Latino Actresses Who Are Atheists

Religion plays a significant role in Latin American culture, with Roman Catholicism and Evangelical Christianity deeply embedded in the region’s history and daily life. Despite this strong tradition of faith, a growing number of public figures have openly stepped away from organized religion to identify as atheists, agnostics, or non-believers. These actresses have broken the mold, often facing public scrutiny for expressing views that challenge the dominant spiritual norms of their heritage. From Hollywood stars to legends of Brazilian cinema, the following women have identified as atheists or expressed a lack of belief in a deity.

Morena Baccarin

Born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Morena Baccarin gained international fame for her roles in ‘Firefly’ and the ‘Deadpool’ film franchise. She has been vocal about her lack of religious belief, distinguishing herself from the characters she often portrays. In interviews, Baccarin has stated that she does not believe in God and has expressed a strong dislike for organized religion, though she respects the right of others to believe. She moved to the United States at a young age but maintains a strong connection to her Brazilian roots.

Fernanda Montenegro

Fernanda Montenegro is widely considered the dame of Brazilian theater and cinema, known globally for her Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Central Station’. The actress has publicly declared herself an atheist, though she often describes her worldview as spiritual in a scientific sense. She has explained that she believes in physics and the energy of the universe rather than a personalized deity. Montenegro’s illustrious career spans decades, and she remains a cultural icon in Brazil who speaks candidly about her secular perspective on life and mortality.

Aubrey Plaza

Known for her deadpan comedy in ‘Parks and Recreation’ and her dramatic work in ‘The White Lotus’, Aubrey Plaza is of Puerto Rican descent. She attended a strict Catholic school for girls during her youth, an experience she has discussed with humor and skepticism in various interviews. Plaza has described herself as not religious and has joked about being a “witch” or having “witchy” spirituality, distancing herself from traditional Christian dogma. Her public persona often embraces the unconventional and the macabre, reflecting her departure from her religious upbringing.

Alinne Moraes

Alinne Moraes is a prominent Brazilian actress and former model known for her leading roles in telenovelas such as ‘Viver a Vida’ and ‘Duas Caras’. She has been explicit about her lack of faith, stating in interviews that she is an atheist and believes in her own capacity to guide her life. Moraes began her career at a young age and has become one of the most recognizable faces in Brazilian entertainment. Her admission of atheism is notable in a country where religious devotion is often expected of public figures.

Camila Pitanga

A celebrated Afro-Brazilian actress and former model, Camila Pitanga has starred in numerous films and hit soap operas like ‘Paraíso Tropical’. She has identified as an atheist, focusing her energy on human rights activism and social causes rather than religious practice. Pitanga comes from a family of artists and has used her platform to advocate for gender equality and racial justice in Brazil. Her secular worldview informs her approach to her work and her engagement with social issues.

Andréa Beltrão

Andréa Beltrão is a versatile Brazilian actress and comedian known for her work in both serious drama and television comedy, such as ‘Tapas & Beijos’. She has openly stated, “I am an atheist,” regarding her religious views. Beltrão has received critical acclaim for her performances in film and theater, often playing complex women who defy social expectations. Her frankness about her lack of belief places her among the few openly non-religious leading ladies in Brazilian media.

Clarice Falcão

Clarice Falcão is a multifaceted Brazilian artist who works as an actress, singer, screenwriter, and comedian. She gained widespread popularity as a cast member of the comedy troupe ‘Porta dos Fundos’, which frequently satirizes religion and social norms. Falcão has identified herself as an atheist and a feminist, themes that sometimes surface in her musical and comedic work. Her outspoken nature resonates with a younger generation of Latin Americans who are increasingly questioning traditional institutions.

Débora Falabella

Best known internationally for her role as Nina in the smash-hit telenovela ‘Avenida Brasil’, Débora Falabella is a highly respected actress in South America. She is listed among Brazilian celebrities who do not follow a religion and identify as atheists. Falabella creates intense, dramatic characters and has maintained a private but secular personal life. Her work often explores deep psychological themes, independent of religious narratives.

Malu Mader

Malu Mader is one of Brazil’s most enduring television stars, having headlined major productions since the 1980s. She is often cited in lists of non-theist celebrities in Latin America, having expressed views that align with agnosticism or atheism. Mader has focused her public discussions on her craft, her family, and her intellectual interests rather than religious testimony. She remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, respected for her talent and her discretion.

Vera Holtz

Vera Holtz is a veteran actress known for her commanding presence in Brazilian film and television. Although she was raised in a religious environment and once considered becoming a nun during her youth, she later abandoned those beliefs. Holtz has stated in interviews that she no longer believes in God, marking a significant personal transformation from her upbringing. She is also known for her performance art on social media, which often critiques social and political issues through a secular lens.

Mel Lisboa

Mel Lisboa shot to stardom with her debut in the miniseries ‘Presença de Anita’ and has since built a diverse career in theater and TV. She is openly atheist, a position she has held despite the religious backdrop of her home country. Lisboa has portrayed a wide range of characters, including historical figures, and is known for her rock-and-roll style and independent attitude. Her lack of religious belief is part of her identity as a modern, progressive artist.

Deborah Evelyn

Deborah Evelyn is a prevalent figure in Brazilian telenovelas, often playing sophisticated or villainous roles. She is included among the ranks of Brazilian artists who do not profess a belief in God. Evelyn comes from a family deeply rooted in the arts and has maintained a consistent career in television for decades. Her secular stance is consistent with a segment of the Brazilian artistic community that prioritizes humanism and culture over faith.

Dercy Gonçalves

The late Dercy Gonçalves was a legendary Brazilian comedian and actress known for her irreverent humor and use of profanity. She lived to the age of 101 and was famous for her refusal to adhere to societal standards of “proper” behavior for women. Gonçalves was openly atheist and frequently mocked religious hypocrisy throughout her century-long life. Her legacy is defined by her absolute freedom of expression and her rejection of all forms of censorship, including religious moralism.

Do you know of any other Latina actresses who have spoken about being non-religious? Share your thoughts in the comments.