Latino Actresses No One Hates

From global box-office stars to acclaimed indie powerhouses, Latina actresses have shaped film and television across genres and languages. The women below span countries, generations, and mediums, and their credits range from prestige dramas to blockbuster franchises. You’ll find Academy Award winners, Emmy honorees, and performers who’ve opened doors on and off screen through producing, directing, and advocacy. Each entry highlights career milestones, notable roles, and achievements that showcase their impact.

Salma Hayek

Born in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Salma Hayek broke out in Hollywood with ‘Desperado’ and earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Frida’. She has produced series like ‘Ugly Betty’, which won multiple Emmys, and co-founded the production company Ventanarosa. Hayek joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with ‘Eternals’ and has continued leading roles in both English and Spanish projects. She is also recognized for advocacy work addressing domestic violence and supporting global women’s initiatives.

Penélope Cruz

Spanish actress Penélope Cruz won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ and has been nominated multiple times, including for ‘Volver’ and ‘Parallel Mothers’. She collaborates frequently with Pedro Almodóvar, appearing in films such as ‘Pain and Glory’ and ‘Broken Embraces’. Cruz has worked across European and American cinema, balancing auteur projects and major studio features like ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’. She also serves as a brand ambassador and has supported children’s health charities.

Ana de Armas

Cuban-born Ana de Armas gained international attention with ‘Blade Runner 2049’ and starred in the hit mystery ‘Knives Out’. She portrayed Marilyn Monroe in ‘Blonde’, earning major award nominations for her performance. De Armas joined the ‘James Bond’ franchise in ‘No Time to Die’ with a widely praised action role. She continues to lead English- and Spanish-language films while working with prominent directors across genres.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera won a Primetime Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award for ‘Ugly Betty’, becoming one of the few Latina actresses to achieve that trio for a single role. She appeared in films like ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ and delivered a widely discussed performance in ‘Barbie’. Ferrera also directs and produces, including episodes of ‘Superstore’, where she starred as Amy. She co-founded the nonprofit Harness, focusing on civic engagement and storytelling for social impact.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña has starred in three of the highest-grossing film franchises: ‘Avatar’, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, and ‘Star Trek’. Of Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, she trained in dance before transitioning to acting with early roles like ‘Center Stage’. Saldaña has led ensemble casts across action, sci-fi, and drama, and expanded into producing through Cinestar. She has also appeared in limited series such as ‘From Scratch’, showcasing range beyond franchise films.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez won a Golden Globe for ‘Jane the Virgin’, a telenovela-inspired dramedy that brought Spanish-language storytelling elements to a U.S. network audience. She has starred in features including ‘Miss Bala’ and ‘Annihilation’, and voiced characters in animated projects like ‘Carmen Sandiego’. Rodriguez founded I Can & I Will Productions to champion underrepresented voices. She has also directed television episodes, further broadening her work behind the camera.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria became a household name with ‘Desperate Housewives’ and later moved into directing and producing across scripted and unscripted projects. Her feature directorial debut, ‘Flamin’ Hot’, told the story of Richard Montañez and received strong streaming viewership. Longoria co-founded UnbeliEVAble Entertainment and has produced series like ‘Telenovela’ and ‘Devious Maids’. She is active in philanthropy and civic engagement, supporting education and Latino voter participation initiatives.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson, of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, debuted in ‘Kids’ and went on to major titles like ‘Rent’, ‘Sin City’, and ‘Seven Pounds’. On television, she leads the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Ahsoka’ after appearances in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Book of Boba Fett’. Dawson has voiced characters in animation and video games, expanding her multimedia presence. She co-founded Voto Latino, focusing on voter registration and youth civic participation.

Melissa Barrera

Mexican actress Melissa Barrera broke through with ‘Vida’ and transitioned to mainstream horror with ‘Scream’ entries and the survival thriller ‘Keep Breathing’. She starred in the musical film ‘In the Heights’, showcasing singing and dance abilities. Barrera has worked in Spanish- and English-language productions, including telenovelas earlier in her career. She continues to headline genre films while developing new projects with international filmmakers.

Stephanie Beatriz

Born in Argentina to Colombian and Bolivian parents, Stephanie Beatriz is widely known for playing Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She voiced Mirabel in Disney’s ‘Encanto’, contributing to chart-topping songs and a Best Animated Feature Oscar for the film. Beatriz has stage credits, including Broadway’s ‘In the Heights’, and voices roles in series and games. She champions LGBTQ+ visibility and participates in outreach supporting immigrants and diverse creators.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega, of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, led the hit series ‘Wednesday’ as Wednesday Addams. She appeared in ‘Scream’ installments and the horror film ‘X’, becoming a prominent Gen-Z star in genre projects. Ortega started as a child actor on ‘Stuck in the Middle’ and has since taken on producing responsibilities for select projects. She has also published a book and speaks about mental health and youth advocacy.

Eiza González

Eiza González transitioned from Mexican telenovelas to Hollywood with roles in ‘Baby Driver’, ‘Hobbs & Shaw’, and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. She starred in ‘Ambulance’ and has joined high-profile ensembles across action and drama. González has served as a fashion ambassador and collaborated with global brands. She continues to work in both English and Spanish, aligning with directors known for kinetic, genre-driven storytelling.

Michelle Rodriguez

Michelle Rodriguez, of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent, broke out with ‘Girlfight’ and became a staple of the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as Letty Ortiz. She appeared in action and sci-fi titles such as ‘Avatar’, ‘Resident Evil’, and ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. Rodriguez has also written and produced, including co-writing the graphic novel ‘Immortal I.D.’. She is known for performing physically demanding roles and supporting women in action cinema.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza, who is Puerto Rican on her father’s side, earned widespread recognition as April Ludgate in ‘Parks and Recreation’. She has led acclaimed indies like ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and ‘Emily the Criminal’, earning independent film awards and nominations. Plaza joined prestige television with ‘The White Lotus’, adding to her dramatic credentials. She produces under Evil Hag Productions and frequently collaborates on offbeat genre projects.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno is an EGOT winner, earning competitive Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards across her seven-decade career. She won the Academy Award for ‘West Side Story’ and later appeared in the 2021 film adaptation. Moreno’s television work includes ‘One Day at a Time’ and numerous guest roles. She remains active in advocacy for Latino representation and performs regularly in film, TV, and onstage.

Dascha Polanco

Dominican-born Dascha Polanco gained prominence as Dayanara Diaz on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She has appeared in films such as ‘The Irishman’ and ‘In the Heights’. Polanco works across drama and comedy, taking roles in limited series and feature productions. She participates in campaigns supporting body positivity and Latina representation in media.

Aimee Garcia

Aimee Garcia, of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, is known for ‘Lucifer’ and ‘Dexter’, with additional roles in ‘M.O.D.O.K.’ and ‘Woke’. She co-authored ‘GLOW vs. The Babyface’ comics and has produced projects highlighting diverse voices. Garcia’s film credits include ‘RoboCop’ (2014) and family features where she often brings bilingual appeal. She engages in STEM and education outreach, encouraging girls’ participation in tech.

Adria Arjona

Born in Puerto Rico and raised partly in Mexico and Guatemala, Adria Arjona appeared in ‘Andor’, ‘Good Omens’, and ‘Morbius’. She began with roles in ‘True Detective’ and ‘Narcos’, building a portfolio across fantasy, sci-fi, and action. Arjona has led bilingual productions and collaborates with both streaming platforms and major studios. She continues to pair franchise work with character-driven dramas.

Isabela Merced

Peruvian American actress and singer Isabela Merced headlined ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ and starred in ‘Instant Family’. She has appeared in action films like ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ and joined superhero and sci-fi franchises in subsequent projects. Merced releases music in English and Spanish, reflecting her bicultural background. She also supports educational initiatives and Latin American disaster relief efforts.

Karla Souza

Mexican actress Karla Souza became widely known to U.S. audiences through ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ after success in Mexican comedies like ‘Instructions Not Included’. She has led Spanish-language series and films while maintaining a presence in American television. Souza’s work includes producing and collaborating with filmmakers across North and Latin America. She participates in industry conversations about inclusion and opportunities for Latina creatives.

Stephanie Sigman

Mexican actress Stephanie Sigman starred in ‘Miss Bala’ and appeared in ‘Spectre’ within the ‘James Bond’ franchise. She worked in series like ‘Narcos’ and ‘S.W.A.T.’, bridging Spanish- and English-language roles. Sigman began in Mexican cinema and quickly moved into international projects with festival exposure. She continues to alternate between mainstream action and dramatic television.

Sofía Vergara

Colombian-born Sofía Vergara became widely known as Gloria Pritchett on ‘Modern Family’, earning multiple award nominations across the show’s run. She later led the limited series ‘Griselda’, portraying business figure Griselda Blanco. Vergara has produced Spanish- and English-language projects through Latin World Entertainment. She also serves as a judge on ‘America’s Got Talent’, expanding her presence in unscripted television.

Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes built a versatile filmography with roles in ‘Training Day’, ‘Hitch’, and ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’. She collaborated with filmmakers such as Antoine Fuqua, James Gray, and Derek Cianfrance. Mendes has contributed voice work and produced select projects while balancing design ventures. She remains associated with contemporary classics and mid-budget dramas across the 2000s and 2010s.

Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba starred in the series ‘Dark Angel’ and led blockbuster features including ‘Fantastic Four’ and ‘Sin City’. She has worked in action, comedy, and family films, and later headlined the series ‘L.A.’s Finest’. Alba co-founded The Honest Company, focusing on consumer goods, while continuing periodic acting roles. She supports entrepreneurship and mentorship for women in the entertainment business.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez first led ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and later co-created and stars in ‘Only Murders in the Building’. She has produced series and documentaries, including ’13 Reasons Why’ and ‘Selena + Chef’. Gomez balances acting with a successful music career and philanthropic initiatives centered on mental health. She frequently collaborates with streaming platforms on scripted and nonfiction projects.

Camila Mendes

Brazilian American actress Camila Mendes broke out as Veronica Lodge on ‘Riverdale’. She has appeared in features such as ‘Do Revenge’, ‘Palm Springs’, and ‘The New Romantic’. Mendes has also produced indie projects while expanding into romantic comedy and thriller roles. She participates in fashion campaigns and speaks about representation for Brazilian and Latin American artists.

Melissa Fumero

Melissa Fumero is best known for playing Amy Santiago on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She has led and guest-starred in series including ‘Blockbuster’, ‘One Day at a Time’, and voice roles in ‘Velma’. Fumero has directed television episodes and short-form projects. Her work spans comedy ensembles, animation, and single-camera sitcoms.

Justina Machado

Puerto Rican American actress Justina Machado starred as Penelope Alvarez in ‘One Day at a Time’. She previously had a key role in ‘Six Feet Under’ and recurring parts in ‘Jane the Virgin’ and ‘Queen of the South’. Machado leads and supports both comedy and drama, including TV films and limited series. She also participates in panels and programs promoting Latinx storytelling.

Judy Reyes

Judy Reyes earned recognition as Carla Espinosa on ‘Scrubs’ and later co-starred in ‘Devious Maids’. She appeared in ‘Claws’ and leads the horror dramedy ‘The Horror of Dolores Roach’. Reyes works across network, cable, and streaming platforms with steady roles in ensemble casts. She continues to collaborate with writers and showrunners on character-driven series.

Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter, who has Mexican heritage through her mother, became a cultural touchstone playing Diana Prince in ‘Wonder Woman’. She has guest-starred in contemporary projects, including a role connected to the ‘Wonder Woman’ film series. Carter also records music and performs in concert settings. Her screen work spans TV movies, episodic appearances, and advocacy for arts education.

Alice Braga

Brazil’s Alice Braga came to international attention with ‘City of God’ and ‘Lower City’. She starred opposite Will Smith in ‘I Am Legend’ and led the series ‘Queen of the South’. Braga continues to alternate between Portuguese- and English-language productions, including genre films like ‘Predators’ and ‘The New Mutants’. She produces select projects focused on Latin American stories.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin is known for genre and prestige roles, from ‘Firefly’ and ‘Gotham’ to ‘Homeland’, for which she received award recognition. She portrays Vanessa in the ‘Deadpool’ films, a role she has reprised across installments. Baccarin works steadily in television dramas and limited series. She also supports humanitarian causes tied to refugees and global health.

Roselyn Sánchez

Puerto Rican actress Roselyn Sánchez co-starred in ‘Devious Maids’ and later headlined the ‘Fantasy Island’ reimagining. Her film work includes ‘Rush Hour 2’ and family features. Sánchez produces and develops projects spanning Spanish- and English-language markets. She is active in dance and music, which often inform her performance background.

Genesis Rodriguez

Génesis Rodríguez has appeared in films such as ‘Man on a Ledge’, ‘Tusk’, and ‘Big Hero 6’, voicing Honey Lemon in the latter. On television, she joined ‘The Umbrella Academy’ in a prominent role. Rodríguez works in both studio features and independent productions across genres. She is bilingual and often participates in Spanish-language press and projects.

Leslie Grace

Leslie Grace led the film adaptation of ‘In the Heights’ in her feature debut. She filmed the title role in ‘Batgirl’, a completed project that was not released following a studio decision. Grace continues to develop screen work alongside her music career. She collaborates with directors and choreographers on performance-forward productions.

Dania Ramirez

Dania Ramirez’s credits include ‘Heroes’, ‘Devious Maids’, and ‘Once Upon a Time’. She appears in features and voice roles while maintaining a steady television presence. Ramirez often plays contemporary fantasy and drama characters across network and cable. She participates in mentorship programs for young performers of Dominican heritage.

Yalitza Aparicio

Yalitza Aparicio earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Roma’ in her screen debut. She has since appeared in anthology and festival projects while supporting Indigenous representation. Aparicio engages with international organizations on education and cultural preservation. She builds a filmography that spans Mexico-based productions and global collaborations.

Kate del Castillo

Kate del Castillo is known for ‘La Reina del Sur’ and the political thriller ‘Ingobernable’. She also starred in films and U.S. series that bridge Spanish- and English-language markets. Del Castillo produces under Cholawood Productions, developing stories for international audiences. Her career began in Mexican telenovelas before expanding to global streaming platforms.

Constance Marie

Constance Marie played Angie Lopez on ‘George Lopez’ and later starred in ‘Switched at Birth’. She portrayed Marcela Quintanilla in the biopic ‘Selena’. Marie appears in the ensemble drama ‘With Love’ while continuing guest roles across network TV. She supports literacy and arts programs connected to Latino communities.

Adriana Barraza

Adriana Barraza received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Babel’ and has appeared in ‘Amores Perros’ and ‘Blue Beetle’. She works in U.S. and Mexican productions, including ‘Penny Dreadful: City of Angels’. Barraza also teaches acting and directs stage productions. Her screen roles span matriarchs, mentors, and complex dramatic characters.

Share your favorites from this expanded list and the roles you love most in the comments!