac has worked with directors such as the Coen brothers, Denis Villeneuve, and Alex Garland. He also produces and develops material across film and television.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña built a reputation with grounded turns in ‘Crash’ and ‘End of Watch’, then expanded into franchise work with ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Ant-Man and the Wasp’. On television, he portrayed DEA agent Kiki Camarena in ‘Narcos: Mexico’. His filmography ranges from biographical dramas to broad comedies. Peña, who also plays music, often toggles between leading and character-actor assignments.

Demián Bichir

Demián Bichir earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘A Better Life’. He has appeared in ‘The Hateful Eight’, ‘The Nun’, and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’, among many other features. Coming from a renowned Mexican acting family, he has worked extensively in Mexican theater and telenovelas. Bichir continues to move between Spanish- and English-language productions in film and television.

Edgar Ramírez

Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez gained international acclaim for portraying Carlos the Jackal in the miniseries ‘Carlos’. His credits include ‘Zero Dark Thirty’, ‘Joy’, and ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’, in which he played Gianni Versace. Ramírez routinely alternates between studio films and prestige TV. He also supports film initiatives highlighting Latin American stories and filmmakers.

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán’s extensive career covers ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘Traffic’, ‘Carlito’s Way’, and the series ‘Wednesday’, where he plays Gomez Addams. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, he is known for collaborations with directors like Steven Soderbergh and Paul Thomas Anderson. Guzmán has credits in crime dramas, comedies, and family-oriented projects. He continues to appear in both independent films and mainstream television.

John Ortiz

John Ortiz is a stage and screen veteran whose film credits include ‘American Gangster’, ‘Fast & Furious’, and ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. He co-founded the LAByrinth Theater Company in New York, fostering new playwrights and productions. Ortiz has worked steadily in television, including ‘Messiah’ and other series. His roles often span law enforcement, villains, and complex supporting characters.

Benjamin Bratt

Benjamin Bratt starred in ‘Law & Order’ before moving through features like ‘Traffic’ and ‘Miss Congeniality’. He voiced Ernesto de la Cruz in the animated hit ‘Coco’, adding to his family and animation work. Bratt, of Peruvian and American heritage, has balanced television arcs with film roles for decades. He remains active in voice work, dramas, and ensemble projects.

Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna portrayed Ghost Rider on ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ and Tommy in ‘The Last of Us’. His feature credits include ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ and several independent films. Born in Texas to Mexican American parents, Luna trained and performed in Austin’s theater scene before moving to larger markets. He continues to work across genre television and action-thrillers.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo took on Mickey Haller in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ series after roles in ‘The Magnificent Seven’ and ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. He began his career in Mexican productions before expanding to U.S. projects. Garcia-Rulfo frequently toggles between Spanish- and English-language work. His credits cover crime dramas, westerns, and literary adaptations.

J. D. Pardo

JD Pardo leads ‘Mayans M.C.’ as Ezekiel Reyes, anchoring the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ spinoff. He has appeared in features and series across genres, including franchise titles like ‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2’. Pardo is of Argentine and Ecuadorian heritage and started with guest roles before moving into leads. He also directs television episodes, adding behind-the-camera experience.

Tony Revolori

Tony Revolori made a striking film debut in ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ and later played Flash Thompson in the ‘Spider-Man’ series. His television work includes ‘Willow’ and various guest appearances. Born in the United States to Guatemalan parents, he began acting as a child. Revolori continues working in comedies, fantasy series, and independent films.

Clifton Collins Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. has appeared in ‘Traffic’, ‘Capote’, and the series ‘Westworld’, building a résumé of complex supporting and lead roles. He won a Special Jury Award at Sundance for ‘Jockey’. Of Mexican American heritage, Collins works in both English and Spanish productions. His filmography spans crime dramas, westerns, and science fiction.

Raúl Castillo

Raúl Castillo is known for HBO’s ‘Looking’ and films like ‘We the Animals’. He has appeared in studio fare such as ‘Army of the Dead’ while continuing to act on stage. Castillo, a Mexican American actor and playwright, trained at Boston University and has written plays produced in New York and beyond. His screen work often intersects with independent filmmakers and emerging directors.

Santiago Cabrera

Chilean actor Santiago Cabrera played Cristóbal Rios in ‘Star Trek: Picard’ and starred in series like ‘Heroes’, ‘Merlin’, and ‘Salvation’. He trained at the Drama Centre London and has worked across the UK, U.S., and Latin America. Cabrera’s credits include period dramas, sci-fi ensembles, and contemporary thrillers. He remains active in television while taking on feature roles and voice work.

Anthony Ramos

Anthony Ramos originated roles in ‘Hamilton’ before moving into films like ‘In the Heights’ and franchise work such as ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. On television, he has appeared in projects spanning drama and comedy. Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents, he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Ramos also records music alongside his screen career.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo’s filmography includes ‘Carlito’s Way’, ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’, and ‘Chef’, with voice work in the ‘Ice Age’ series. He has created and performed multiple one-man shows that document Latino experiences on stage and screen. Born in Colombia and raised in New York, Leguizamo has also directed and produced. His credits combine comedy, drama, and documentary projects.

Rodrigo Santoro

Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro is known for ‘300’, ‘Love Actually’, and ‘Westworld’. He has led and supported roles in Portuguese-, Spanish-, and English-language productions. Santoro began his career in Brazilian television and films before expanding to international projects. His work spans historical epics, sci-fi series, and contemporary dramas.

Ismael Cruz Cordova

Ismael Cruz Córdova played Arondir in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ and has appeared in ‘Miss Bala’ and ‘Mary Queen of Scots’. Born in Puerto Rico, he trained at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. His television credits include roles across premium cable and streaming platforms. He works in both English and Spanish, often collaborating with filmmakers on culturally specific stories.

Xolo Mariduena

Xolo Maridueña stars as Jaime Reyes in ‘Blue Beetle’ and as Miguel Diaz in ‘Cobra Kai’. He began acting young, building credits in television before transitioning into leading film roles. Of Mexican, Cuban, and Ecuadorian heritage, he also hosts podcasts and engages with animation voice work. His projects cover action, comedy, and coming-of-age narratives.

Tony Dalton

Tony Dalton portrayed Lalo Salamanca in ‘Better Call Saul’ after a career in Mexican television and film, including ‘Sr. Ávila’. Born in the United States and raised in Mexico, he trained at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. Dalton works in both English and Spanish across crime dramas and thrillers. His résumé includes writing and producing credits on earlier projects.

Diego Boneta

Diego Boneta led the biographical series ‘Luis Miguel: La serie’ and appeared in films such as ‘Rock of Ages’ and ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. A Mexican actor and singer, he began on youth series before moving to international productions. Boneta founded a production company focused on Spanish-language stories. He continues to alternate between television leads and feature films.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera transitioned from ‘Rebelde’ to English-language series like ‘Sense8’ and ‘The Exorcist’. He has also worked in theater and voice acting. Born in Mexico City, Herrera studied at Centro de Educación Artística (CEA). His screen roles range from science fiction ensembles to procedural dramas.

Luis Gerardo Méndez

Luis Gerardo Méndez broke out with ‘Club de Cuervos’ and appeared in films like ‘The Gentlemen’ and ‘Half Brothers’. He has balanced Spanish-language hits with English-language projects. Méndez produces through his company, developing series and features in Mexico and the U.S. His credits extend to theater and documentary narration.

David Castañeda

David Castañeda is known for ‘The Umbrella Academy’, where he plays Diego Hargreeves. Born in Mexico and raised in the United States, he studied film at Cal State Fullerton. His work includes independent features and shorts in addition to television. Castañeda continues to appear in action-driven roles and dramas.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén portrays Guillermo in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’, earning recognition for comedic timing and action-heavy episodes. He has voice roles in projects like ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. Born to Mexican parents in California, Guillén is active in both live-action and animation. His credits also include guest appearances across network and streaming series.

Ramón Rodríguez

Ramón Rodríguez leads ‘Will Trent’ and previously appeared in ‘The Wire’, ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’, and ‘The Taking of Pelham 123’. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York, he studied at New York City Lab School and later pursued acting. Rodríguez has worked across crime dramas, action films, and network procedurals. He also participates in community mentorship initiatives.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez headlined the ‘Magnum P.I.’ reboot and appeared in films such as ‘Hostel’ and ‘Suicide Squad’. A Los Angeles native of Mexican descent, he transitioned from early teen roles to adult leads. His television career includes long-running network series and guest arcs. Hernandez continues to work in action, drama, and romantic comedies.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama gained early fame with ‘That ’70s Show’ and later appeared in ‘NCIS’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series’. Born in Miami to Venezuelan and Colombian parents, he is bilingual and works in English and Spanish. His film credits include voice roles and independent dramas. Valderrama also produces, developing projects across scripted TV.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez led ‘Instructions Not Included’ and ‘Overboard’, and co-starred in the Oscar-winning ensemble ‘CODA’. A longtime figure in Mexican television, he moved into U.S. films while producing through 3Pas Studios. Derbez works across family comedies, dramas, and reality formats. His projects often bridge Spanish- and English-language markets.

Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale’s credits span ‘Boardwalk Empire’, ‘Vinyl’, ‘Mr. Robot’, and films like ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘The Station Agent’. Born in New Jersey to a Cuban mother and Italian father, he began in theater before expanding into television and film. Cannavale frequently collaborates with directors on character-driven roles. He maintains an active stage career alongside screen work.

Jesse Garcia

Jesse Garcia starred as Richard Montañez in ‘Flamin’ Hot’ and appeared in series like ‘Sons of Anarchy’. Born in Texas to Mexican parents, he has worked in independent films and studio projects. Garcia’s résumé includes festival premieres and network television. He continues to balance leading roles with ensemble casts.

Rodrigo de la Serna

Argentine actor Rodrigo de la Serna is known internationally for ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and for playing Palermo in ‘La casa de papel’. He has an extensive career in Argentine television, film, and theater. De la Serna’s roles include historical figures and contemporary antiheroes. He regularly returns to stage productions between screen projects.

Alberto Ammann

Alberto Ammann, born in Argentina and raised in Spain, appeared in ‘Cell 211’ and portrayed Pacho Herrera in ‘Narcos’ and ‘Narcos: Mexico’. He has worked across Spanish and Latin American cinema. Ammann trained at Juan Carlos Corazza’s school in Madrid. His screen roles include thrillers, biographical dramas, and crime series.

Noah Centineo

Noah Centineo headlined ‘The Recruit’ and appeared in ‘Black Adam’ after gaining notice in teen romantic comedies. Born in Florida to a family of Cuban descent, he transitioned from youth television to action and spy-driven projects. Centineo also produces, launching ventures focused on film and social impact. His credits include franchise and standalone titles.

Share your picks in the comments and tell us which Latino actors you think more people should be watching right now.