The Best Latina Actresses in History of TV

Television history has been shaped by the incredible talent and dedication of Latina actresses who have broken barriers and delivered iconic performances. From the early days of variety shows to the modern era of streaming dramas these women have brought diverse stories and rich cultural perspectives to the screen. Their contributions have not only entertained audiences but have also paved the way for future generations of performers. This list celebrates the women who have left an indelible mark on the small screen through their versatility and skill.

Alexa Demie

Alexa Demie rose to international prominence for her portrayal of Maddy Perez in the drama series ‘Euphoria’. Her performance captured the complexities of a confident yet vulnerable high school student navigating toxic relationships. She previously appeared in the series ‘Ray Donovan’ and ‘Love’ where she demonstrated her range as a television actress. Her role in ‘Euphoria’ earned her significant critical attention and established her as a prominent figure in modern teen drama. She continues to represent a new generation of Latina talent in the industry.

Dascha Polanco

Dascha Polanco is best known for her role as Dayanara Diaz on the acclaimed series ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She portrayed the character for seven seasons and showcased a journey from a quiet inmate to a hardened leader. Polanco also delivered a strong performance in the limited series ‘When They See Us’ as Elena. Her work often highlights the experiences of Dominican American women in contemporary society. She remains a powerful advocate for body positivity and diverse representation in Hollywood.

Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice became a household name for her leading role in the Nickelodeon series ‘Victorious’. She played Tori Vega and showcased her abilities as both a comedic actress and a talented singer. Before her starring role she gained experience on the show ‘Zoey 101’ as Lola Martinez. Justice has since transitioned into more mature television projects and television movies. Her career began as a child star and she has successfully maintained a presence in the entertainment industry for nearly two decades.

Lana Parrilla

Lana Parrilla gained a massive fan base for her dual role as Regina Mills and the Evil Queen on ‘Once Upon a Time’. Her performance was lauded for its complexity as she transitioned the character from a villain to a beloved hero. She also appeared in the second season of ‘Why Women Kill’ as Rita Castillo. Parrilla has a long history in television with roles in ‘Spin City’ and ’24’ earlier in her career. Her ability to portray morally ambiguous characters has made her a standout performer in the fantasy and drama genres.

Aimee Garcia

Aimee Garcia is widely recognized for her role as Ella Lopez in the popular series ‘Lucifer’. Her character provided comedic relief and emotional depth as the cheerful forensic scientist for the Los Angeles Police Department. Garcia previously starred in the sitcom ‘George Lopez’ as Veronica Palmero and in the drama ‘Dexter’ as Jamie Batista. She has consistently worked in various genres including science fiction and comedy. Her longevity in the industry is a testament to her versatility and engaging screen presence.

Christian Serratos

Christian Serratos took on the iconic role of the titular singer in ‘Selena: The Series’. She successfully captured the spirit and stage presence of the legendary Tejano star for two seasons. Serratos also spent many years playing Rosita Espinosa on the hit horror drama ‘The Walking Dead’. Her career began with a role in the teen series ‘Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide’. She has proven her ability to handle high stakes action and intense biographical drama.

Maria Canals-Barrera

Maria Canals-Barrera is beloved by audiences for her role as Theresa Russo in the Disney Channel series ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. She played the matriarch of the Russo family and brought a warm and grounded energy to the supernatural comedy. Beyond her live action roles she is a prolific voice actress in animated series like ‘Justice League’. She also appeared in the sitcom ‘Cristela’ as Daniela. Her work has made her a familiar and comforting face for families across the country.

Judy Reyes

Judy Reyes is most famous for her long running role as Carla Espinosa on the medical comedy ‘Scrubs’. She portrayed the head nurse with a perfect balance of toughness and compassion for nine seasons. Reyes later starred in ‘Devious Maids’ as Zoila Diaz and appeared in the acclaimed series ‘Claws’ as Quiet Ann. Her performances are often noted for their authenticity and strong emotional resonance. She has remained a staple of American television for over twenty years.

Sara Ramirez

Sara Ramirez made television history with their portrayal of Dr. Callie Torres on the long running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. The character became a landmark for LGBTQ+ representation on broadcast television during their ten year tenure. Ramirez later joined the cast of ‘Madam Secretary’ as Kat Sandoval and the ‘Sex and the City’ revival ‘And Just Like That…’ as Che Diaz. Their background in musical theater often informs their powerful and commanding screen presence. They have received multiple awards for their contributions to television and advocacy.

Stephanie Beatriz

Stephanie Beatriz became a fan favorite for her role as Detective Rosa Diaz on the comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. Her deadpan delivery and tough exterior made the character one of the most memorable in modern sitcom history. She also provided the voice for the lead character Mirabel in ‘Encanto’ and starred in the series ‘Twisted Metal’. Beatriz has been vocal about the importance of bisexual representation in media. Her range extends from sharp comedy to intense vocal performances.

Melissa Fumero

Melissa Fumero starred as Amy Santiago on the hit police comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ for eight seasons. Her portrayal of the high achieving and organized detective earned her critical praise and a loyal following. Before her success in comedy she got her start in the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’ as Adriana Cramer. She has also lent her voice to animated series like ‘M.O.D.O.K.’ and starred in the workplace comedy ‘Blockbuster’. Fumero is known for her impeccable comedic timing and expressive acting style.

Diane Guerrero

Diane Guerrero gained fame for her roles in two highly successful series ‘Orange Is the New Black’ and ‘Jane the Virgin’. In the former she played Maritza Ramos and in the latter she played Lina Santillan. She also starred as Crazy Jane in the superhero series ‘Doom Patrol’ where she portrayed multiple distinct personalities. Guerrero has used her platform to advocate for immigration reform based on her own family experiences. Her ability to jump between comedy and dark drama has made her a sought after talent.

Justina Machado

Justina Machado received widespread acclaim for her starring role as Penelope Alvarez in the reimagining of ‘One Day at a Time’. Her performance as a veteran and single mother navigating family life was praised for its depth and relatability. She previously had a recurring role in ‘Six Feet Under’ as Vanessa Diaz and appeared in ‘Queen of the South’. Machado also competed on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and appeared in the series ‘The Horror of Dolores Roach’. She is celebrated for her ability to blend humor with serious social issues.

Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez first rose to fame as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel hit ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’. After a successful music career she returned to television as a lead in the mystery comedy ‘Only Murders in the Building’. Her performance as Mabel Mora has earned her multiple nominations and critical praise for her dry wit. She also hosts her own cooking show ‘Selena + Chef’ which has been a hit for multiple seasons. Gomez has successfully transitioned from a teen idol to a respected actress and producer.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza became an icon of deadpan humor through her role as April Ludgate on ‘Parks and Recreation’. Her unique comedic style made her a breakout star of the ensemble cast during the seven season run. She later took on more dramatic and experimental roles in series like ‘Legion’ and ‘The White Lotus’. Her performance in the second season of ‘The White Lotus’ earned her an Emmy nomination and further critical acclaim. Plaza is known for her ability to bring a sense of mystery and unpredictability to every character she plays.

Cote de Pablo

Cote de Pablo is best known for her role as Ziva David on the long running procedural ‘NCIS’. Her character was a former Mossad officer and became one of the most popular figures in the history of the franchise. She played the role for eight years before returning for special guest appearances that thrilled the fan base. De Pablo also appeared in the miniseries ‘The Dovekeepers’ as Shirah. Her portrayal of a strong and capable action hero made her a household name in television.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin is a versatile actress known for her roles in several cult favorite and mainstream television series. She played Inara Serra in the science fiction series ‘Firefly’ and later starred as Jessica Brody in ‘Homeland’. Baccarin also portrayed Dr. Leslie Thompkins in the Batman prequel series ‘Gotham’ for five seasons. She has a talent for playing sophisticated and intelligent characters in high stakes environments. Her work spans across drama, science fiction, and action genres.

Constance Marie

Constance Marie is most recognized for her role as Angie Lopez on the sitcom ‘George Lopez’ which ran for six seasons. She played the grounded and supportive wife and mother who served as the heart of the family. Marie also had a significant role in the drama series ‘Switched at Birth’ as Regina Vasquez. Her career includes an early role as Marcela Quintanilla in the film ‘Selena’ and various television guest spots. She has been a consistent presence in Latino family programming for decades.

Sonia Manzano

Sonia Manzano is a pioneer in television history for her role as Maria on ‘Sesame Street’. She played the character for forty four years and became a foundational figure for generations of children. Beyond acting she was also a writer for the show and won fifteen Emmy Awards for her scripts. Manzano was one of the first Latinas to have a prominent and enduring role on American national television. Her legacy is defined by her commitment to education and positive representation.

Jenna Ortega

Jenna Ortega became a global phenomenon for her lead role in the Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Her portrayal of the titular Addams family daughter showcased her ability to lead a major franchise with a distinct style. Before this success she starred in the Disney Channel series ‘Stuck in the Middle’ and had a recurring role in ‘Jane the Virgin’. She also appeared in the second season of the thriller series ‘You’ as Ellie Alves. Ortega is currently one of the most influential young actresses working in television today.

Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria became an international superstar for her role as Gabrielle Solis on ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and made her one of the highest paid actresses in television. Since the show ended she has focused on producing and directing projects like ‘Grand Hotel’ and ‘Flamin’ Hot’. She also starred in the short lived but well received comedy ‘Telenovela’. Longoria is a major force in the industry who works tirelessly to create opportunities for Latino talent.

Salma Hayek Pinault

Salma Hayek began her career in Mexican telenovelas before becoming a major Hollywood film star. On American television she is remembered for her recurring role as Sofia Reyes on ‘Ugly Betty’. She also served as an executive producer for the series which was a milestone for Latino representation on network TV. Hayek had a memorable guest arc on the sitcom ’30 Rock’ as Elisa Pedrera. Her influence on television extends from her on screen performances to her work behind the scenes as a producer.

Gina Rodriguez

Gina Rodriguez rose to stardom for her titular role in the acclaimed series ‘Jane the Virgin’. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy Series in its first season. She was praised for her ability to navigate the show’s complex blend of comedy and melodrama. Rodriguez has since starred in the series ‘Not Dead Yet’ and provided the voice for ‘Carmen Sandiego’. She is a vocal advocate for diversity and has directed several television episodes.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera delivered a career defining performance as Betty Suarez in the hit series ‘Ugly Betty’. She won an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for her work on the show during its four year run. Ferrera later starred in the workplace comedy ‘Superstore’ as Amy Sosa and also served as a producer. Her roles often challenge traditional beauty standards and highlight the lives of working class people. She remains a respected leader and advocate within the entertainment community.

Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter became a cultural icon for her portrayal of Diana Prince in the ‘Wonder Woman’ television series. She played the superhero from 1975 to 1979 and remains synonymous with the character for many fans. Carter is of Mexican descent and was one of the few Latina actresses leading a major network series in the 1970s. She has continued to work in television with guest roles in shows like ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Smallville’. Her legacy as the original live action Wonder Woman is a permanent part of television history.

Sofía Vergara

Sofia Vergara is best known for her role as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on the massively successful sitcom ‘Modern Family’. Her comedic timing and vibrant personality made her a standout in the ensemble cast for eleven seasons. She received four Emmy nominations for her work on the show and became one of the most recognizable faces on television. Recently she took on a dramatic role as the lead in the limited series ‘Griselda’. Vergara is also a prominent judge on ‘America’s Got Talent’ and a successful entrepreneur.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno is a true legend of the entertainment industry and one of the few performers to achieve EGOT status. Her television career includes a long run on the educational series ‘The Electric Company’ in the 1970s. She delivered a chilling dramatic performance as Sister Peter Marie Reimondo on the HBO series ‘Oz’. More recently she charmed audiences as Lydia Riera in the revival of ‘One Day at a Time’. Moreno has been a trailblazer for Latina actresses for over seven decades and continues to work at the highest level.

Please share your own favorite Latina television performances in the comments.