Coolest Latino Actors Of All Time

Latino actors have significantly influenced the entertainment industry through their versatile performances and enduring screen presence. This list highlights men of Latin American descent who have transitioned from independent cinema to massive global franchises. Their work encompasses iconic roles in classic Hollywood and groundbreaking contributions to modern television and film. These individuals have earned critical acclaim and commercial success while representing a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal has become a major figure in modern television through his roles in several high profile series. He first gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Oberyn Martell in the fantasy drama ‘Game of Thrones’. Pascal later took on the titular role in the Disney series ‘The Mandalorian’ where he performs primarily through voice and movement. He also received critical praise for his leading performance in the post apocalyptic series ‘The Last of Us’. His career includes a variety of roles in both blockbuster films and independent projects.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac is a versatile actor known for taking on complex and intellectually challenging roles. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his breakout performance in the film ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’. Isaac later reached international stardom by playing the pilot Poe Dameron in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. He has appeared in diverse projects such as the science fiction thriller ‘Ex Machina’ and the superhero series ‘Moon Knight’. His work spans across theater and film with a focus on deep character studies.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro is a highly decorated actor who won an Academy Award for his role in the crime drama ‘Traffic’. He is known for his intense performances in films such as ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ’21 Grams’. Del Toro also appeared in the ‘Sicario’ series where he portrayed a mysterious and lethal operative. He has contributed to large franchises including the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the ‘Star Wars’ saga. His unique screen presence and gravelly delivery have made him a standout talent in Hollywood.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal rose to prominence with his roles in the critically acclaimed Mexican films ‘Amores Perros’ and ‘Y Tu Mamá También’. He gained further international attention for portraying a young Ernesto Guevara in ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’. Bernal has worked extensively in both Spanish and English language productions including the series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’. He won a Golden Globe for his performance as an eccentric conductor in that television project. His filmography reflects a commitment to socially conscious and artistically ambitious projects.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna began his career in Mexican television and film before achieving international success alongside Gael García Bernal in ‘Y Tu Mamá También’. He is widely recognized for his role as Cassian Andor in the film ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. Luna reprised this character in the lead role of the acclaimed television series ‘Andor’. He has also worked as a director and producer to bring more Latino stories to the screen. His career demonstrates a successful transition from child stardom to major franchise leadership.

Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos is an actor and director who has been a consistent presence in film and television for decades. He received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Jaime Escalante in the inspirational drama ‘Stand and Deliver’. Olmos is also famous for his roles in the science fiction classics ‘Blade Runner’ and the reimagined ‘Battlestar Galactica’. He played Lieutenant Martin Castillo in the popular eighties series ‘Miami Vice’. His work often focuses on portraying strong and principled characters in difficult situations.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo is a prolific actor and comedian who has appeared in over one hundred films. He gained early fame for his one man shows on Broadway and his role in ‘Carlito’s Way’. Leguizamo provided the voice for Sid the Sloth in the ‘Ice Age’ franchise and played Aurelio in the ‘John Wick’ series. He has also taken on dramatic roles in projects such as ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’. His career is characterized by his high energy and ability to perform in multiple languages.

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán is a character actor who has worked with some of the most prominent directors in Hollywood. He is a frequent collaborator with Steven Soderbergh and Paul Thomas Anderson appearing in films like ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Traffic’. Guzmán is known for his distinct look and his ability to provide both comic relief and dramatic weight. He recently played Gomez Addams in the popular Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. His extensive filmography includes dozens of supporting roles that have made him a recognizable face to audiences worldwide.

Edgar Ramírez

Edgar Ramírez is a Venezuelan actor who achieved international fame for his portrayal of Ilich Ramírez Sánchez in the miniseries ‘Carlos’. He earned several award nominations for that role including a Golden Globe nod. Ramírez has since starred in major films such as ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and ‘Deliver Us from Evil’. He also portrayed fashion designer Gianni Versace in the series ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’. His work spans across different languages and international film markets.

Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura is a Brazilian actor who gained global recognition for his portrayal of Pablo Escobar in the series ‘Narcos’. Before his international success he was already a major star in Brazil for his role in ‘Elite Squad’. Moura has appeared in English language films such as ‘Elysium’ and the action thriller ‘The Gray Man’. He is also an accomplished director and screenwriter who works on projects in South America. His intense commitment to his roles often involves significant physical and linguistic transformations.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo is one of the most prolific and recognizable character actors in the action genre. He began his career in the mid eighties and has since appeared in hundreds of films and television shows. Trejo is particularly famous for his collaborations with director Robert Rodriguez in films like ‘Machete’ and ‘Desperado’. His rugged appearance and background have led to many roles as tough or villainous characters. He has also voiced characters in various animated series and video games.

Benjamin Bratt

Benjamin Bratt rose to fame with his role as Detective Rey Curtis on the long running series ‘Law & Order’. He has since maintained a steady career in both television and major motion pictures. Bratt appeared in films such as ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Traffic’ while also voicing characters in ‘Despicable Me 2’ and ‘Coco’. He returned to television with leading roles in ‘The Cleaner’ and ‘Star’. His performances often blend professional authority with a personable screen presence.

Esai Morales

Esai Morales first gained attention for his role as Bob Morales in the biographical film ‘La Bamba’. He has since had a long career in television with significant roles in ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘Ozark’. Morales has also appeared in major film franchises including his role as the primary antagonist in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’. He is known for his ability to play both heroic figures and complex villains. His work has made him a staple in American television and cinema for decades.

Lou Diamond Phillips

Lou Diamond Phillips became a star after his portrayal of Ritchie Valens in the hit film ‘La Bamba’. He followed this success with a critically acclaimed role in the drama ‘Stand and Deliver’. Phillips has worked extensively in television appearing in series such as ‘Longmire’ and ‘Prodigal Son’. He is also a veteran of the Broadway stage and has earned a Tony Award nomination. His diverse career includes acting and directing and writing across multiple genres.

Anthony Quinn

Anthony Quinn was a Mexican American actor who became one of the most celebrated performers of his generation. He won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in ‘Viva Zapata!’ and ‘Lust for Life’. Quinn is also remembered for his legendary performance as the title character in ‘Zorba the Greek’. His career lasted over sixty years and included appearances in more than one hundred and fifty films. He was known for his rugged masculinity and his ability to play a wide variety of ethnicities.

José Ferrer

José Ferrer was the first Latino actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’. He was a highly accomplished performer on both the stage and the screen throughout the mid twentieth century. Ferrer also received Academy Award nominations for his work in ‘Joan of Arc’ and ‘Moulin Rouge’. He was a prolific director who staged numerous successful plays on Broadway. His contributions to the arts earned him the National Medal of Arts in later years.

Cheech Marin

Cheech Marin gained initial fame as one half of the comedy duo Cheech & Chong during the seventies and eighties. He successfully transitioned into a long career as a character actor in mainstream film and television. Marin is well known for his role as Joe Dominguez on the police drama ‘Nash Bridges’. He has also lent his voice to several iconic Disney characters in films such as ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Cars’. His work has helped bridge the gap between niche comedy and broad commercial success.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña is a versatile actor who has appeared in a wide range of dramatic and comedic roles. He received critical praise for his performance in the film ‘Crash’ and for his role as a police officer in ‘World Trade Center’. Peña gained further popularity for his comedic turn as Luis in the Marvel Cinematic Universe ‘Ant-Man’ films. He also starred as Kiki Camarena in the Netflix series ‘Narcos: Mexico’. His ability to switch between intense drama and fast paced comedy has made him a sought after talent.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a multi talented actor and composer who changed the landscape of modern theater. He is the creator and original star of the hit Broadway musicals ‘In the Heights’ and ‘Hamilton’. Miranda has also contributed to the film industry by writing music for ‘Moana’ and ‘Encanto’. He appeared as an actor in ‘Mary Poppins Returns’ and directed the musical film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’. His work has earned him numerous awards including Emmys and Grammys and Tonys.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez is one of the most successful actors and directors in the history of Mexican cinema. He achieved significant crossover success in the United States with his film ‘Instructions Not Included’. Derbez has since appeared in major Hollywood productions such as ‘Overboard’ and the Academy Award winning film ‘CODA’. He is known for his comedic timing and his ability to produce heartfelt family stories. His career represents a successful bridge between the Latin American and American entertainment markets.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama rose to fame as Fez on the long running sitcom ‘That ’70s Show’. After the series ended he transitioned into more dramatic territory with roles in ‘From Dusk till Dawn: The Series’. He currently stars as Special Agent Nick Torres on the popular procedural ‘NCIS’. Valderrama has also voiced the lead character in the children’s animated series ‘Handy Manny’. His career has evolved from teenage comedy to consistent work in major television dramas.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez first gained attention for his starring role opposite Kirsten Dunst in the film ‘crazy/beautiful’. He appeared in several horror and action films including ‘Hostel’ and ‘Suicide Squad’ where he played El Diablo. Hernandez recently took on the lead role in the reboot of the classic series ‘Magnum P.I.’. He has also worked as a voice actor in the animated film ‘Toy Story 4’. His career spans across different genres and showcases his ability to lead a major television production.

Rodrigo Santoro

Rodrigo Santoro is a Brazilian actor who successfully transitioned into high profile international roles. He is well known for his portrayal of the Persian king Xerxes in the film ‘300’ and its sequel. Santoro also had a significant role as Hector Escaton in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. He appeared in the romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’ and provided the voice for Tulio in the ‘Rio’ films. His work continues to span both the Brazilian film industry and major Hollywood projects.

Gabriel Luna

Gabriel Luna is known for his roles in major action and science fiction projects. He portrayed Robbie Reyes as Ghost Rider in the television series ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’. Luna also appeared as the advanced Terminator Rev-9 in ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. He recently took on the role of Tommy Miller in the hit series ‘The Last of Us’ on HBO. His career has focused on physical roles that require both action skills and emotional depth.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is a Mexican actor who has appeared in several major American films. He was one of the leads in the remake of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ where he played Vasquez. Garcia-Rulfo also starred in the film ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ and the Netflix series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’. He has worked with prominent directors such as Antoine Fuqua and Michael Bay. His career continues to grow with a focus on leading roles in television and film.

Tony Plana

Tony Plana is a veteran character actor with hundreds of credits across film and television. He is perhaps best known for his role as Ignacio Suarez on the hit series ‘Ugly Betty’. Plana has appeared in numerous films including ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and ‘Three Amigos!’. He is also an accomplished stage actor and director who has contributed significantly to Latino theater. His long career is a testament to his versatility and consistent work ethic in the industry.

Héctor Elizondo

Héctor Elizondo is an award winning actor known for his long standing collaboration with director Garry Marshall. He appeared in all eighteen of Marshall’s films including ‘Pretty Woman’ and ‘The Princess Diaries’. Elizondo won an Emmy Award for his role as Dr. Phillip Watters on the medical drama ‘Chicago Hope’. He also starred as Ed Alzate on the sitcom ‘Last Man Standing’ for nine seasons. His warm screen presence and professional reliability have made him a favorite in Hollywood for decades.

Raymond Cruz

Raymond Cruz is a character actor who is highly recognized for his roles in crime dramas. He played the terrifying drug lord Tuco Salamanca in ‘Breaking Bad’ and reprised the role in ‘Better Call Saul’. Cruz also had a long running role as Detective Julio Sanchez on the series ‘The Closer’ and its spin off ‘Major Crimes’. He has appeared in numerous action films such as ‘Clear and Present Danger’ and ‘Training Day’. His performances are often noted for their intense energy and realism.

Steven Bauer

Steven Bauer rose to fame for his role as Manny Ribera in the classic crime film ‘Scarface’. He earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance alongside Al Pacino. Bauer later appeared in the series ‘Breaking Bad’ as Don Eladio and in the drama ‘Ray Donovan’ as Avi. He has maintained a steady career in film and television for over forty years. His early success in one of cinema’s most famous roles established him as a significant figure in the industry.

Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits is a highly respected actor who has led several major television series. He won an Emmy for his role as Victor Sifuentes on ‘L.A. Law’ and later starred in ‘NYPD Blue’. Smits also portrayed Senator Bail Organa in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy and ‘Rogue One’. He has had significant roles in ‘The West Wing’ and the legal drama ‘Bluff City Law’. His career is characterized by his ability to play authoritative and morally complex characters.

Jesse Garcia

Jesse Garcia gained critical acclaim for his lead role in the independent film ‘Quinceañera’. He has since appeared in various television series including ‘From Dusk till Dawn: The Series’ and ‘Narcos: Mexico’. Garcia recently starred in the biographical film ‘Flamin’ Hot’ as the lead character Richard Montañez. He is known for his ability to bring authenticity and vulnerability to his performances. His work continues to highlight diverse Latino stories in both film and television.

Bobby Cannavale

Bobby Cannavale is a versatile actor who has found success in theater and film and television. He won two Emmy Awards for his roles in ‘Will & Grace’ and ‘Boardwalk Empire’. Cannavale has appeared in major films such as ‘Ant-Man’ and ‘The Irishman’ while also starring in the series ‘Vinyl’. He is known for his large physical presence and his ability to play both charming and menacing characters. His career includes a wide range of roles across many different genres.

Adam Rodriguez

Adam Rodriguez is best known for his role as Eric Delko on the long running series ‘CSI: Miami’. He later joined the cast of ‘Criminal Minds’ as Luke Alvez for several seasons. Rodriguez also appeared in the ‘Magic Mike’ film franchise where he played Tito. He has worked as a director on several episodes of the television shows in which he starred. His career has focused on consistent work in major television procedurals and popular films.

Santiago Cabrera

Santiago Cabrera is a Chilean actor who has worked extensively in international television. He is well known for his role as Isaac Mendez in the series ‘Heroes’ and as Lancelot in ‘Merlin’. Cabrera also starred as Captain Cristóbal Rios in ‘Star Trek: Picard’ and appeared in the film ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’. He has performed in multiple languages and across various genres including period dramas and science fiction. His work highlights his range as a performer on the global stage.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera first gained massive fame in Latin America as a member of the pop group RBD and the show ‘Rebelde’. He successfully transitioned into a serious acting career with roles in ‘Sense8’ and ‘The Exorcist’ series. Herrera also appeared in the final season of ‘Ozark’ as a high level cartel member. He has provided voices for animated projects and starred in several Mexican films. His career path shows a successful move from teenage stardom to acclaimed dramatic acting.

Diego Boneta

Diego Boneta is an actor and singer who achieved international recognition for portraying Luis Miguel in the biographical series ‘Luis Miguel: The Series’. He began his career in Mexican telenovelas before moving into Hollywood productions. Boneta appeared in the film ‘Rock of Ages’ and the action movie ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’. He also starred in the romantic comedy ‘Father of the Bride’. His work spans across different media including music and film and television.

Amaury Nolasco

Amaury Nolasco is best known for his role as Fernando Sucre in the hit series ‘Prison Break’. He has appeared in several high profile action films including ‘Transformers’ and ‘2 Fast 2 Furious’. Nolasco also starred in the television series ‘Deception’ and had a recurring role in ‘Telenovela’. He is a Puerto Rican actor who has consistently worked in both dramatic and comedic roles in Hollywood. His performances are often noted for their loyalty and heart.

Mel Ferrer

Mel Ferrer was a prominent actor and director during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He is well remembered for his starring role in the musical film ‘Lili’ and the historical drama ‘War and Peace’. Ferrer also directed several films and was a significant producer in the industry. He was known for his elegant screen presence and his work in international co-productions. His career lasted several decades and left a lasting impact on classic cinema.

Gilbert Roland

Gilbert Roland was a Mexican born actor who became a major star in Hollywood during the silent and sound eras. He was known for his romantic lead roles and his athletic physique. Roland appeared in films such as ‘The Sea Hawk’ and ‘The Bad and the Beautiful’. He received two Golden Globe nominations for his work in the fifties. His long career demonstrated his ability to adapt to the changing styles of Hollywood filmmaking over many years.

Desi Arnaz

Desi Arnaz was a Cuban born actor and musician who revolutionized the television industry. He is most famous for his role as Ricky Ricardo on the legendary sitcom ‘I Love Lucy’. Arnaz was also a pioneering producer who co-founded Desilu Productions and helped invent the multi camera setup for sitcoms. His work as a bandleader introduced Latin music to a massive American audience. He remains one of the most influential figures in the history of broadcast television.

Ramon Novarro

Ramon Novarro was a Mexican actor who achieved status as a leading man and “Latin Lover” during the silent film era. He is best known for his starring role in the epic film ‘Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ’. Novarro was one of the biggest box office draws in the twenties and transitioned into sound films as well. He also worked as a director and singer later in his career. His success paved the way for many other Latino actors in the early days of the studio system.

Pedro Armendáriz

Pedro Armendáriz was a legendary figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. He frequently collaborated with director Emilio Fernández in classic films like ‘María Candelaria’. Armendáriz also had a successful career in Hollywood appearing in movies such as ‘Fort Apache’ and ‘The Fugitive’. He is well known for his role as Kerim Bey in the James Bond film ‘From Russia with Love’. His commanding screen presence made him an icon of both Mexican and international film.

Clifton Collins Jr.

Clifton Collins Jr. is a highly respected character actor known for his ability to transform into diverse roles. He gave a memorable performance as the hitman Francisco Flores in the film ‘Traffic’. Collins also appeared in ‘Capote’ where he played one of the killers and in the science fiction series ‘Westworld’. He has received several award nominations for his work in independent cinema and major studio films. His long career is built on his dedication to immersion and character development.

Please share your thoughts on your favorite Latino actors in the comments.