Although it may be a small island, Puerto Rico is awfully mighty and creative.
With a rich cultural history, it’s no wonder that Boricuas have strong artistic inclinations that catapult Puerto Rico to the world stage. If you’re interested in learning more about famous Puerto Rican actors and directors, here’s a non-exhaustive list, starting with the queen herself.
Famous Actors from Puerto Rico
Rita Moreno
Born in Humacao, Rita Moreno is an actress, dancer, and singer and one of the last living greats of the Hollywood Golden Age. Some of her most notable roles include Anita in "West Side Story," Googie Gomez in the 1975 production of "The Ritz," and many more, earning her the prestigious title of EGOT (a person who has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). Her career has spanned over eight decades, ensuring her legacy as a household icon. In 2021, a documentary titled "Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It" was released, profiling her life and illustrious career.
Benicio del Toro
Hailing from the Southern town of San Germán, Benicio del Toro is an incredibly popular Puerto Rican actor and director. His career began in the late 80s, with his breakout role as Fred Fenster in "The Usual Suspects." Known for his intense characters and diverse roles, he's played unforgettable parts in films like "Traffic,” for which he won an Oscar, "Sin City," and "Guardians of the Galaxy." He has brought his unique vision and talents beyond the performance, directing films like "Che," "The Wolfman," "7 Days in Havana," and more!
You can find the Puerto Rican flag flying pride anywhere in the island.
Raúl Juliá
Raúl Juliá, a Puerto Rican titan from Santurce, thrived on stage and screen. From Shakespeare to Gomez Addams, he was renowned for his thespian-inspired performances. His father owned the famous restaurant, "La Cueva Del Chicken Inn," where he was often seen — his favorite table now serves as a memorial to his talent and legacy. This famous Puerto Rican actor earned acclaim for his roles in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" and "Romero," as well as "The Addams Family." Though his life ended tragically young, his performances left a lasting impact in Puerto Rico, Hollywood, and beyond.
Luis Guzmán
Born in Cayey, Luis Guzmán has had a long, illustrious career spanning four decades. He’s had dozens of roles in TV, film, music videos, and video games, including credits in "Carlitos’ Way," "Boogie Nights," "Code Black," "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City," and many more. One of his most recent roles has been as Gomez Addams in the Netflix series, "Wednesday," the second Puerto Rican actor to reprise the role.
José Ferrer
José Ferrer was one of Puerto Rico’s first successful actors. Born in San Juan, he earned acclaim on stage and screen, receiving multiple awards for his work. His biggest win was as Cyrano de Bergerac, earning a Tony for the play and an Oscar for the film role, becoming the first Puerto Rican to win at the Academy Awards. Ferrer's six-decade career also included films like "Moulin Rouge" and "The Caine Mutiny," solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest Puerto Rican actors and one of the greats of the Hollywood Golden Age.
Rev Up the Memories: Delve into the legacy of island drive-in theaters!
Roselyn Sánchez
Roselyn Sánchez is a multi-talented performer, singer, model, dancer, and actress. Hailing from San Juan, this famous Puerto Rican actress got her breakthrough role playing Isabella Molina in "Rush Hour 2" as Jackie Chan’s love interest. Since then, she’s had a long and successful career in TV and film, with roles in "Without a Trace," "Devious Maids," "The Game Plan," "Chasing Papi," and more.
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin, a San Juan native, rose to fame with the boy band Menudo before launching a global solo career as an actor and singer. Known for his electrifying stage presence and Latin pop hits like "Livin' la Vida Loca," as well as roles in Disney’s Hercules and many more. He's sold over 60 million albums and is a champion for LGBTQ+ rights.
Carlos Ponce
Hailing from San Juan, Carlos Ponce has charmed audiences for decades. Starting in commercials, he blossomed into an actor starring in “telenovelas,” TV shows, and movies. His musical success includes chart-topping albums and voice acting in films like "Rio."
Puerto Rican Talent From the Diaspora
While many Boricuas live in the diaspora, the island pride never goes away! Diasporicans, as they are sometimes referred to, grow up with close ties and love for the island — as the Roy Brown song says, “yo sería borincano aunque naciera en la luna” (I would be Puerto Rican even if I were born on the moon). Here are some of our talented boricuas from the US and beyond!
Zoe Saldaña
Zoe Saldaña is a renowned actress and a box office darling. The daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and Dominican father, she rose to fame with her role in “Law and Order: SVU” and her first film appearance in "Center Stage." After securing the role of the beloved Star Trek character Nyota Uhura, it catapulted her into stardom.
Gina Rodriguez
Gina Rodriguez is a Golden Globe Award-winning actress who rose to fame for her role as Jane Villanueva in the CW's “Jane the Virgin.” Beyond acting, she's a director, producer, and activist who focuses on increasing Latino representation in Hollywood.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a composer, actor, and writer with an illustrious Broadway career. Plays like “In the Heights” and "Hamilton" received critical and commercial acclaim, making him a household superstar. His influence and work have opened doors for Latino representation on stage.
Michelle Rodriguez
After her breakout role in "Girlfight," Michelle Rodriguez has carved a path for strong female action heroes. From Letty in "Fast & Furious" to Rain in "Resident Evil," Rodriguez dominates the screen with her talent and fierce spirit.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez, or J. Lo, is a powerhouse entertainer. A Bronx-born Nuyorican, she's dominated Hollywood as a triple threat (actress, dancer, and singer). From "If You Had My Love" to "Selena," J. Lo broke barriers and became a global icon.