The Most Influential Hispanic Actors of All Time

From Hollywood’s studio era to today’s global blockbusters and prestige television, Hispanic actors have advanced mainstream storytelling, anchored landmark roles across genres, and built pipelines for Spanish-language talent to reach worldwide audiences. Below are forty men whose careers span countries, languages, and formats—film, TV, and streaming—with verifiable credits, awards, and industry achievements that shaped how and where their work travels.

Anthony Quinn

Born in Mexico and raised in the United States, Anthony Quinn won two Academy Awards for ‘Viva Zapata!’ and ‘Lust for Life’. He achieved international recognition with the title role in ‘Zorba the Greek’ and appeared in epics like ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Quinn worked across film, stage, and television from the 1930s through the 1990s. His studio-era success created durable opportunities for Latino leads in major productions.

Javier Bardem

Spanish actor Javier Bardem earned an Academy Award for ‘No Country for Old Men’. He has balanced auteur cinema and large franchises with films such as ‘Biutiful’, ‘Skyfall’, and ‘Dune’. Bardem has portrayed historical and real-life figures, including poet Reinaldo Arenas in ‘Before Night Falls’. His cross-language career established a consistent trajectory from Spanish cinema to global releases.

Benicio del Toro

Puerto Rican–born Benicio del Toro won an Academy Award for ‘Traffic’. He built a wide-ranging filmography with ’21 Grams’, ‘Che’, ‘Sicario’, and roles in studio franchises like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Del Toro’s credits include work as a producer and advisor on select projects. His performances have anchored crime dramas and character studies across U.S. and international markets.

Ricardo Montalban

Mexico City–born Ricardo Montalbán starred on television in ‘Fantasy Island’ and in films including ‘Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan’. Active from the 1940s, he worked in both Hollywood and Mexico. Montalbán founded the Nosotros Foundation to support Latino performers and improve casting access. His career encompassed stage, film, and television across five decades.

Desi Arnaz

Cuban-born Desi Arnaz co-created and co-starred in ‘I Love Lucy’. Through Desilu Productions he helped standardize the three-camera, live-audience sitcom format. Arnaz oversaw production on multiple series and pioneered syndication models that extended television’s commercial life. His executive role placed a Hispanic producer at the center of U.S. TV’s early infrastructure.

Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Stand and Deliver’. His major television work includes ‘Miami Vice’ and ‘Battlestar Galactica’, with directing credits on films and episodes. Olmos has supported Latino education and media programs through festivals and outreach. His career links studio films, prestige series, and advocacy initiatives.

Raúl Juliá

Puerto Rican actor Raúl Juliá worked extensively on Broadway and in films such as ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ and ‘The Addams Family’. He performed Shakespeare and contemporary drama with major New York companies. Juliá also portrayed biographical roles, including in ‘The Burning Season’. His stage and screen resume bridged mainstream and art-house audiences.

Andy Garcia

Cuban-born Andy García broke out in ‘The Untouchables’ and received an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Godfather Part III’. He led and supported ensembles in ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and directed ‘The Lost City’. García’s credits span dramas, thrillers, and comedies across studios and independents. He continues to alternate acting with producing and directing assignments.

Antonio Banderas

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas moved from Almodóvar collaborations to Hollywood with ‘The Mambo Kings’ and ‘Philadelphia’. He headlined ‘Desperado’, voiced Puss in Boots in the ‘Shrek’ series and standalone films, and earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Pain and Glory’. Banderas has produced and directed while maintaining work in Spain. His career demonstrates long-term continuity across languages and industries.

Gael García Bernal

Mexican actor Gael García Bernal gained international prominence with ‘Amores Perros’ and ‘Y Tu Mamá También’. He portrayed Ernesto Guevara in ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and led the series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. Bernal co-founded production outfits that develop Latin American projects. His credits span festival cinema, streaming, and theatrical releases in multiple territories.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna transitioned from Mexican cinema to global franchises with ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. He leads the series ‘Andor’ and has appeared in films such as ‘Frida’ and ‘Milk’. Luna co-founded companies that produce Spanish-language and bilingual content. His work covers acting, directing, and producing across film and television.

Pedro Pascal

Chilean-born Pedro Pascal rose to prominence through ‘Game of Thrones’ and then headlined ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He has film roles in projects like ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle’ and ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent’. Pascal’s credits also include stage performances in New York. His visibility spans premium cable, streaming, and theatrical releases.

Oscar Isaac

Guatemalan-born Oscar Isaac has led films such as ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ and ‘Ex Machina’ and appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Dune’ franchises. He starred in the limited series ‘Scenes from a Marriage’ and ‘Moon Knight’. Isaac’s training includes classical theater, with Broadway and Off-Broadway roles. His projects range from independent drama to major studio productions.

John Leguizamo

Colombian American John Leguizamo’s film work includes ‘Carlito’s Way’, ‘Romeo + Juliet’, and voice roles in the ‘Ice Age’ franchise. He wrote and starred in solo stage shows such as ‘Freak’ and ‘Latin History for Morons’. Leguizamo has produced documentaries and specials highlighting Latino history and arts. His credits cross film, television, theater, and nonfiction.

Eugenio Derbez

Mexican star Eugenio Derbez achieved cross-market success with ‘Instructions Not Included’. He acted in ‘CODA’ and produced a slate of bilingual films and series. Derbez’s companies develop projects for streaming platforms and theatrical distribution. His career connects Spanish-language TV origins to global family and drama titles.

Demián Bichir

Mexican actor Demián Bichir received an Academy Award nomination for ‘A Better Life’. He has worked in U.S. television on ‘The Bridge’ and in films including ‘The Hateful Eight’ and ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’. Bichir maintains credits in Mexican cinema alongside Hollywood roles. His projects demonstrate sustained work across borders and formats.

Luis Guzmán

Puerto Rican–born Luis Guzmán has appeared in ‘Boogie Nights’, ‘Traffic’, and ‘Carlito’s Way’, among many others. His television credits include ‘Narcos’ and ‘Wednesday’. Guzmán’s career features recurring collaborations with noted directors and showrunners. He remains active in both comedic and dramatic ensembles.

Ricardo Darín

Argentine actor Ricardo Darín is known for ‘Nine Queens’, ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’, and ‘Argentina, 1985’. His films regularly reach international festivals and domestic box-office milestones. Darín has also worked as a producer on select titles. He is a central figure in contemporary Argentine cinema.

Luis Tosar

Spanish actor Luis Tosar is recognized for ‘Cell 211’, ‘Even the Rain’, and ‘Take My Eyes’. He has worked in thrillers, historical dramas, and politically themed films. Tosar’s career includes regional projects in Galicia and national productions in Spain. His credits extend to international co-productions circulating widely in Europe and Latin America.

Cantinflas

Mexican icon Cantinflas starred in dozens of comedies and reached global audiences with ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. He became a leading figure of Mexico’s Golden Age of cinema. Cantinflas also took on production responsibilities and business roles within the industry. His films continue to screen widely in Spanish-speaking markets.

José Ferrer

Puerto Rican–born José Ferrer won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ in 1951. He was also the first Hispanic performer to receive that honor. Ferrer’s career covered stage directing, Broadway stardom, and film roles including ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ and ‘Moulin Rouge’ (1952). He maintained a long presence in theater and television through the 1980s.

Fernando Rey

Spanish actor Fernando Rey is noted for ‘The French Connection’ and collaborations with Luis Buñuel such as ‘Viridiana’ and ‘Tristana’. He worked extensively in Spain, France, Italy, and the United States. Rey’s multilingual career included dubbing and voice work for international versions. His credits span art-house and mainstream thrillers from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Pedro Infante

Mexican star Pedro Infante headlined musical dramas and comedies during Mexico’s Golden Age, including ‘Tizoc’ and ‘Nosotros los pobres’. He recorded hundreds of songs and intersected film and music industries. Infante received international recognition at the Berlin International Film Festival. His filmography became a staple of mid-20th-century Mexican popular culture.

Jorge Negrete

Jorge Negrete was a leading Mexican actor and singer associated with the charro persona in films like ‘¡Ay Jalisco, no te rajes!’. He co-founded and led the Mexican actors’ union (ANDA). Negrete’s recordings and films circulated widely across Latin America. His career linked national cinema with radio and live performance circuits.

Pedro Armendáriz

Pedro Armendáriz starred in Mexican and international films, including ‘María Candelaria’ and ‘From Russia with Love’. He collaborated frequently with director Emilio Fernández and cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa. Armendáriz appeared in both Spanish- and English-language productions. His credits positioned Mexican performers within global studio systems of the 1940s–60s.

Pedro Armendáriz Jr.

Pedro Armendáriz Jr. built a prolific career across Mexican cinema and U.S. projects such as ‘The Mask of Zorro’. He worked continuously from the 1960s into the 2010s. Armendáriz Jr. appeared in television series, historical dramas, and contemporary thrillers. His roles connected Mexico’s classic film legacy to modern co-productions.

Ignacio López Tarso

Ignacio López Tarso headlined ‘Macario’, the first Mexican film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. His career included extensive stage work in classical and contemporary repertory. López Tarso acted in television telenovelas and miniseries for decades. He received national honors for contributions to Mexican culture.

Federico Luppi

Argentine actor Federico Luppi appeared in ‘Cronos’, ‘The Devil’s Backbone’, and ‘Men with Guns’. He worked across Argentina, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Luppi’s credits include leading and supporting roles in genre and political cinema. His collaborations spanned directors from Guillermo del Toro to Adolfo Aristarain.

Damián Alcázar

Mexican actor Damián Alcázar is known for ‘La ley de Herodes’, ‘El Infierno’, and the series ‘Narcos’. He frequently works in politically themed films and social satires. Alcázar’s career covers theater, television, and cinema in Mexico and abroad. He has received multiple Ariel Awards from the Mexican Academy.

Leonardo Sbaraglia

Argentine actor Leonardo Sbaraglia’s international credits include ‘Intacto’, ‘Relatos salvajes’, and ‘Pain and Glory’. He works in Spanish and Argentine industries and in European co-productions. Sbaraglia has appeared in series for premium cable and streaming platforms. His roles range from thrillers to literary adaptations.

Edgar Ramírez

Venezuelan actor Édgar Ramírez gained global attention with the miniseries ‘Carlos’. He has appeared in ‘Joy’, ‘Hands of Stone’, and ‘The Girl on the Train’, and starred in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’. Ramírez works in English and Spanish across film and television. His projects include biographical portrayals and contemporary thrillers.

Alfred Molina

British-American actor Alfred Molina, of Spanish heritage, is known for ‘Frida’, ‘Spider-Man 2’, and ‘Boogie Nights’. He has extensive stage credits in London and New York. Molina’s filmography spans independent cinema and major franchises. His voice and motion-capture roles add to a diversified screen career.

Michael Peña

American actor Michael Peña, of Mexican descent, has appeared in ‘Crash’, ‘End of Watch’, and the ‘Ant-Man’ films. He has worked in dramatic features, comedies, and limited series. Peña’s roles include real-life portrayals and ensemble casts. His credits cover studio productions and independent films.

Danny Trejo

American actor Danny Trejo, of Mexican descent, is known for ‘Machete’, ‘Heat’, and numerous television guest roles. He began with character parts and expanded into leading and supporting roles in genre films. Trejo operates businesses and participates in community programs alongside acting. His screen work includes action, crime, and comedy titles.

Tenoch Huerta Mejía

Mexican actor Tenoch Huerta has credits in ‘Güeros’, ‘Narcos: Mexico’, and ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’. He works in Spanish-language features and international studio productions. Huerta has appeared in socially focused films and mainstream action titles. His roles span independent cinema and franchise storytelling.

Rubén Blades

Panamanian actor and musician Rubén Blades has appeared in ‘Crossover Dreams’, ‘Predator 2’, and series such as ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. He served in public office while continuing performance projects. Blades’ work integrates film, television, and music recordings. His career links Latin American arts to U.S. production hubs.

Daniel Giménez Cacho

Mexican-Spanish actor Daniel Giménez Cacho is known for ‘Cronos’, ‘Zama’, and ‘Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths’. He has collaborated with major Latin American and Spanish directors. Giménez Cacho works in film, television, and theater in Mexico and Spain. His roles include historical dramas and experimental cinema.

Guillermo Francella

Argentine actor Guillermo Francella co-starred in the Academy Award–winning ‘The Secret in Their Eyes’. He has led television comedies and dramas in Argentina and starred in ‘Nueve reinas’ remakes and later hits like ‘El clan’. Francella’s career bridges national TV stardom and international festival films. His filmography includes true-crime and period pieces.

Joaquín Cosío

Mexican actor Joaquín Cosío is credited in ‘El Infierno’, ‘Quantum of Solace’, and ‘Narcos: Mexico’. He works across film and series in Mexico and the United States. Cosío’s roles include law-enforcement, criminal, and political figures. His voice work and theater background complement his screen career.

Jose Coronado

Spanish actor José Coronado won a Goya Award for ‘No habrá paz para los malvados’. His credits include ‘El cuerpo’, ‘La caja 507’, and numerous television series. Coronado has maintained leading roles in Spanish thrillers and dramas for decades. He remains active across film and premium television in Spain.

Share your additions below—who else belongs on this list, and which performances should readers seek out first?