Who are the Most Famous Latino Actors Right Now?

Latino representation in Hollywood has grown significantly over the last few decades as talented performers take on diverse and complex roles across film and television. This list highlights male actors of Latin American descent who are currently making waves in the entertainment industry through blockbuster franchises and critically acclaimed dramas. The ranking considers current popularity, recent projects, and overall impact on global pop culture. These performers range from established industry veterans to rising stars who have recently captured the attention of audiences worldwide.

Jacob Vargas

Jacob Vargas has maintained a steady presence in the industry for decades with a career spanning both film and television. He gained recognition for his role as Joker in the cult classic comedy ‘Next Friday’ and appeared in ‘Traffic’ alongside other major stars. Television audiences know him well from his portrayal of Montez in the hit series ‘Sons of Anarchy’. He recently expanded his portfolio with a role in the sitcom ‘Mr. Iglesias’ where he showcased his comedic timing. His consistent work ethic has established him as a reliable character actor in Hollywood.

Emilio Rivera

Emilio Rivera is best known for his authoritative screen presence and his portrayal of Marcus Alvarez in ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and its spinoff ‘Mayans M.C.’. He has built a career playing tough and complex characters that often command respect within their respective narratives. Rivera also brought his talents to the Netflix series ‘On My Block’ where he played a key recurring role. His distinctive voice and intensity have made him a favorite for crime dramas and action series. He continues to be a prominent figure in productions that explore street life and organized crime.

David Zayas

David Zayas gained massive popularity for his long-running role as Angel Batista in the Showtime hit series ‘Dexter’. He reprised this beloved character in the recent revival series ‘Dexter: New Blood’ to the delight of fans. Before acting, Zayas worked as a police officer in New York City which brings a layer of authenticity to his law enforcement roles. He has also delivered memorable performances in ‘Gotham’ as the mob boss Sal Maroni. His ability to switch between playing lovable detectives and menacing villains highlights his range.

Kirk Acevedo

Kirk Acevedo first garnered significant attention for his compelling performance in the critically acclaimed HBO series ‘Oz’. He reached a wider audience through his role in the science fiction series ‘Fringe’ where he played Charlie Francis. Action fans recognize him from his portrayal of Ricardo Diaz in the superhero show ‘Arrow’. He also appeared in the miniseries ‘Band of Brothers’ which remains a landmark production in television history. Acevedo consistently delivers intense performances in genre television and gritty dramas.

Enrique Murciano

Enrique Murciano became a household name during his seven-season run as Danny Taylor on the crime procedural ‘Without a Trace’. He later joined the cast of ‘The Blacklist’ and appeared in the Netflix thriller ‘Bloodline’. His film credits include supporting roles in major blockbusters like ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’. Murciano recently starred in ‘The Night Agent’ which became a massive hit on streaming platforms. He brings a charismatic and grounded energy to both federal agent roles and complex dramatic characters.

Amaury Nolasco

Amaury Nolasco captured the attention of global audiences as Sucre in the hit serial drama ‘Prison Break’. His character became one of the most beloved figures in the show due to his loyalty and emotional depth. Nolasco also appeared in the first live-action ‘Transformers’ movie as a soldier fighting alongside the protagonists. He took on a leading role in the crime drama ‘Hightown’ where he played a complex antagonist. His career balances high-octane action roles with character-driven television performances.

Santiago Cabrera

Santiago Cabrera gained early fame for his role as Isaac Mendez in the superhero drama ‘Heroes’. He charmed audiences as Aramis in the BBC adaptation of ‘The Musketeers’ which showcased his action capabilities. Cabrera recently played Captain Cristobal Rios in ‘Star Trek: Picard’ where he portrayed multiple holographic versions of the character. He also starred in the HBO series ‘Big Little Lies’ alongside a stellar ensemble cast. His work spans various genres including science fiction, period pieces, and contemporary drama.

Manolo Cardona

Manolo Cardona is a Colombian actor who has successfully crossed over into English-language productions. He reached a massive audience starring in the Netflix thriller series ‘Who Killed Sara?’ which became a global phenomenon. Cardona appeared in ‘Narcos’ where he played a key role during the show’s exploration of the Colombian drug trade. He also had a part in the comedy ‘Beverly Hills Chihuahua’ which introduced him to family audiences. His recent success on streaming platforms has solidified his status as a leading man.

Juan Pablo Raba

Juan Pablo Raba is widely recognized for his portrayal of Gustavo Gaviria in the hit series ‘Narcos’. He delivered a strong action performance in the film ‘Peppermint’ alongside Jennifer Garner. Raba also starred in the military drama series ‘Six’ where he played a Navy SEAL team member. His recent work includes the action-comedy ‘Freelance’ where he played a dictator opposite John Cena. He consistently secures roles that require both physical intensity and dramatic weight.

Clayton Cardenas

Clayton Cardenas broke out as Angel Reyes in the gritty motorcycle drama ‘Mayans M.C.’. His performance explored the emotional turmoil of a gang member seeking validation and purpose. Before this major break, he appeared in the anthology series ‘American Crime’. Cardenas writes and produces poetry and visual art in addition to his acting work. He has become a significant figure for viewers looking for authentic portrayals of Chicano culture on screen.

Danny Pino

Danny Pino is a familiar face to television audiences thanks to his long tenure on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’. He continued his success in the crime genre as a lead in the series ‘Cold Case’. Recently, he starred in the ‘Sons of Anarchy’ spinoff ‘Mayans M.C.’ as the calculating cartel leader Miguel Galindo. He also appeared in the film adaptation of the musical ‘Dear Evan Hansen’. Pino effortlessly transitions between playing law enforcement heroes and complex villains.

Jesse Garcia

Jesse Garcia gained critical acclaim for his lead performance in the biopic ‘Flamin’ Hot’. He portrayed Richard Montañez and captured the inspiring journey of the man who claimed to invent Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Garcia previously won an award at Sundance for his role in the film ‘Quinceañera’. He appeared in ‘The Avengers’ in a small but memorable role during the battle of New York. His recent success has opened doors for more leading roles in major studio productions.

Raúl Castillo

Raúl Castillo first gained widespread attention for his role as Richie in the HBO series ‘Looking’. He delivered a chilling performance in the film ‘Army of the Dead’ directed by Zack Snyder. Castillo recently starred in the drama ‘Cassandro’ alongside Gael García Bernal. He consistently chooses roles in independent films that challenge stereotypes and explore complex themes. His work in both television and film highlights his versatility as a dramatic actor.

Arturo Castro

Arturo Castro is a Guatemalan actor known for his breakout role as Jaimé in the comedy series ‘Broad City’. He created and starred in his own sketch comedy show titled ‘Alternatino with Arturo Castro’. Castro showcased his dramatic range in ‘Narcos’ where he played the son of a cartel leader. He recently appeared in the horror-comedy ‘The Menu’ as a tech bro character. His ability to balance absurdity with menace makes him a unique talent in the industry.

Harvey Guillén

Harvey Guillén has achieved massive popularity as Guillermo de la Cruz in the vampire comedy ‘What We Do in the Shadows’. His character serves as the heart of the show and has evolved from a familiar into a vampire hunter. Guillén voices the character Perrito in the animated hit ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. He has become a prominent advocate for body positivity and queer representation in Hollywood. His comedic timing and emotional range have made him a standout star in ensemble casts.

Cristo Fernández

Cristo Fernández charmed the world as Dani Rojas in the uplifting sports comedy ‘Ted Lasso’. His character’s catchphrase “Football is life” became instantly iconic among fans of the series. Before acting, Fernández played professional football in Mexico which added authenticity to his role. He recently appeared in the blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. His infectious energy and positivity have made him a highly sought-after talent for comedic roles.

David Castañeda

David Castañeda plays Diego Hargreeves in the superhero adaptation ‘The Umbrella Academy’. His character is a knife-throwing vigilante with a complex relationship with his family. He appeared in ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ alongside Benicio del Toro. Castañeda recently starred in an episode of the anthology series ‘Poker Face’. His role in ‘The Umbrella Academy’ has garnered him a massive international fanbase.

Danny Ramirez

Danny Ramirez has quickly risen through the ranks with a standout role in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’. He plays Joaquin Torres in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and appeared in ‘The Falcon and the Winter Soldier’. Ramirez is set to take on a larger role in the upcoming film ‘Captain America: Brave New World’. He also delivered a strong dramatic performance in the survival thriller ‘No Exit’. His trajectory points toward becoming a major action star in the coming years.

Tony Dalton

Tony Dalton terrified and entertained audiences as Lalo Salamanca in the acclaimed series ‘Better Call Saul’. His charismatic yet lethal portrayal made him one of the most memorable villains in recent television history. He followed this with a role in the Marvel series ‘Hawkeye’ as Jack Duquesne. Dalton has a long and successful career in Mexican cinema and television before his US breakout. He brings a unique blend of charm and menace to his antagonistic roles.

Alfonso Herrera

Alfonso Herrera gained international fame as a member of the pop group RBD and the telenovela ‘Rebelde’. He transitioned to serious drama with a lead role in the series ‘The Exorcist’ on Fox. Herrera played the volatile antagonist Javi Elizonndro in the final season of ‘Ozark’. He recently voiced the heron in the English dub of Hayao Miyazaki’s ‘The Boy and the Heron’. His work demonstrates a successful evolution from teen idol to respected dramatic actor.

Diego Boneta

Diego Boneta starred as the titular singer in ‘Luis Miguel: The Series’ which was a massive hit across Latin America. He appeared in the movie musical ‘Rock of Ages’ alongside Tom Cruise. Boneta starred in the romantic comedy ‘Father of the Bride’ which was released on HBO Max. He has also produced several projects under his own production company. His ability to sing and act has made him a double threat in the entertainment industry.

Rodrigo Santoro

Rodrigo Santoro is a Brazilian actor known globally for playing King Xerxes in the blockbuster ‘300’. He starred as Hector Escaton in the HBO science fiction series ‘Westworld’. Santoro appeared in the classic romantic comedy ‘Love Actually’ as the enigmatic Karl. He recently starred in the adventure series ‘Wolf Pack’ on Paramount+. His career seamlessly bridges Brazilian productions and major Hollywood blockbusters.

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a creative force who starred in the film version of his Broadway sensation ‘Hamilton’. He played the lamp-lighter Jack in Disney’s ‘Mary Poppins Returns’. Miranda appeared as Lee Scoresby in the fantasy series ‘His Dark Materials’. He directed the musical film ‘Tick, Tick… Boom!’ which received critical acclaim. While primarily known for writing, his acting roles continue to be high-profile and well-received.

Esai Morales

Esai Morales recently played the primary antagonist Gabriel in ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One’. He is known for his role as Bob Morales in the biopic ‘La Bamba’. Morales played the complex villain Deathstroke in the DC series ‘Titans’. He has had a long career in television with roles in ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘Ozark’. His recent turn in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise has revitalized his career as a major action villain.

Jimmy Smits

Jimmy Smits is a television legend known for his roles in ‘L.A. Law’ and ‘NYPD Blue’. He played Bail Organa in the ‘Star Wars’ prequel trilogy and reprised the role in ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’. Smits had a memorable arc as Nero Padilla in ‘Sons of Anarchy’. He recently starred in the film adaptation of the musical ‘In the Heights’. His dignified presence makes him a go-to actor for roles involving authority and leadership.

Luis Guzmán

Luis Guzmán is one of the most recognizable character actors in the world with over one hundred credits. He recently played Gomez Addams in the wildly popular Netflix series ‘Wednesday’. Guzmán is a favorite of director Steven Soderbergh and appeared in ‘Traffic’ and ‘The Limey’. He voiced a character in the video game ‘Grand Theft Auto: Vice City’ which remains a cult favorite. His career has experienced a resurgence thanks to his role in the Addams Family universe.

Danny Trejo

Danny Trejo is an icon of action cinema known for playing Machete in the film of the same name. He has appeared in hundreds of films and often plays tough criminals or anti-heroes. Trejo played a key role in ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ and the ‘Spy Kids’ franchise. He recently appeared in ‘The Book of Boba Fett’ as a rancor keeper. His rugged look and prolific output have made him a pop culture legend.

Edward James Olmos

Edward James Olmos is a celebrated actor known for his Oscar-nominated role in ‘Stand and Deliver’. He played the iconic Admiral William Adama in the reimagined ‘Battlestar Galactica’. Olmos starred as the patriarchal figure in ‘Mayans M.C.’ for its entire run. He appeared in the sci-fi classic ‘Blade Runner’ and returned for its sequel ‘Blade Runner 2049’. His gravitas and voice command attention in every role he undertakes.

Demián Bichir

Demián Bichir received an Academy Award nomination for his powerful performance in ‘A Better Life’. He played a lead role in the horror hit ‘The Nun’ which is part of The Conjuring Universe. Bichir starred in the Showtime series ‘Weeds’ as a corrupt politician. He recently appeared in the vampire drama ‘Let the Right One In’. He remains one of the few Latino actors to be nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars.

Jay Hernandez

Jay Hernandez starred as the title character in the reboot of ‘Magnum P.I.’ which ran for several seasons. He played El Diablo in the DC Comics film ‘Suicide Squad’. Hernandez gained early fame for his role in the romantic drama ‘Crazy/Beautiful’. He appeared in the horror films ‘Hostel’ and ‘Hostel: Part II’. His charm and action credentials have kept him as a consistent leading man in network television.

Laz Alonso

Laz Alonso plays Mother’s Milk in the satirical superhero hit ‘The Boys’. His character is the grounded moral center of a team of vigilantes. Alonso appeared in ‘Avatar’ as the warrior Tsu’tey. He has had roles in the ‘Fast & Furious’ franchise as the antagonist Fenix Calderon. His work in ‘The Boys’ has brought him to the forefront of pop culture conversation.

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama currently stars as Nick Torres in the long-running procedural ‘NCIS’. He gained initial fame as Fez in the sitcom ‘That ’70s Show’. Valderrama voiced the main character in the animated children’s show ‘Handy Manny’. He appeared in ‘From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series’ as the vampire lord Carlos Madrigal. His transition from sitcom star to action lead has been highly successful.

Wagner Moura

Wagner Moura delivered a mesmerizing performance as Pablo Escobar in the Netflix series ‘Narcos’. He starred in the dystopian action film ‘Civil War’ which became an A24 box office hit. Moura voiced the Big Bad Wolf in the animated film ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’. He is a massive star in his native Brazil and has directed his own feature films. His intensity and transformation skills make him a powerhouse performer.

Edgar Ramírez

Edgar Ramírez starred in the biopic series ‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’. He played a leading role in the Netflix comedy ‘Yes Day’ alongside Jennifer Garner. Ramírez appeared in ‘Jungle Cruise’ as a cursed conquistador. He recently led the series ‘Dr. Death’ in its second season. He is known for his ability to play suave sophisticated characters and rugged action roles.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo stars as Mickey Haller in the hit Netflix legal drama ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’. He appeared in the remake of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ as the outlaw Vasquez. Garcia-Rulfo played a key role in ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’ opposite Josh Brolin. He also starred in ‘A Man Called Otto’ with Tom Hanks. His charismatic lead performance in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ has significantly boosted his global profile.

Anthony Ramos

Anthony Ramos originated the roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the Broadway smash ‘Hamilton’. He starred as the lead in the film adaptation of ‘In the Heights’. Ramos played a lead role in the blockbuster ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’. He recently appeared in the disaster film ‘Twisters’ as a storm chaser. His energy and musical talent have made him a unique star in Hollywood.

Eugenio Derbez

Eugenio Derbez is one of the most successful Mexican comedic actors in the world. He starred in the Best Picture winner ‘CODA’ as the choir director Bernardo Villalobos. Derbez leads the cast of the bilingual comedy series ‘Acapulco’ on Apple TV+. He produced and starred in the hit film ‘Instructions Not Included’. His work successfully bridges the gap between Spanish-language and English-language markets.

Michael Peña

Michael Peña is known for his scene-stealing role as Luis in the ‘Ant-Man’ movies. He delivered a gripping dramatic performance in the film ‘End of Watch’. Peña starred in the Netflix series ‘Narcos: Mexico’ as Kiki Camarena. He appeared in the space drama ‘The Martian’ as part of the astronaut crew. He is one of the most versatile actors working today who excels in both comedy and drama.

Andy Garcia

Andy García is a cinema legend known for his role as Vincent Corleone in ‘The Godfather Part III’. He starred in the ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ trilogy as the casino owner Terry Benedict. García recently appeared in the remake of ‘Father of the Bride’ and the action film ‘Expend4bles’. He played a major role in the series ‘Rebel’ inspired by Erin Brockovich. His elegance and intensity have sustained his career for decades.

John Leguizamo

John Leguizamo is a prolific actor and playwright known for his one-man shows and film roles. He voiced Bruno in the Disney hit ‘Encanto’ which featured the chart-topping song about his character. Leguizamo starred in ‘The Menu’ and the action thriller ‘Violent Night’. He has been a fierce advocate for Latino representation in media for his entire career. His voice work in the ‘Ice Age’ franchise remains iconic.

Benicio del Toro

Benicio del Toro won an Academy Award for his role in ‘Traffic’ and remains a heavyweight in the industry. He plays The Collector in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Del Toro starred in the thriller ‘Sicario’ and its sequel as the mysterious assassin Alejandro. He recently led the cast of the Netflix thriller ‘Reptile’. His brooding intensity makes him compelling in every scene he inhabits.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal gained international fame with ‘Y Tu Mamá También’ and ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’. He starred in the Marvel special presentation ‘Werewolf by Night’ on Disney+. Bernal played the lead in the Amazon series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ which won widespread acclaim. He recently appeared in the thriller ‘Old’ directed by M. Night Shyamalan. He continues to be a major force in both independent cinema and mainstream projects.

Diego Luna

Diego Luna stars as Cassian Andor in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘Andor’ which has received immense critical praise. He originated the role in the film ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’. Luna starred in ‘Narcos: Mexico’ as the cartel leader Félix Gallardo. He directed and produced the series ‘Everything Will Be Fine’. His work in the ‘Star Wars’ universe has cemented him as a global superstar.

Colman Domingo

Colman Domingo has exploded in popularity with his Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Rustin’. He played the villainous Mister in the musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’. Domingo won an Emmy for his role as Ali in the HBO series ‘Euphoria’. He is of Belizean and Guatemalan descent and often speaks about his Afro-Latino heritage. His commanding screen presence has made him one of the most in-demand actors right now.

Oscar Isaac

Oscar Isaac is a major Hollywood star known for playing Poe Dameron in the ‘Star Wars’ sequel trilogy. He starred in the Marvel series ‘Moon Knight’ where he played multiple personalities. Isaac delivered a critically acclaimed performance in ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’. He voiced Miguel O’Hara in the animated hit ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’. His range allows him to excel in blockbusters and intimate dramas alike.

Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal is currently one of the most famous actors in the world thanks to his roles in ‘The Mandalorian’ and ‘The Last of Us’. He plays Joel Miller in the HBO adaptation of the famous video game which earned him massive acclaim. Pascal gained initial fame as Oberyn Martell in ‘Game of Thrones’. He is set to play Reed Richards in the upcoming Marvel film ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’. His charisma and “internet daddy” persona have created a massive cultural following.

Tell us who your favorite actor is from this list in the comments.