Latino Actors Who Were Everywhere in the 2010s

The 2010s marked a significant turning point for Latino representation in Hollywood as talented actors broke through stereotypes to claim leading roles in major franchises and prestige television. Audiences saw a diverse range of performers from across Latin America and the United States take center stage in genres ranging from sci-fi thrillers to animated family classics. This decade proved that these actors could carry box office hits and anchor critically acclaimed drama series with equal skill. The industry slowly began to embrace the richness of Latino culture through the casting of these dynamic male leads.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal experienced a meteoric rise during the decade with standout roles that showcased his charisma and intensity. He captured global attention as the flamboyant Oberyn Martell in the fantasy phenomenon ‘Game of Thrones’. His momentum continued as he portrayed Javier Peña in the gritty crime drama ‘Narcos’. Pascal proved his versatility by joining the Star Wars universe in ‘The Mandalorian’ at the very end of the decade. His work in the 2010s laid a solid foundation for his status as a pop culture icon.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac established himself as one of the most gifted actors of his generation through a series of critically acclaimed performances. He received widespread praise for his role as a folk singer in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’. Blockbuster audiences embraced him as the heroic pilot Poe Dameron in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. He also delivered a chilling performance as a tech CEO in the sci-fi thriller ‘Ex Machina’. His ability to navigate between indie films and massive studio projects defined his career during this era.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña was a ubiquitous presence in both comedies and action films throughout the 2010s. He stole every scene he was in as the fast-talking Luis in the Marvel hit ‘Ant-Man’. His dramatic chops were on full display in movies like ‘End of Watch’ and ‘Fury’. He also voiced characters in major animated films such as ‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie’. Peña consistently proved he could handle diverse roles ranging from comic relief to intense military figures.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna expanded his international reach significantly with major roles in American cinema during this period. He starred as Cassian Andor in the massive hit ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. This role introduced him to a global fanbase and cemented his place in sci-fi history. He also returned to his roots to produce and star in the drug trade drama ‘Narcos: Mexico’. Luna balanced his acting career with directing duties to ensure authentic storytelling.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal charmed audiences with his eccentric performance in the series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. This role earned him a Golden Globe and showcased his comedic timing. He provided the voice for the charming Hector in the Pixar smash hit ‘Coco’. His work in ‘No’ brought attention to important political history in Chile. Bernal remained a powerful creative force in both Latin American and Hollywood productions.

Edgar Ramírez

Edgar Ramírez garnered critical acclaim for his portrayal of legendary revolutionary Ilich Ramírez Sánchez in ‘Carlos’. He later starred as Gianni Versace in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’. His physical presence made him a natural fit for action films like the remake of ‘Point Break’. He also appeared in dramatic roles in films such as ‘Joy’ alongside Jennifer Lawrence. Ramírez consistently brought a brooding intensity to his characters.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro brought his signature gravitas to several high-profile projects throughout the decade. He joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as The Collector in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. His performance as a mysterious hitman in ‘Sicario’ was hailed as one of his best. He also appeared in ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ as the enigmatic DJ. Del Toro remained a sought-after talent for directors who needed complex and morally ambiguous characters.

Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura delivered one of the most talked-about performances of the decade as Pablo Escobar in ‘Narcos’. He learned Spanish and gained significant weight to embody the infamous drug lord authentically. His portrayal earned him a Golden Globe nomination and international recognition. Before this breakout role, he starred in the science fiction film ‘Elysium’. Moura demonstrated an incredible dedication to his craft that resonated with viewers worldwide.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo remained a tireless worker in the industry with roles in film, television, and theater. He lent his voice to Sid the Sloth in the ongoing ‘Ice Age’ franchise. He appeared in action hits like ‘John Wick’ and ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’. His dramatic turn in the series ‘Bloodline’ showed a different side of his acting abilities. Leguizamo also continued to perform his acclaimed one-man shows on Broadway.

Demián Bichir

Demián Bichir started the decade strong with an Academy Award nomination for his role in ‘A Better Life’. He later joined the ensemble cast of Quentin Tarantino’s western ‘The Hateful Eight’. His television work included a leading role in the crime drama ‘The Bridge’. He also explored the horror genre in the massive hit ‘The Nun’. Bichir consistently delivered powerful performances that highlighted the immigrant experience.

Rodrigo Santoro

Rodrigo Santoro became a familiar face to television audiences through his role as Hector Escaton in ‘Westworld’. He reprised his role as the god-king Xerxes in ‘300: Rise of an Empire’. He also starred in the disaster survival film ‘The 33’ about the Chilean mining accident. His voice work included a role in the animated film ‘Rio’ and its sequel. Santoro balanced his time between Brazilian productions and major Hollywood projects.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez broke records with his crossover hit ‘Instructions Not Included’. The film became the highest-grossing Spanish-language film opened in the United States. He followed this success with the comedy ‘How to Be a Latin Lover’. Derbez also appeared in the remake of ‘Overboard’ alongside Anna Faris. His unique brand of family-friendly comedy made him a major box office draw.

Jaime Camil

Jaime Camil won the hearts of American viewers as the hilarious Rogelio de la Vega in ‘Jane the Virgin’. His portrayal of the vain but lovable telenovela star was a highlight of the series. He brought impeccable comedic timing and physical humor to the role for five seasons. Camil also lent his voice to the character Papá Julio in ‘Coco’. He successfully transitioned from a star in Mexico to a beloved figure on US network television.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda revolutionized musical theater and entertainment with his masterpiece ‘Hamilton’. He took his talents to Hollywood by writing music for ‘Moana’ and starring in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. His creative influence extended to television with appearances on shows like ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Miranda became a cultural phenomenon who reshaped how history was told. His work throughout the 2010s earned him Pulitzer, Grammy, and Tony recognition.

Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale was everywhere in the 2010s with memorable roles in both drama and comedy. He won an Emmy for his terrifying portrayal of Gyp Rosetti in ‘Boardwalk Empire’. He showcased his lighter side in films like ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘Spy’. He also starred in the short-lived but critically appreciated series ‘Vinyl’. Cannavale proved to be a versatile character actor capable of intense menace and goofy charm.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez took on the iconic role of Thomas Magnum in the reboot series ‘Magnum P.I.’ starting in 2018. Before landing that lead, he played El Diablo in the DC Comics film ‘Suicide Squad’. He appeared in the comedy ‘Bad Moms’ and its sequel as a charming love interest. He also had a recurring role on the hit political drama ‘Scandal’. Hernandez successfully transitioned from supporting parts to leading man status.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama shed his sitcom past to take on more dramatic and action-oriented roles. He joined the main cast of the long-running procedural ‘NCIS’ as Special Agent Nick Torres. He played the villainous Carlos Madrigal in the series ‘From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series’. He also had a recurring arc on the medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Valderrama proved he could handle serious material just as well as comedy.

Tyler Posey

Tyler Posey gained a massive following as the lead character Scott McCall in the supernatural series ‘Teen Wolf’. The show ran for most of the decade and established him as a teen idol. He also appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Maid in Manhattan’ earlier in his career but focused on TV in the 2010s. Posey lent his voice to animated projects like ‘Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors’. His energetic performance anchored his hit show for six seasons.

Diego Boneta

Diego Boneta started the decade with a role in the musical film ‘Rock of Ages’. He gained significant attention for his role in the horror-comedy series ‘Scream Queens’. His biggest breakthrough came portraying the legendary singer Luis Miguel in ‘Luis Miguel: The Series’. He also appeared in the sci-fi film ‘The Titan’. Boneta demonstrated strong musical and acting talents throughout the era.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo became a go-to actor for action ensembles during the 2010s. He starred as one of the titular seven in the western remake ‘The Magnificent Seven’. He appeared in the sequel ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ alongside Benicio del Toro. He also had a role in the star-studded mystery ‘Murder on the Orient Express’. His rugged presence made him a natural fit for intense thrillers.

Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna made a strong impression as the Ghost Rider in the superhero series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. He brought a darker edge to the Marvel universe on television. He later starred as the advanced Terminator Rev-9 in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. He also appeared in the crime anthology series ‘Wicked City’. Luna quickly established himself as a formidable action star.

Clifton Collins Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. delivered a memorable performance as Lawrence in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’. He appeared in big-budget films like ‘Pacific Rim’ and ‘Star Trek’. His versatility allowed him to play everything from criminals to police officers. He was a series regular on the show ‘Red Widow’. Collins remained a reliable character actor who enhanced every project he joined.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo capitalized on his cult status with the ‘Machete’ films at the start of the decade. He appeared in countless movies and television shows often playing tough guys with hearts of gold. He had a recurring role on ‘Sons of Anarchy’ as a cartel member. He also voiced characters in ‘The Book of Life’ and ‘Storks’. Trejo remained one of the hardest-working actors in the business.

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán brought his distinct personality to a wide variety of projects in the 2010s. He starred in the medical drama ‘Code Black’ as a senior nurse. He played a key role in the drug drama ‘Narcos’ as José Rodríguez Gacha. He also appeared in the action-comedy ‘Keanu’. Guzmán continued to be a fan favorite for his ability to blend humor and toughness.

Esai Morales

Esai Morales had a prolific decade with recurring roles on several hit television shows. He played a major antagonist in the crime drama ‘Ozark’. He appeared as a section chief on ‘Criminal Minds’ for multiple seasons. He also had roles in ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ and ‘Chicago P.D.’. Morales consistently brought authority and sophistication to his characters.

Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits continued his successful television career with a major role in ‘Sons of Anarchy’. He appeared in the ‘Star Wars’ film ‘Rogue One’ reprising his role as Bail Organa. He starred in the short-lived legal drama ‘Bluff City Law’. He also had a key arc on ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Smits maintained his status as a distinguished veteran of the small screen.

Benjamin Bratt

Benjamin Bratt voiced the famous musician Ernesto de la Cruz in the animated hit ‘Coco’. He starred in the medical drama ‘Private Practice’ and later in ‘Star’. He played a detective in the comedy sequel ‘Ride Along 2’. He also appeared in the Marvel film ‘Doctor Strange’. Bratt seamlessly moved between live-action and voice acting roles.

Santiago Cabrera

Santiago Cabrera starred as Aramis in the BBC adventure series ‘The Musketeers’. He played a pivotal role in the hit HBO miniseries ‘Big Little Lies’. He also appeared in the sci-fi blockbuster ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’. He had a recurring role in the show ‘The Mindy Project’. Cabrera showcased his range by tackling period pieces and modern dramas alike.

Nestor Carbonell

Nestor Carbonell was a series regular on the prequel thriller ‘Bates Motel’ playing Sheriff Alex Romero. He reprised his role as the mayor in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. He also appeared in the drama ‘The Morning Show’ at the end of the decade. His distinctive intensity made him perfect for roles requiring authority and mystery. Carbonell was a steady presence on television throughout the 2010s.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso starred in the police procedural ‘The Mysteries of Laura’ alongside Debra Messing. He played a key role in the film ‘Detroit’ directed by Kathryn Bigelow. He joined the cast of the hit superhero satire ‘The Boys’ as Mother’s Milk in 2019. He also appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Jumping the Broom’. Alonso consistently landed roles that utilized his commanding screen presence.

Kirk Acevedo

Kirk Acevedo was a fixture in sci-fi and comic book television shows. He played a major villain in the superhero series ‘Arrow’. He was a main cast member on the time-travel show ’12 Monkeys’. He also appeared in ‘Fringe’ and ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’. Acevedo excelled at playing intense and often volatile characters.

David Zayas

David Zayas finished his long run as Angel Batista on ‘Dexter’ early in the decade. He went on to play the mob boss Don Falcone in the Batman prequel series ‘Gotham’. He also appeared in the Netflix family drama ‘Bloodline’. He had a role in the remake of the musical ‘Annie’. Zayas remained a recognizable face in crime dramas.

Amaury Nolasco

Amaury Nolasco starred in the comedy series ‘Telenovela’ produced by Eva Longoria. He reprised his famous role as Sucre in the ‘Prison Break’ revival event. He also was a regular on the illusionist crime drama ‘Deception’. He appeared in action films like ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’. Nolasco brought charm and energy to both comedic and dramatic roles.

Adam Rodriguez

Adam Rodriguez joined the cast of ‘Criminal Minds’ as Luke Alvez for several seasons. He reprised his role as Tito in the ‘Magic Mike’ films which were huge hits. He had a recurring role on the nighttime soap ‘Empire’. He also appeared on ‘Jane the Virgin’. Rodriguez balanced his work between procedural television and feature films.

Ryan Guzman

Ryan Guzman danced his way to fame in ‘Step Up Revolution’ and ‘Step Up: All In’. He played the antagonist in the thriller ‘The Boy Next Door’ opposite Jennifer Lopez. He joined the main cast of the hit procedural ‘9-1-1’ in 2018. He also appeared in the ‘Heroes Reborn’ miniseries. Guzman quickly evolved from a dancer-actor into a reliable television lead.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera gained international fame as a lead in the sci-fi series ‘Sense8’. He starred as the priest Tomas Ortega in the horror series ‘The Exorcist’. He also appeared in the drug drama ‘Queen of the South’. His work in American television introduced his talent to a broader English-speaking audience. Herrera tackled complex roles in genre television with great success.

Juan Pablo Raba

Juan Pablo Raba played Gustavo Gaviria in the hit series ‘Narcos’. He joined the cast of ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ as an Inhuman character. He starred in the military action series ‘Six’. He also appeared in the action film ‘Peppermint’. Raba brought an intense physicality to his action-heavy roles.

Arturo Castro

Arturo Castro was a breakout comedic star in the series ‘Broad City’. He showed his dramatic range by playing a cartel leader in ‘Narcos’. He also appeared in Ang Lee’s film ‘Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk’. He created and starred in his own sketch show ‘Alternatino’. Castro proved to be a versatile talent in both comedy and drama.

Carlos Valdes

Carlos Valdes became a fan favorite as the tech genius Cisco Ramon in ‘The Flash’. He played this character across multiple shows in the Arrowverse. His character provided both comic relief and emotional heart to the series. He also had a background in musical theater which the show utilized. Valdes was a central part of the DC television universe for the entire decade.

J.R. Ramirez

J.R. Ramirez played the character Oscar Arocho in the Marvel series ‘Jessica Jones’. He joined the cast of the supernatural drama ‘Manifest’ as a detective. He had a recurring arc on the superhero show ‘Arrow’ as Wildcat. He also appeared in the Starz drama ‘Power’. Ramirez was a consistent presence in high-concept television series.

Jacob Vargas

Jacob Vargas appeared in the Marvel series ‘Luke Cage’ as Domingo Colon. He had a recurring role in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ as Montez. He starred in the film ‘The 33’ alongside Antonio Banderas. He also appeared in the anthology series ‘Electric Dreams’. Vargas continued his long career as a reliable and versatile character actor.

Adan Canto

Adan Canto played Sunspot in the superhero film ‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’. He starred in the political drama ‘Designated Survivor’ as Aaron Shore. He had a main role in the soapy drama ‘Blood & Oil’. He also appeared in ‘The Following’. Canto brought a charismatic presence to political and action thrillers.

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