The Best Hispanic Actresses In History Of TV

Hispanic actresses have left an indelible mark on the landscape of television through their powerful performances and groundbreaking roles. These women have transitioned from early stereotypical portrayals to leading complex narratives in dramas and comedies. From early pioneers who broke barriers to modern stars who command global audiences, their contributions are essential to the history of the medium. This list celebrates the talent and enduring legacies of the most influential Hispanic women to grace the small screen.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno is a legendary performer who achieved the rare EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. She became a household name for her work on the educational series ‘The Electric Company’ where she helped children learn through comedy and music. In the HBO drama ‘Oz’, she delivered a compelling performance as Sister Pete to showcase her immense range in serious roles. Her portrayal of Lydia in the modern update of ‘One Day at a Time’ earned her widespread critical acclaim. She continues to be a pioneering force for Hispanic representation in the entertainment industry.

Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter became a global superstar when she took on the role of Diana Prince in the legendary series ‘Wonder Woman’. Her portrayal of the Amazonian warrior became a symbol of strength and justice for viewers around the world. Before her superhero success, she represented her Mexican heritage on the pageant circuit as Miss World USA. She has also appeared in numerous television movies and made guest appearances on shows such as ‘Smallville’ and ‘Supergirl’. Carter remains an enduring icon of television history who inspired countless fans with her grace and power.

Sofía Vergara

Sofía Vergara is best known for her portrayal of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the lengthy sitcom ‘Modern Family’. Her comedic timing and vibrant personality helped her become one of the highest paid actresses on television during the show’s tenure. She received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for her work on the series. In addition to her sitcom success, she has appeared as a judge on the competition show ‘America’s Got Talent’. Vergara has used her platform to build a massive business empire while remaining a prominent figure in the Hispanic community.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez gained international fame for her award winning performance in the title role of ‘Jane the Virgin’. The series combined elements of telenovelas with modern comedy to tell a unique and heartfelt story. She has since expanded her career into directing and producing to help amplify diverse voices in Hollywood. Rodriguez also starred in the animated series ‘Carmen Sandiego’ where she provided the voice for the iconic master thief. Her work is characterized by a commitment to authentic storytelling and positive representation.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera rose to prominence with her starring role in the hit series ‘Ugly Betty’ where she won an Emmy for her performance. The show challenged beauty standards and provided a nuanced look at the life of a young woman working in the fashion industry. She later starred in and produced the workplace comedy ‘Superstore’ which ran for six successful seasons. Ferrera is also known for her vocal activism regarding social justice and political engagement. Her television career has consistently highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in mainstream media.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria became a global phenomenon as Gabrielle Solis on the major hit drama ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her character evolved from a former model to a dedicated mother and business owner over the course of eight seasons. Beyond her acting, she has become a major producer and director for series like ‘Devious Maids’ and ‘Grand Hotel’. She is a dedicated advocate for Hispanic rights and has been involved in numerous philanthropic efforts. Longoria’s transition from actress to powerful industry executive has influenced the way stories about Latin families are told.

Justina Machado

Justina Machado is a versatile actress who first gained significant recognition for her role in the HBO drama ‘Six Feet Under’. She later led the cast of the critically acclaimed reboot of ‘One Day at a Time’ as Penelope Alvarez. Her performance as a veteran and mother dealing with mental health issues resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. She also had a recurring role in the medical drama ‘ER’ and starred in the series ‘Queen of the South’. Machado is widely praised for her ability to balance heavy drama with lighthearted comedy.

Rosie Perez

Rosie Perez is an Academy Award nominated actress who has made a significant impact on television as both a performer and choreographer. She rose to fame on the sketch comedy show ‘In Living Color’ where she led the dance troupe known as the Fly Girls. In more recent years, she earned acclaim for her role as Megan Briscoe in the mystery series ‘The Flight Attendant’. She has also made memorable appearances on shows like ‘Search Party’ and provided voice work for several animated projects. Her distinct voice and energetic presence have made her a beloved figure in the entertainment world.

Sonia Manzano

Sonia Manzano is most famous for her historic tenure as Maria on the beloved educational series ‘Sesame Street’. She spent over forty years on the show where she helped educate and inspire generations of children. In addition to acting, she was an award winning writer for the series and won fifteen Emmys for her contributions. Manzano was one of the first Hispanic characters to appear in a regular role on national television. Her work has left a lasting legacy on the world of children’s programming and media representation.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became a breakout star for her role as April Ludgate on the popular comedy series ‘Parks and Recreation’. Her deadpan humor and unique delivery earned her a dedicated fan base and critical praise. She later demonstrated her dramatic capabilities with a leading role in the thriller series ‘Legion’. More recently, her performance in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ solidified her status as a top tier television talent. Plaza continues to select diverse and challenging roles that showcase her range as an actress.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez began her television career as a child star on ‘Barney & Friends’ before leading the Disney Channel hit ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. She transitioned into adult roles with great success and currently stars in the mystery and comedy series ‘Only Murders in the Building’. In addition to acting, she serves as an executive producer on the series and has received praise for her comedic chemistry with her co-stars. She also produced the high profile drama ’13 Reasons Why’ for Netflix. Gomez remains one of the most influential figures in media with a career spanning over two decades.

Cote de Pablo

Cote de Pablo is best known for her role as Special Agent Ziva David on the lengthy procedural drama ‘NCIS’. Her character became a popular figure due to her tough persona and complex backstory. She spent several years as a lead on the series and returned for a significant guest arc in later seasons. Her work on the show earned her an ALMA Award and multiple nominations from other organizations. Outside of ‘NCIS’, she appeared in the miniseries ‘The Dovekeepers’ and continues to be a respected figure in the industry.

Lana Parrilla

Lana Parrilla gained a massive following for her dual roles as Regina Mills and the Evil Queen on the fantasy series ‘Once Upon a Time’. Her nuanced portrayal of a villain seeking redemption was a central pillar of the show’s long run. Before this breakout success, she appeared in various series including ‘Spin City’, ’24’, and ‘Boomtown’. She later starred in the second season of the anthology series ‘Why Women Kill’ as Rita Castillo. Parrilla is celebrated by fans for her commanding screen presence and emotional depth.

Melissa Fumero

Melissa Fumero is widely recognized for her role as Amy Santiago on the hit police comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her character’s competitive nature and journey from detective to sergeant provided many of the show’s most memorable moments. Prior to her comedy success, she spent several years as Adriana Cramer on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. She also appeared in the comedy series ‘Blockbuster’ and lent her voice to the animated show ‘Digman!’. Fumero is praised for her impeccable comedic timing and relatable performances.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz rose to fame for her portrayal of the tough and enigmatic Detective Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her performance was notable for its deadpan delivery and for being one of the most prominent bisexual characters on network television. She also provided the voice for Mirabel Madrigal in the film ‘Encanto’ and has done extensive voice work for shows like ‘BoJack Horseman’. In the television realm, she has appeared in ‘Twisted Metal’ and the series ‘One Day at a Time’. Beatriz is known for her versatility and her ability to bring depth to a wide range of characters.

Judy Reyes

Judy Reyes became a household name for her role as Carla Espinosa on the medical comedy and drama series ‘Scrubs’. Her performance as the head nurse and emotional core of the hospital was central to the show’s success. She later starred as Zoila Diaz in the comedy and drama series ‘Devious Maids’ for four seasons. More recently, she appeared in the crime series ‘Claws’ and had a recurring role in ‘Succession’. Reyes is respected for her ability to excel in both comedic and dramatic environments throughout her long career.

Diane Guerrero

Diane Guerrero first gained major recognition for her role as Maritza Ramos on the Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She followed this success with a lead role as Jane in the DC Universe series ‘Doom Patrol’. Her performance in the superhero drama showcased her ability to portray multiple distinct personalities within a single character. She also had a recurring role in ‘Jane the Virgin’ and has written a memoir about her personal experiences. Guerrero is a vocal advocate for immigration reform and uses her platform to raise awareness for social issues.

Dascha Polanco

Dascha Polanco is best known for her portrayal of Dayanara Diaz on the hit series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her character’s arc throughout the seven seasons was a central focus of the show’s narrative. She has also appeared in the limited series ‘When They See Us’ and the dark comedy ‘Russian Doll’. Polanco has been praised for her naturalistic acting style and her commitment to representing diverse body types in media. She continues to be a prominent figure in modern television and film.

Alexa Demie

Alexa Demie rose to prominence with her breakout role as Maddy Perez in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. Her performance as the confident yet vulnerable teenager made her a fashion and cultural icon for a new generation. She has received praise for her intense and emotionally raw portrayal of a character dealing with toxic relationships. In addition to her acting, she has worked in music and fashion to expand her artistic reach. Demie’s presence on ‘Euphoria’ has established her as one of the most talked about young actresses on television today.

Christian Serratos

Christian Serratos became a major television star for her long running role as Rosita Espinosa on ‘The Walking Dead’. She portrayed the survivor for nine seasons and became an integral part of the show’s core ensemble. She later took on the lead role of Selena Quintanilla in the Netflix biographical drama ‘Selena: The Series’. Her performance was lauded for capturing the essence and stage presence of the late music icon. Serratos has also appeared in the ‘Twilight’ film series and began her television career on ‘Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide’.

Ana Ortiz

Ana Ortiz is widely recognized for her role as Hilda Suarez on the celebrated series ‘Ugly Betty’. She played the supportive and outspoken sister of the title character for four seasons. Following that success, she starred as Marisol Suarez in the comedy and drama series ‘Devious Maids’. She also joined the cast of ‘Love, Victor’ as Isabel Salazar where she portrayed a mother navigating her son’s journey. Ortiz is known for her warm screen presence and her ability to bring humor and heart to every role.

Constance Marie

Constance Marie is best known for her role as Angie Lopez on the popular sitcom ‘George Lopez’. She played the grounded and witty matriarch of the family for six seasons and became a beloved figure in television comedy. Later she starred as Regina Vasquez in the lengthy family drama ‘Switched at Birth’. She has also appeared in shows like ‘Elena of Avalor’ and ‘With Love’. Marie has been a consistent presence on television for decades and is admired for her longevity and talent.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña was a highly respected actress who left a lasting mark on television and film. She starred in the sitcom ‘I Married Dora’ and had a lead role in the legal drama ‘Resurrection Blvd.’. She also provided the voice for Mirage in the animated film ‘The Incredibles’ and appeared in many television movies. One of her final television roles was playing the mother of Sofia Vergara’s character on ‘Modern Family’. Peña’s work was characterized by her intelligence and her ability to play a wide variety of roles with authenticity.

Lupe Ontiveros

Lupe Ontiveros was a prolific actress who appeared in numerous television series throughout her long career. She is perhaps best known to television audiences for her Emmy nominated role as Juanita Solis on ‘Desperate Housewives’. She also had recurring roles on shows like ‘Greetings from Tucson’ and ‘Veronica’s Closet’. Throughout her life, she was a fierce advocate for better representation and challenged the industry to move beyond stereotypical roles. Her contributions to the industry continue to be celebrated by fellow actors and fans.

Belita Moreno

Belita Moreno is a character actress most famous for her role as Benny Lopez on the sitcom ‘George Lopez’. Her portrayal of the tough and often sarcastic mother provided much of the show’s humor and conflict. Before her sitcom fame, she appeared in the series ‘Perfect Strangers’ as Lydia Markham for several years. She has a background in theater and has appeared in various films and guest roles on television. Moreno is known for her distinctive voice and her ability to create memorable and funny characters.

Maria Canals-Barrera

Maria Canals-Barrera is well known for her role as Theresa Russo on the Disney Channel series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. She played the loving and practical mother to the show’s trio of young wizards for several seasons. She also appeared in the series ‘Cristela’ and provided the voice for Hawkgirl in the ‘Justice League’ animated series. Her voice acting career includes many other prominent roles in superhero and animated shows. Canals-Barrera is a staple of family television and is beloved by fans of her work on Disney and beyond.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega became a massive global star for her portrayal of Wednesday Addams in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Her performance earned her critical acclaim and established her as a leading actress of her generation. Prior to this, she gained experience playing the younger version of Jane in ‘Jane the Virgin’ and starring in ‘Stuck in the Middle’. She also had a significant role in the second season of the thriller series ‘You’. Ortega is recognized for her ability to bring depth and nuance to complex and dark characters.

Indya Moore

Indya Moore rose to fame for their role as Angel Vasquez on the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. Their performance captured the struggles and triumphs of a trans woman navigating the New York City ballroom culture. They have since become a major figure in the fashion world and a vocal advocate for trans rights. Moore has also appeared in projects such as ‘Queen & Slim’ and provides voice work for various series. Their work on television helped bring visibility to marginalized communities on a global scale.

Anya Taylor-Joy

Anya Taylor-Joy achieved worldwide fame for her starring role in the Netflix limited series ‘The Queen’s Gambit’. Her portrayal of Beth Harmon earned her a Golden Globe and a SAG Award for her incredible performance. While she is also a major film star, her work in television includes roles in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and the miniseries ‘The Miniaturist’. She spent part of her childhood in Argentina and has often spoken about how her heritage influences her life. Taylor-Joy is considered one of the most talented and versatile actresses working today.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek is an Academy Award nominated actress who has made significant contributions to television both in front of and behind the camera. She served as an executive producer for the hit series ‘Ugly Betty’ and also had a recurring guest role on the show. Early in her career, she starred in the telenovela ‘Teresa’ which made her a major star in Mexico. She also appeared in the series ’30 Rock’ as Elisa Pedrera and more recently in an episode of ‘Black Mirror’. Hayek’s influence on television has helped bring more Hispanic led stories to a global audience.

Penélope Cruz

Penélope Cruz is a world renowned actress who made a powerful impact on television with her role in ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’. She played Donatella Versace and received an Emmy nomination for her transformative performance. While most of her career has been in film, this television role showcased her ability to master the small screen format. She is known for her collaborations with major directors and her ability to work in multiple languages. Cruz remains one of the most decorated and respected Hispanic actresses in the history of cinema and television.

Adria Arjona

Adria Arjona has built a successful television career with roles in several prominent series. She starred as Dorothy Gale in the fantasy series ‘Emerald City’ and played a key role in the second season of ‘True Detective’. More recently, she gained acclaim for her performance as Bix Caleen in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’. She has also appeared in the series ‘Good Omens’ and the film ‘Father of the Bride’. Arjona is recognized for her strong screen presence and her ability to anchor large scale productions.

Odette Annable

Odette Annable is known for her versatile roles across a variety of television genres. She played the antagonist Samantha Arias, also known as Reign, on the series ‘Supergirl’. Her career also includes lead roles in the drama ‘House’ and the action series ‘Banshee’. She most recently starred in the series ‘Walker’ as Geri Broussard. Annable has a long history of television work and is praised for her ability to play both heroic and villainous characters.

Emily Rios

Emily Rios gained critical attention for her role as Andrea Cantillo on the legendary drama ‘Breaking Bad’. She followed this with a lead role in the series ‘The Bridge’ where she played a journalist. More recently, she starred as Lucia Villanueva in the drama series ‘Snowfall’ about the crack cocaine epidemic in Los Angeles. She has also appeared in shows like ‘Friday Night Lights’ and ‘True Detective’. Rios is known for her gritty and realistic performances in some of the most respected dramas of the modern era.

Roselyn Sánchez

Roselyn Sánchez is a Puerto Rican actress who first gained fame for her role as Elena Delgado on the police drama ‘Without a Trace’. She later starred as Carmen Luna in the comedy and drama series ‘Devious Maids’ for four seasons. More recently, she led the cast of the ‘Fantasy Island’ reboot as Elena Roarke. She has also appeared in the series ‘Grand Hotel’ and has a successful career in music and film. Sánchez is admired for her longevity in the industry and her consistent work across different genres.

Rosario Dawson

Rosario Dawson has a prolific television career that includes major roles in several franchises. She played Claire Temple across multiple Marvel series including ‘Daredevil’, ‘Luke Cage’, and ‘The Defenders’. More recently, she took on the iconic role of Ahsoka Tano in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Mandalorian’ and her own eponymous show ‘Ahsoka’. She also starred in the limited series ‘Dopesick’ and provided voice work for various animated projects. Dawson is recognized for her activism as much as her acting and remains a powerful voice in Hollywood.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldaña is primarily known for her massive film success but has also made waves in television. She starred in the limited series ‘From Scratch’ which was a major hit and showcased her dramatic depth. She currently leads the spy thriller series ‘Special Ops: Lioness’ as a high level operative. Early in her career, she appeared in ‘Law & Order’ and the series ‘Six Degrees’. Saldaña’s work in television has been met with critical praise and high viewership numbers.

Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez is a global superstar who has maintained a strong presence on television throughout her career. She starred as Detective Harlee Santos in the crime drama ‘Shades of Blue’ for three seasons. She was also a lengthy judge on the competition series ‘American Idol’ where she helped find new musical talent. Her television career began as a dancer on ‘In Living Color’ before she became a leading lady in movies. Lopez has also produced numerous television projects through her production company to highlight diverse stories.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler

Jamie-Lynn Sigler became an icon for her role as Meadow Soprano on the legendary HBO series ‘The Sopranos’. She played the daughter of Tony Soprano for all six seasons of the critically acclaimed show. Since then, she has appeared in ‘Entourage’, ‘Ugly Betty’, and the series ‘Big Sky’. She has also spoken openly about her Cuban heritage and her life with multiple sclerosis to inspire others. Sigler remains a significant figure in television history for her role in one of the most famous dramas ever made.

Alexa PenaVega

Alexa PenaVega is well known for her early success in film but has had a long career on television. She starred in the comedy ‘Ruby & the Rockits’ and appeared in the series ‘Nashville’. She has also become a staple of television movies for various networks during the holiday seasons. She competed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and has guest starred on shows like ‘The Mentalist’. PenaVega is recognized for her transition from a child star to a successful adult actress and media personality.

Eiza González

Eiza González rose to fame in Mexico before making a successful transition to American television and film. She starred as Santanico Pandemonium in the horror series ‘From Dusk till Dawn: The Series’. She more recently appeared in the major science fiction series ‘3 Body Problem’ on Netflix. While she is often seen in major action films, her television work has allowed her to showcase a wider range of characters. González is considered one of the most prominent Hispanic actresses currently working in Hollywood.

Cierra Ramirez

Cierra Ramirez is best known for her role as Mariana Adams Foster on the lengthy family drama ‘The Fosters’. She continued to play the character in the successful spinoff series ‘Good Trouble’ which she also produced. Her portrayal of a young woman navigating her career and relationships has resonated with a young audience. She also provided the voice for America Chavez in several animated Marvel projects. Ramirez has established herself as a talented actress and executive with a bright future in the industry.

Melissa Barrera

Melissa Barrera gained international recognition for her role as Lyn Hernandez in the critically acclaimed series ‘Vida’. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of Hispanic life in East Los Angeles. She later starred in the survival drama ‘Keep Breathing’ on Netflix. While she has become a major star in the ‘Scream’ film franchise, her television work remains a significant part of her career. Barrera is noted for choosing roles that offer a nuanced and modern perspective on the Hispanic experience.

Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice became a teen idol for her starring role in the Nickelodeon series ‘Victorious’. She played Tori Vega and showcased her singing and acting talents to a worldwide audience. Prior to that, she was a series regular on ‘Zoey 101’ as Lola Martinez. In her adult career, she has starred in the thriller series ‘Eye Candy’ and numerous television movies. Justice has maintained a successful career in both acting and music since her early start in television.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne rose to fame as CeCe Jones on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She later starred in the drama series ‘Famous in Love’ and appeared in the anthology show ‘American Horror Stories’. Her career has included a wide range of roles in television films and voice work for animated series. She is also a successful director and author who uses her platform to discuss mental health and personal growth. Thorne remains a high profile figure in the entertainment industry with a diverse body of work.

Tell us who your favorite Hispanic television actress of all time is in the comments.