Latino Actors Who Win You Over Every Time You See Them on a Screen

Latino actors have played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of film and television for decades with their diverse talents and compelling screen presence. Their performances range from intense dramatic portrayals to comedic roles that capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. This list highlights talented male performers who consistently deliver memorable work regardless of the genre or the size of the role. These individuals bring authenticity and charisma to every project they undertake.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal has achieved global superstardom through his commanding performances in high-profile television series and films. He captured audience attention as the charismatic Oberyn Martell in ‘Game of Thrones’ before leading the cast of ‘Narcos’ as Javier Peña. His role as the titular character in ‘The Mandalorian’ solidified his status as a versatile leading man in Hollywood. Pascal further demonstrated his dramatic range by portraying Joel Miller in the critically acclaimed adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’. His ability to convey deep emotion and strength makes him a standout talent in every production he joins.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro is renowned for his intense method acting and his ability to inhabit complex characters. He won an Academy Award for his supporting role as a conflicted police officer in the crime drama ‘Traffic’. His performance in ‘The Usual Suspects’ as the mumbling Fred Fenster remains a fan favorite for its eccentricity. He brought a menacing presence to the screen as the mysterious Alejandro in the thriller ‘Sicario’. Del Toro continues to be a force in the industry with roles that often explore the darker sides of human nature.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac has built a diverse filmography that spans independent dramas and massive blockbuster franchises. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of a struggling folk singer in the Coen Brothers film ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’. Isaac reached a massive global audience as Poe Dameron in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. He showcased his ability to play multiple challenging roles simultaneously in the Marvel series ‘Moon Knight’. His work consistently displays a high level of artistic integrity and emotional depth.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal first gained international recognition for his role in the gritty Mexican drama ‘Amores Perros’. He cemented his reputation as a leading talent with his performance in the coming-of-age road trip film ‘Y Tu Mamá También’. Bernal successfully transitioned to television with his starring role as a conductor in ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. He also voiced the character Hector in the beloved animated film ‘Coco’. His career is marked by a willingness to choose provocative and artistically significant projects.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna has evolved from a child actor in Mexico to a major player in international cinema and television. He starred alongside Gael García Bernal in ‘Y Tu Mamá También’ before taking on roles in American films like ‘The Terminal’. Luna achieved worldwide fame as the rebel spy Cassian Andor in the ‘Star Wars’ film ‘Rogue One’. He reprised this role in the series ‘Andor’ which allowed him to explore the character’s backstory in greater depth. Luna remains a passionate advocate for Mexican cinema and storytelling.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo is a multi-talented performer known for his stand-up comedy as well as his acting in film and theater. He delivered a memorable performance as Tybalt in Baz Luhrmann’s modern adaptation ‘Romeo + Juliet’. Leguizamo has also lent his voice to the sloth Sid in the successful ‘Ice Age’ animated franchise. His one-man shows on Broadway have earned him critical praise for their humor and social commentary. He consistently brings energy and a unique perspective to both supporting and leading roles.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña has established himself as one of the most reliable character actors in the industry. He showcased his dramatic chops in the Academy Award-winning film ‘Crash’ as a grieving father. Peña displayed his impeccable comedic timing as the fast-talking Luis in the Marvel film ‘Ant-Man’. His filmography includes a wide variety of roles in movies such as ‘End of Watch’ and ‘The Martian’. Audiences appreciate his ability to seamlessly switch between intense drama and lighthearted comedy.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo is instantly recognizable for his rugged appearance and his history of playing tough characters. He became an unlikely action star with the film ‘Machete’ which was developed from a fake trailer. Trejo has appeared in hundreds of films and television shows including ‘Desperado’ and ‘Heat’. His journey from prison inmate to Hollywood icon is one of the most inspiring stories in the entertainment business. He brings a genuine sense of danger and grit to every role he inhabits.

Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos is a respected actor and director known for his authoritative and intense performances. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of educator Jaime Escalante in ‘Stand and Deliver’. Sci-fi fans revere him for his role as William Adama in the reimagined ‘Battlestar Galactica’ series. Olmos also left a lasting mark as the mysterious Gaff in the original ‘Blade Runner’ film. His voice and presence command attention whenever he appears on screen.

Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits has been a fixture on American television for many years with leading roles in several hit series. He played the attorney Victor Sifuentes in the legal drama ‘L.A. Law’ early in his career. Smits later portrayed Detective Bobby Simone in the acclaimed police procedural ‘NYPD Blue’. He reached a new generation of fans as Bail Organa in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy and subsequent series. His performances are characterized by a sense of calm authority and emotional intelligence.

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán is a beloved character actor known for his distinct voice and scene-stealing supporting roles. He has collaborated frequently with director Steven Soderbergh in films like ‘Traffic’ and ‘The Limey’. Guzmán appeared as the sidekick in the adventure film ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’. Recently he portrayed Gomez Addams in the popular Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. His career is defined by his ability to make even small roles memorable and entertaining.

Esai Morales

Esai Morales first made a strong impression on audiences as Bob Morales in the biopic ‘La Bamba’. He has maintained a steady career in television with roles in shows like ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘Criminal Minds’. Morales recently gained attention for his portrayal of the villainous Deathstroke in the series ‘Titans’. He also starred as the primary antagonist in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’. His work often balances charm with an underlying intensity.

Demián Bichir

Demián Bichir is a celebrated Mexican actor who has successfully crossed over into American cinema. He received an Academy Award nomination for his moving performance as an undocumented gardener in ‘A Better Life’. Bichir played a key role in Quentin Tarantino’s western mystery ‘The Hateful Eight’. He also starred in the horror hit ‘The Nun’ as a priest investigating supernatural events. His performances are noted for their quiet dignity and emotional resonance.

Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura gained international fame for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series ‘Narcos’. His performance required him to learn Spanish and undergo a significant physical transformation. Before that role he was already a massive star in Brazil for the ‘Elite Squad’ films. Moura has also directed films and appeared in international productions like ‘Elysium’. He brings a fierce intensity and intelligence to his work that captivates viewers.

Rodrigo Santoro

Rodrigo Santoro is a Brazilian actor who has appeared in major Hollywood productions and independent films. He is perhaps best known for playing the Persian King Xerxes in the action film ‘300’. Santoro was part of the large ensemble cast in the romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’. He also had a significant role as Hector Escaton in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. His physical transformations and versatility allow him to play a wide range of characters.

Edgar Ramírez

Edgar Ramírez garnered critical acclaim for his starring role in the miniseries ‘Carlos’ about the notorious revolutionary. He played the fashion designer Gianni Versace in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’. Ramírez has also appeared in action films such as ‘Point Break’ and ‘Jungle Cruise’. His performances often exude a natural charisma and a brooding intensity. He continues to be a sought-after talent for both film and television projects.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama became a household name playing the foreign exchange student Fez in the sitcom ‘That ’70s Show’. He successfully transitioned to dramatic roles with his long-running part as Nick Torres in ‘NCIS’. Valderrama voiced the main character in the animated children’s show ‘Handy Manny’. He also had a memorable recurring role in the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His career demonstrates a broad range from slapstick comedy to procedural drama.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso has built a solid career with roles in action films and television dramas. He currently stars as Mother’s Milk in the hit superhero satire series ‘The Boys’. Alonso appeared in the blockbuster film ‘Avatar’ as the Na’vi warrior Tsu’tey. His filmography includes roles in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise entry ‘Fast & Furious’. He brings a strong physical presence and a grounding energy to his performances.

Jacob Vargas

Jacob Vargas has been a working actor since his youth and has an extensive list of credits. He is known for his role as Joker in the comedy sequel ‘Next Friday’. Vargas played a drug dealer in the Steven Soderbergh film ‘Traffic’ alongside other notable Latino actors. He recently appeared in the sitcom ‘Mr. Iglesias’ as a history teacher. His longevity in the industry is a testament to his adaptability and talent.

Clifton Collins Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. is a chameleon-like character actor who disappears into his roles. He delivered a chilling performance as killer Perry Smith in the film ‘Capote’. Collins played a major role in the first season of the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. His work covers a vast array of genres including sci-fi blockbusters like ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Pacific Rim’. He consistently delivers nuanced performances that elevate the material.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez first captured hearts as the love interest in the drama ‘Crazy/Beautiful’. He took on the iconic role of Thomas Magnum in the reboot of the series ‘Magnum P.I.’. Hernandez played the pyrokinetic character El Diablo in the superhero film ‘Suicide Squad’. He has also appeared in the horror films ‘Hostel’ and ‘Hostel: Part II’. His career balances leading man charm with action-oriented roles.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has become a prominent face in action and drama genres. He leads the cast of the popular legal drama series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ on Netflix. Garcia-Rulfo was part of the ensemble in the western remake ‘The Magnificent Seven’. He also appeared alongside Tom Hanks in the film ‘A Man Called Otto’. His screen presence combines a relaxed confidence with dramatic weight.

Tony Dalton

Tony Dalton became a fan favorite for his portrayal of the charismatic cartel boss Lalo Salamanca in ‘Better Call Saul’. His performance was praised for adding a terrifying yet charming energy to the series. Dalton subsequently joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Jack Duquesne in the series ‘Hawkeye’. He has a long history of acting in Mexican films and television before his international breakout. He excels at playing characters who mask their danger with a smile.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera gained international fame as one of the stars of the Mexican pop group RBD and the telenovela ‘Rebelde’. He transitioned to English-language television with a lead role in the series ‘The Exorcist’. Herrera played the character Hernando in the sci-fi drama ‘Sense8’ created by the Wachowskis. He recently portrayed the volatile Javi Elizonndro in the final season of ‘Ozark’. His acting is marked by passion and a willingness to take on complex roles.

Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna is best known for his role as the Robbie Reyes version of Ghost Rider in ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. He played the relentless villain Rev-9 in the action film ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. Luna appeared as Tommy Miller in the video game adaptation ‘The Last of Us’. His performances often involve high stakes and significant physical demands. He brings an emotional vulnerability to his action-heavy roles.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén has won over audiences with his role as the familiar Guillermo de la Cruz in ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His character serves as the human heart of the vampire comedy series. Guillén provided the voice for the character Perrito in the animated hit ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. He has appeared in numerous other television shows including ‘The Magicians’. His comedic timing and expressive acting make him a standout performer.

Anthony Ramos

Anthony Ramos broke out as part of the original dual-role cast of the Broadway musical ‘Hamilton’. He led the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’ as the protagonist Usnavi. Ramos joined the ‘Transformers’ franchise as the lead human character in ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. He appeared alongside Lady Gaga in the remake of ‘A Star Is Born’. His energy and musical talent translate powerfully to the screen.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a creative force who often acts in his own productions and others. He played the lead role of Alexander Hamilton in the filmed version of his musical ‘Hamilton’. Miranda portrayed the lamplighter Jack in the Disney sequel ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. He plays the aeronaut Lee Scoresby in the fantasy series ‘His Dark Materials’. His performances are infused with an infectious enthusiasm and intelligence.

David Zayas

David Zayas is well known for his role as Angel Batista in the long-running series ‘Dexter’. Before becoming an actor he worked as a police officer in New York City. Zayas played the villainous General Garza in the action movie ‘The Expendables’. He appeared as a crime lord in the Batman prequel series ‘Gotham’. His background adds a layer of authenticity to his portrayals of law enforcement and criminals.

Raymond Cruz

Raymond Cruz is famous for playing intense and volatile characters. He is best known for his role as the unpredictable drug lord Tuco Salamanca in ‘Breaking Bad’ and ‘Better Call Saul’. Cruz played Detective Julio Sanchez in the procedural drama ‘The Closer’ and its spinoff ‘Major Crimes’. He has a long list of film credits including ‘Training Day’ and ‘Clear and Present Danger’. He brings a terrifying energy to his villainous roles and a staunch loyalty to his heroic ones.

Amaury Nolasco

Amaury Nolasco captured audience attention as Sucre in the hit prison drama ‘Prison Break’. His character was the loyal cellmate and friend to the show’s protagonist. Nolasco appeared in the first live-action ‘Transformers’ movie as a soldier. He starred in the crime drama series ‘Hightown’ set in Cape Cod. He excels at playing characters who are lovable and fiercely loyal.

Cheech Marin

Cheech Marin is a comedy legend known for his partnership with Tommy Chong. He transitioned to mainstream acting with a co-starring role in the show ‘Nash Bridges’. Marin has voiced characters in major animated films like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Cars’. He has collaborated frequently with director Robert Rodriguez on films like ‘Desperado’. His comedic delivery and recognizable voice have made him an entertainment staple.

Raúl Juliá

Raul Julia was a Puerto Rican actor whose stage and screen career left a lasting legacy. He delivered an iconic performance as Gomez Addams in ‘The Addams Family’ movies. Julia won acclaim for his role in ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’. His final film role was the villain M. Bison in ‘Street Fighter’. He is remembered for his larger-than-life presence and his passionate acting style.

Anthony Quinn

Anthony Quinn was a Mexican-American actor who starred in numerous classic films. He won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for ‘Viva Zapata!’ and ‘Lust for Life’. Quinn is perhaps most famous for his lead role in ‘Zorba the Greek’. He played the Bedouin leader Auda abu Tayi in the epic ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. His rugged features and powerful acting defined a generation of cinema.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has emerged as a powerhouse actor with accolades in theater and film. He won an Emmy for his role as Ali in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Domingo received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in ‘Rustin’. He appeared as the stern Victor Strand in ‘Fear the Walking Dead’. His performances are marked by a commanding grace and emotional depth.

Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale is known for playing intense and often volatile characters. He won an Emmy for his role as Gyp Rosetti in the HBO series ‘Boardwalk Empire’. Cannavale starred in the independent film ‘The Station Agent’ which garnered him critical praise. He has appeared in Marvel films like ‘Ant-Man’ as a police officer. His energy on screen is often explosive and unpredictable.

Emilio Rivera

Emilio Rivera is best known for his role as Marcus Alvarez in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and its spinoff ‘Mayans M.C.’. He frequently plays tough authority figures or gang leaders. Rivera appeared in the film ‘Traffic’ and the series ‘Weeds’. His distinct voice and serious demeanor give his characters a sense of gravity. He brings a code of honor to roles that could otherwise be one-dimensional.

Nestor Carbonell

Nestor Carbonell is recognized for his role as the ageless Richard Alpert in the series ‘Lost’. He played the Mayor of Gotham City in Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Dark Knight’ and ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. Carbonell starred as Sheriff Alex Romero in the series ‘Bates Motel’. He recently appeared in the historical drama series ‘Shōgun’. His expressive eyes and calm delivery are his acting trademarks.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez is a massive star in Mexico who has successfully crossed over to Hollywood. He wrote, directed, and starred in the hit film ‘Instructions Not Included’. Derbez played the music teacher Bernardo Villalobos in the Best Picture winner ‘CODA’. He starred in the remake of the comedy ‘Overboard’. His work blends heart-warming sentiment with physical comedy.

Jaime Camil

Jaime Camil is best known to US audiences as the eccentric Rogelio de la Vega in ‘Jane the Virgin’. His performance was a highlight of the show for its comedic vanity and heart. Camil starred in the musical comedy series ‘Schmigadoon!’. He voiced the father in the animated film ‘Coco’. He brings a theatrical flair and immense likability to his roles.

Kirk Acevedo

Kirk Acevedo is known for his gritty roles in television dramas. He played Miguel Alvarez in the prison series ‘Oz’ and Joe Toye in ‘Band of Brothers’. Acevedo was a main cast member in the sci-fi series ‘Fringe’. He appeared as the villain Diaz in the superhero show ‘Arrow’. His acting often conveys a sense of desperation and toughness.

Rick Gonzalez

Rick Gonzalez has been a steady presence in film and television for years. He played the vigilante Wild Dog in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. Gonzalez appeared in the basketball drama ‘Coach Carter’ alongside Samuel L. Jackson. He currently stars in the crime procedural ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’. He brings a youthful energy and street-smart edge to his characters.

Maximiliano Hernández

Maximiliano Hernández has appeared in several major franchises. He played Agent Sitwell in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe films including ‘The Avengers’ and ‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’. Hernández had a role in the first ‘Sicario’ film. He starred in the post-apocalyptic series ‘The Last Ship’. His characters are often bureaucratic but hide deeper motivations.

Clayton Cardenas

Clayton Cardenas is best known for his role as Angel Reyes in the series ‘Mayans M.C.’. His chemistry with JD Pardo was a central element of the show. Cardenas appeared in the anthology series ‘American Crime’. He brings a raw emotionality and artistic sensibility to his performances. He is also a painter and brings that creativity to his screen work.

Tell us which of these talented actors is your absolute favorite in the comments.