Latino Actresses Who Were Everywhere In The 2010s

The 2010s marked a significant shift in Hollywood as representation for Latinas expanded across television and film. This decade saw seasoned veterans solidify their status as industry moguls while new faces burst onto the scene in groundbreaking roles. From network sitcoms to billion-dollar superhero franchises, these performers showcased their range in drama, comedy, and action. They anchored some of the most critically acclaimed series of the era and influenced pop culture through their work. The following list highlights the actresses who maintained a constant and powerful presence throughout those ten years.

Sofía Vergara

Dominating the decade as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, she became the highest-paid actress in television thanks to ‘Modern Family’. Her comedic timing and distinctive voice made her a household name across the globe. She appeared in films like ‘Chef’ and ‘Hot Pursuit’ while maintaining her television reign. The actress also launched successful business ventures and endorsement deals during this prolific period. Her portrayal of Gloria earned her multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations throughout the 2010s.

Zoe Saldaña

This science fiction queen starred in some of the highest-grossing films of the decade including ‘Avatar’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. She solidified her place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the fierce warrior Gamora. Her role as Uhura in the ‘Star Trek’ franchise continued to showcase her versatility in blockbuster action films. She also took on dramatic roles in movies like ‘Colombiana’ and ‘Live by Night’. Her box office dominance in the 2010s remains practically unmatched by any other actress.

Jennifer Lopez

The multi-talented superstar served as a judge on ‘American Idol’ while revitalizing her music and acting career. She starred in the police drama ‘Shades of Blue’ which showcased a gritty side to her acting abilities. Her performance in ‘Hustlers’ at the end of the decade earned her critical acclaim and awards buzz. She consistently balanced touring with film projects like ‘The Boy Next Door’ and ‘Second Act’. This decade proved her enduring power as a mogul in the entertainment industry.

Gina Rodriguez

Bursting onto the scene as the title character in ‘Jane the Virgin’, she won a Golden Globe for her performance. The show became a critical darling and highlighted her ability to handle both comedy and drama. She used her platform to advocate for greater representation of Latinos in Hollywood. Her film credits expanded with roles in ‘Deepwater Horizon’ and ‘Annihilation’ during the series run. She quickly transitioned from a newcomer to a leading lady and producer.

Aubrey Plaza

Best known for her deadpan delivery as April Ludgate on ‘Parks and Recreation’, she became a comedy icon. She transitioned into film with starring roles in ‘The To Do List’ and ‘Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates’. Her dramatic range was later displayed in the indie hit ‘Ingrid Goes West’ and the series ‘Legion’. She consistently chose offbeat and unique projects that cultivated a dedicated fanbase. Her distinctive style defined a specific era of alternative comedy in the 2010s.

America Ferrera

After the conclusion of ‘Ugly Betty’, she lent her voice to the character Astrid in the massive ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ franchise. She returned to television prominence as the star and producer of the workplace comedy ‘Superstore’. Her role as Amy Sosa highlighted the struggles of the working class with heart and humor. She also appeared in the drama ‘The Good Wife’ and directed episodes of her own shows. She remained a steadfast figure in activism and entertainment throughout the decade.

Michelle Rodriguez

She reprised her role as Letty Ortiz in several ‘Fast & Furious’ sequels that dominated the global box office. Her action credentials were further cemented with roles in ‘Machete’ and ‘Battle: Los Angeles’. She remains one of the most visible Latinas in the action genre thanks to her tough persona. The actress also voiced characters in animated films like ‘Turbo’ and ‘Smurfs: The Lost Village’. Her consistent presence in billion-dollar franchises kept her in the spotlight.

Rosario Dawson

Her presence in the Marvel Netflix universe as Claire Temple connected multiple superhero series including ‘Daredevil’ and ‘Luke Cage’. She appeared in high-profile films like ‘Sin City: A Dame to Kill For’ and ‘Zombieland: Double Tap’. Her voice acting career flourished with roles as Wonder Woman in DC animated movies. She also took on independent projects like ‘Top Five’ alongside Chris Rock. Her versatility allowed her to move seamlessly between comic book adaptations and serious dramas.

Eva Longoria

Following the end of ‘Desperate Housewives’, she moved behind the camera as a producer for ‘Devious Maids’. She starred in the sitcom ‘Telenovela’ which satirized the genre that made her famous. Her producing credits expanded with the series ‘Grand Hotel’ and various documentaries. She continued to act in films such as ‘Overboard’ and ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’. Her transition from television star to industry power player was a defining arc of her 2010s.

Salma Hayek Pinault

She entertained audiences in comedy hits like ‘Grown Ups’ and its sequel during the early part of the decade. Her voice work was featured in the ‘Puss in Boots’ spinoff and ‘Sausage Party’. She took on a challenging role in the dark fantasy ‘Tale of Tales’ and the action comedy ‘The Hitman’s Bodyguard’. Her production work continued with involvement in projects like ‘Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet’. She remained a glamorous and highly visible fixture on red carpets and movie screens.

Stephanie Beatriz

Her portrayal of the stoic Detective Rosa Diaz on ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ became an instant fan favorite. She brought depth to the character by exploring storylines about identity and vulnerability. The actress voiced a character in ‘The LEGO Movie 2’ and appeared in indie films like ‘Short Term 12’. Her work on television helped normalize complex LGBTQ+ representation in sitcoms. She proved to be a master of deadpan comedy while possessing great dramatic range.

Melissa Fumero

Starring as Amy Santiago in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’, she played the perfect foil to Andy Samberg’s character. Her performance highlighted her skill at physical comedy and fast-paced dialogue. She became a prominent face of network television comedy throughout the show’s long run. The actress also appeared in ‘One Life to Live’ and guest-starred on ‘Men at Work’. Her chemistry with the ensemble cast was a crucial element of the show’s success.

Dascha Polanco

She broke out as Dayanara Diaz in the groundbreaking Netflix series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. Her character had one of the most emotional arcs across the seven seasons of the show. She appeared in films like ‘Joy’ and ‘The Perfect Match’ while the series was airing. Her presence contributed significantly to the show’s acclaim for its diverse ensemble cast. She became a fashion icon and advocate for body positivity during her time in the spotlight.

Diane Guerrero

She juggled two major television roles simultaneously on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’. Her role as Maritza Ramos on Netflix showcased her comedic chops and dramatic ability. She also starred in the DC Universe series ‘Doom Patrol’ as Crazy Jane. Her memoir about immigration reform became a bestseller and elevated her profile as an activist. She established herself as one of the busiest and most versatile actresses of the decade.

Morena Baccarin

She delivered a memorable performance as Jessica Brody in the acclaimed series ‘Homeland’ early in the decade. Her role as Dr. Leslie Thompkins in ‘Gotham’ kept her on television screens for five seasons. She joined the blockbuster ‘Deadpool’ franchise as Vanessa, the love interest of the anti-hero. Her voice work included the role of Gideon in ‘The Flash’ and other DC animated projects. She successfully balanced work in comic book media with serious dramatic television.

Eiza González

After establishing herself in Mexican television, she crossed over to Hollywood with ‘From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series’. She gained massive attention for her role in the action film ‘Baby Driver’. Her action star status grew with appearances in ‘Alita: Battle Angel’ and ‘Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw’. She quickly became a go-to actress for high-octane blockbusters in the late 2010s. Her transition from telenovelas to major Hollywood films was swift and successful.

Ana de Armas

She started the decade in Spanish television before making a splash in Hollywood with ‘War Dogs’. Her breakout role in ‘Blade Runner 2049’ as Joi garnered her significant critical praise. She ended the decade on a high note with her Golden Globe-nominated performance in ‘Knives Out’. This period marked her rapid ascent from an unknown talent to a highly sought-after leading lady. Her range allowed her to play everything from holographic AI to a humble nurse.

Tessa Thompson

She gained critical acclaim for her role in ‘Dear White People’ and the drama ‘Selma’. Her entry into the Rocky franchise with ‘Creed’ introduced her to a mainstream audience. She became a fan favorite in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Valkyrie in ‘Thor: Ragnarok’. Her performance in the sci-fi series ‘Westworld’ demonstrated her ability to handle complex and mysterious characters. She solidified her status as a powerful force in both indie films and blockbusters.

Lupita Nyong’o

Her film debut in ’12 Years a Slave’ won her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She joined the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy as the motion-capture character Maz Kanata. Her role in the massive cultural phenomenon ‘Black Panther’ cemented her A-list status. She also starred in the horror hit ‘Us’ where she played dual roles with terrifying precision. Her impact on fashion and film was immediate and profound from the moment she arrived.

Selena Gomez

Transitioning from Disney Channel stardom, she starred in the controversial film ‘Spring Breakers’. She voiced Mavis in the successful ‘Hotel Transylvania’ animated franchise throughout the decade. Her acting roles included ‘The Fundamentals of Caring’ and ‘The Dead Don’t Die’. She also served as an executive producer for the hit series ’13 Reasons Why’. Her career evolved from teen idol to a multifaceted artist and producer.

Naya Rivera

She rose to fame as Santana Lopez on the musical comedy-drama ‘Glee’. Her character became a groundbreaking figure for LGBTQ+ representation on network television. Her vocal talent and acting range made her a standout performer in the large ensemble cast. She released a memoir and appeared in the series ‘Devious Maids’ after ‘Glee’ concluded. Her work left a lasting impact on a generation of television viewers.

Cote de Pablo

She spent the first half of the decade as Ziva David on the massive hit ‘NCIS’. Her character was integral to the show’s popularity and high ratings. She returned to the series later in the decade to the delight of fans. The actress also appeared in the miniseries ‘The Dovekeepers’. Her portrayal of a skilled Mossad agent remains one of the most iconic roles in procedural television history.

Lana Parrilla

She ruled the screen as the Evil Queen Regina Mills in the fantasy series ‘Once Upon a Time’. Her character had a complex redemption arc that spanned the entire decade. She played multiple iterations of the character as the show reinvented itself. Her performance garnered a loyal fanbase and critical praise for its nuance. She was the anchor of the series throughout its seven-season run.

Christian Serratos

After appearing in the ‘Twilight’ saga, she joined the cast of ‘The Walking Dead’ as Rosita Espinosa. Her character evolved from a supporting role to a main survivor in the zombie apocalypse. She brought resilience and tactical skill to the popular horror drama. The actress remained a key part of the ensemble as the show dominated cable ratings. She later secured the lead role in the series ‘Selena: The Series’ at the decade’s end.

Rosa Salazar

She gained attention in the ‘Divergent’ series and ‘Maze Runner’ sequels. Her biggest break came as the lead motion-capture performance in ‘Alita: Battle Angel’. She also starred in the unique animated series ‘Undone’ on Amazon Prime. Her ability to convey emotion through CGI avatars became a signature of her career. She established herself as a versatile actress in the sci-fi and young adult genres.

Alice Braga

She starred as the lead in the crime drama series ‘Queen of the South’ as Teresa Mendoza. Her film roles included the sci-fi action movie ‘Elysium’ and ‘Predators’. She brought intensity and intelligence to roles that often required physical toughness. Her work spanned both Brazilian cinema and major Hollywood productions. She successfully carried a cable drama series on her shoulders for multiple seasons.

Kate del Castillo

She became an international superstar with the telenovela ‘La Reina del Sur’. She appeared in American films such as ‘The 33’ and ‘No Good Deed’. Her involvement in the documentary series ‘The Day I Met El Chapo’ generated massive headlines. She continued to act in both Spanish and English-language productions throughout the decade. Her fearless approach to her career made her a prominent and sometimes controversial figure.

Genesis Rodriguez

She appeared in a variety of films including ‘Man on a Ledge’ and the comedy ‘Identity Thief’. Her voice acting was featured in the Oscar-winning animated film ‘Big Hero 6’. She starred in Kevin Smith’s horror comedy ‘Tusk’ and the action film ‘Run All Night’. Her recurring roles on television included ‘Time After Time’ and voices for ‘She-Ra’. She consistently worked across genres from broad comedy to action thrillers.

Justina Machado

She took on the lead role of Penelope Alvarez in the reimagined ‘One Day at a Time’. Her performance as a veteran and single mother drew widespread critical acclaim. She also appeared in ‘Queen of the South’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’. Her work brought visibility to the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. She proved to be a powerhouse dramatic actress capable of anchoring a sitcom.

Rita Moreno

The EGOT winner experienced a career renaissance as the grandmother in ‘One Day at a Time’. Her comedic timing and vitality stole scenes in the critically adored sitcom. She continued to voice characters in children’s programming like ‘Nina’s World’. Her presence provided a bridge between the Golden Age of Hollywood and modern streaming television. She remained a vibrant and active force in the industry well into her eighties.

Cierra Ramirez

She became well known for her role as Mariana Adams Foster in ‘The Fosters’. Her character’s popularity led to the spinoff series ‘Good Trouble’ where she served as executive producer. She appeared in the film ‘Girl in Progress’ which earned her an ALMA Award. Her portrayal of a driven and intelligent student resonated with many viewers. She successfully grew up on screen while tackling mature storylines.

Aimee Garcia

She played Jamie Batista in the final seasons of the hit series ‘Dexter’. She later joined the cast of ‘Lucifer’ as the bubbly forensic scientist Ella Lopez. Her film roles included the ‘RoboCop’ remake and ‘The Addams Family’ animated movie. She brought a distinctive warmth and humor to police procedural shows. Her consistent television work kept her in the public eye throughout the 2010s.

Karla Souza

She achieved international fame as Laurel Castillo in the legal thriller ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. Her character was central to the twists and turns of the Shonda Rhimes production. She also starred in the hit Mexican film ‘Nosotros los Nobles’ which broke box office records. She balanced her career between successful Spanish-language films and American television. Her dramatic performance in ‘HTGAWM’ was a highlight of the series.

Judy Reyes

After ‘Scrubs’, she became a key cast member of ‘Devious Maids’ as Zoila Diaz. She later joined the dark comedy ‘Claws’ as the quiet but dangerous Quiet Ann. Her versatility allowed her to move from broad sitcoms to dramedies and crime capers. She consistently delivered strong ensemble performances. She remains one of the most recognizable television actresses of her generation.

Roselyn Sánchez

She starred as Carmen Luna in the Lifetime series ‘Devious Maids’ for four seasons. Her career included a role in the action film ‘Act of Valor’. She later took the lead in the series ‘Grand Hotel’ produced by Eva Longoria. She hosted various Latin music awards shows and maintained a high public profile. Her work often highlighted the glamour and drama of telenovela-style storytelling in English.

Dania Ramirez

She was a main cast member on ‘Devious Maids’ alongside other prominent Latinas. She joined the cast of ‘Once Upon a Time’ as a new iteration of Cinderella. Her film credits included the action movie ‘Premium Rush’. She appeared in the X-Men film ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ earlier but remained active in the 2010s. Her roles often utilized her background in dance and action.

Ana Ortiz

She followed her success in ‘Ugly Betty’ with a lead role in ‘Devious Maids’. She appeared in shows like ‘Black-ish’ and ‘How to Get Away with Murder’ as a guest star. Her voice work included roles in ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’. She later starred in the series ‘Love, Victor’ at the very end of the decade. She consistently played characters with sharp wit and strong moral centers.

Anya Taylor-Joy

She burst onto the scene with a terrifying performance in the horror film ‘The Witch’. She starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘Split’ and its sequel ‘Glass’. Her unique look and intensity made her a favorite for genre films. She also appeared in the drama ‘Barry’ and the series ‘Peaky Blinders’. While born in Miami, her Argentine heritage is a key part of her background and identity.

Camila Mendes

She became an instant star as Veronica Lodge in the hit teen drama ‘Riverdale’. Her character was a central figure in the stylized and campy mystery series. She appeared in the Netflix film ‘The Perfect Date’ during the show’s run. Her rapid rise to fame was fueled by the massive social media following of the show. She represented a new generation of Latina talent in Young Adult media.

Victoria Justice

She starred in the Nickelodeon hit ‘Victorious’ which ran until 2013. She continued to act in films like ‘Fun Size’ and ‘Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List’. The actress starred in the MTV thriller series ‘Eye Candy’. She maintained a strong presence in the teen pop culture sphere throughout the decade. Her transition from child star to adult roles included various romantic comedies.

Jenna Ortega

She started the decade as a child actress in ‘Jane the Virgin’ playing the younger version of the lead. She starred in the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’. Her voice work included the animated series ‘Elena of Avalor’. She appeared in the second season of the thriller ‘You’. She laid the groundwork in the 2010s for her massive explosion in popularity in the 2020s.

Emily Rios

She played Andrea Cantillo in the acclaimed drama ‘Breaking Bad’ in the early 2010s. She starred in the crime series ‘The Bridge’ and ‘Snowfall’. Her performances were often gritty and grounded in realism. She brought authenticity to roles in intense crime dramas. She was a reliable character actress in some of the decade’s most respected shows.

Adria Arjona

She appeared in the second season of ‘True Detective’ and starred in ‘Emerald City’. Her film roles included ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’ and ‘Triple Frontier’. She provided the voice of Ramirez in the video game ‘Fortnite’. Her career gained significant momentum toward the end of the decade. She established herself as an action-capable lead in genre projects.

Lorenza Izzo

She became known for her work in horror films like ‘The Green Inferno’ and ‘Knock Knock’. She appeared in the fantasy film ‘The House with a Clock in Its Walls’. Her role in ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ capped off the decade. She frequently collaborated with director Eli Roth during this period. Her scream queen status was well-earned through intense physical performances.

Seychelle Gabriel

She starred as Lourdes in the sci-fi series ‘Falling Skies’ produced by Steven Spielberg. She voiced the character Asami Sato in the animated series ‘The Legend of Korra’. Her voice acting was praised for bringing maturity to the beloved character. She appeared in the film ‘Sleight’ and the series ‘Get Shorty’. Her work in the ‘Avatar’ animated universe secured her a lasting legacy.

Indya Moore

She starred as Angel Evangelista in the groundbreaking series ‘Pose’. Her modeling career ran parallel to her acting rise in the late 2010s. She voiced characters in ‘Steven Universe Future’. Her presence on screen challenged traditional beauty standards and gender norms. She became a vital voice for non-binary and trans representation in Hollywood.

Who from this list was your favorite performer during the 2010s? Share your top picks in the comments.