There is no single “Hispanic” or “Latino” identity. Instead, there is a complex and rich tapestry of experience and heritage that enriches the lives of those who identify as Hispanic or Latino. Previously we published an article on cheating Latinos, which was met with great resistance. Today we celebrate this list of famous Hispanics/Latinos.
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Table of Contents
Famous Hispanics/Latinos include:
Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez (1927-1993) was an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist who became one of the most important figures in the Chicano Movement. He co-founded the National Farm Workers Association (later the United Farm Workers union, UFW) in 1962 and led a series of strikes and boycotts that resulted in improved wages and working conditions for migrant farm workers. Chavez was also an advocate for non-violent protest and civil disobedience, which he believed were more effective than violence in bringing about social change. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994.
Pablo Picasso
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) was a Spanish painter, sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and stage designer who is considered one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He is known for co-founding the Cubist movement and for his prolific output in a variety of styles. His best-known works include the paintings “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” (1907) and “Guernica” (1937), as well as the sculpture “Nude, Green Leaves and Bust” ( 1932). Picasso was also a committed communist and spent much
Enrique Iglesias
Enrique Iglesias is a Spanish singer, songwriter and actor who is one of the most popular Latin artists of all time. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide and has had numerous hits in both English and Spanish. Iglesias has also appeared in a number of films, including “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” (2003) and “El Cantante” (2007). He is the son of famous singer Julio Iglesias.
Juan Ponce de Leon
Juan Ponce de Leon (1474-1521) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who is best known for leading the first European expedition to Florida in 1513. He also established the first European settlement on the island of Puerto Rico. Ponce de Leon was later killed by a native arrow while attempting to conquer the island of Jamaica.
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes is an American actress, model and businesswoman. She began her career in the late 1990s with a series of small roles in films and television. Mendes’s breakthrough role came in the 2002 film “Training Day”, for which she received critical acclaim. She has since starred in a number of successful films, including “2 Fast 2 Furious” (2003), “Hitch” (2005) and “The Other Guys” (2010). Mendes has also been a spokesmodel for a number of high-profile brands, including Calvin Klein, Reebok and Pantene.
Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera (1886-1957) was a Mexican artist and muralist who is regarded as one of the most important figures in Mexican art. He is best known for his large-scale murals, which often depict Mexican history and culture. Rivera’s work was heavily influenced by the indigenous cultures of Mexico, as well as by European artists such as Paul Cezanne and Henri Matisse. His work has been exhibited all over the world, and he is considered one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1927-2014) was a Colombian writer and journalist who is considered one of the most important authors of the 20th century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1982. Marquez’s best-known works include the novels “One Hundred Years of Solitude” (1967) and “Love in the Time of Cholera” (1985). He was also a major contributor to the genre of magical realism. Marquez’s work often explored the themes of love, loss, betrayal and solitude.
Sonia Sotomayor
Sonia Sotomayor is an American lawyer and judge who serves on the United States Supreme Court. She was nominated to the court by President Barack Obama in 2009 and is the first Hispanic justice in the history of the court. Sotomayor has served on a number of other courts, including the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She is a graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School.
Penelope Cruz
Penelope Cruz is a Spanish actress and model who has appeared in a number of successful films, including “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” (2001), “Volver” (2006) and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008). She was the first Spanish actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress, and she won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”. Cruz has also been a spokesmodel for a number of high-profile brands, including L’Oreal and Chanel. She is married to fellow actor Javier Bardem.
Mark Anthony
Mark Anthony is an American singer, songwriter and actor. He is one of the best-selling Latin artists of all time, with sales of over 12 million records worldwide. Anthony has won numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards and two Latin Grammy Awards. He has also appeared in a number of films, including “El Cantante” (2007) and “Man on Fire” (2004). Anthony is married to Venezuelan model Shannon De Lima.
J.Lo
Jennifer Lopez is an American singer, actress and dancer. She began her career as a Fly Girl on the television show “In Living Color” (1990-1994) before embarking on a successful music career. Her debut album, “On the 6” (1999), topped the Billboard 200 chart and spawned the hit single “If You Had My Love”. Lopez has since released eight studio albums, which have all received commercial and critical success. She has also appeared in a number of films, including “Selena” (1997), “Maid in Manhattan” (2002) and “Monster-in-Law” (2005). In 2020, she starred in the critically acclaimed film “Hustlers”. Lopez is also a successful businesswoman, and she has her own clothing and perfume lines.
Famous Athletes of Puerto Rican Descent
Puerto Rico has produced many notable Hispanic Americans in the world of sports, particularly in Major League Baseball. Here is a list of some of the most famous athletes of Puerto Rican descent:
Roberto Clemente
Roberto Clemente Bridge: Pittsburgh, PA
Roberto Clemente was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player who played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was a 15-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove Award winner, and two-time World Series champion. Clemente was also known for his humanitarian work, particularly his efforts to help victims of the 1972 Nicaragua earthquake. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973, becoming the first Latin American and Caribbean player to be enshrined.
Ivan Rodriguez
Ivan Rodriguez, also known as “Pudge,” is a former Puerto Rican professional baseball catcher who played 21 seasons in Major League Baseball. He was a 14-time All-Star, 13-time Gold Glove Award winner, and World Series champion. Rodriguez was known for his strong arm and defensive skills, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest catchers in baseball history. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Felix Trinidad
Felix Trinidad, also known as “Tito,” is a retired Puerto Rican professional boxer who competed from 1990 to 2008. He held multiple world championships in three weight classes, and he was known for his powerful punching and aggressive style. Trinidad was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2014.
Orlando Cepeda
Orlando Cepeda, also known as “Peruchin,” is a former Puerto Rican professional baseball first baseman who played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball. He was a seven-time All-Star, National League Most Valuable Player, and World Series champion. Cepeda was the second Puerto Rican player to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, in 1999.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is a Puerto Rican-American former professional basketball player who played 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was a 10-time All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist. Anthony was known for his scoring ability and clutch performances, and he is considered one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.
Conclusion
This article has provided a brief overview of some of the most famous Hispanics/Latinos in the world. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, and they have had a profound impact on both their cultures and the wider world. Of course, there are many, many more famous Hispanics and Latinos than listed in this article. Who is your favorite Hispanic or Larino celebrity?
