Hollywood is known for having talented actors from all around the world, like Australia, Canada, the UK, and even South Africa. But did you know that there are also Mexican talents that have been making films for decades?
These Mexican actors take pride in their culture and always embrace their roots. Many actors have found ways to incorporate their Mexican heritage into their careers, whether it’s their sense of fashion or the type of roles they take.
So, who are these famous Mexican actors, and what can you learn from them? Find out which of your favorite stars have Latino roots and how they celebrate their heritage.
Salma Hayek
Salma Hayek is a Mexican actress and film producer who began her career starring in Mexican TV shows like Teresa. After featuring in a show called Mi Vida Loca, she was discovered by Robert Rodriguez, who is a big-time movie director. He cast Salma in a movie titled Desperado alongside Antonio Banderas.
The young actress soon became a well-known household name after starring in movies like From Dusk Till Dawn, Wild Wild West, and Dogma. Hayek states that she has taught her children to embrace their Mexican heritage and to learn about their history, folk art, and music.
Salma also mentions that she’s always been an active member of her community and has spent most of her life honoring her Mexican heritage with pride.
George Lopez
George Lopez is a Mexican-American stand-up comedian and actor. Although he was born in California, George was raised by his Mexican grandmother and grandfather. He attended San Fernando High School and graduated in 1979. For a time, George worked in the same factory that hired his grandmother.
During the 80s, Lopez did stand-up comedy and appeared on shows like The Arsenio Hall Show. Soon after, the famous actor broke into film with his role in the comedy movie Ski Patrol. He then acted in his own sitcom called George Lopez, which featured the actor as a version of himself.
In celebration of Dia De Los Muertos, Lopez starred in a cartoon titled Victor and Valentino. The show is about two brothers who spend a summer with their grandmother in a mysterious town where Latin folklore comes to life.
Michael Pena
Michael Pena is a Mexican-American actor who became famous after starring in movies like Million Dollar Baby and Crash. One of his friend’s mothers encouraged 19-year-old Michael to go to a casting call. He then landed a role as an extra in a movie called To Sir, With Love II.
When he first started out, Pena refused to change his name in the hopes of inspiring other young Latinos to start acting. In all his movies, Michael has only played Latino roles. He went on to say that he’s not afraid to play Latino characters in movies since it’s a big part of his life.
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria was born in Texas in 1975 to a Mexican mother and father. She began her career starring in several TV shows like The Young and The Restless. But she only became a household name after her role in Desperate Housewives.
In 2017, Longoria wanted to discover more about her Mexican roots and decided to visit her ancestors’ Spanish town. The famous actress has contributed a lot to the Latino community and has also attended the Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards.
Longoria stated that everything they do in their household is traditional. They make traditional Mexican dishes with hot chilies and salsa or indulge in breakfast tortillas. She wants her young son to understand his Mexican heritage through these traditions.
Tenoch Huerta
Tenoch Huerta is a Mexican actor who has appeared in several TV shows in Latin America and even appeared in Narcos Mexico. But the actor became well-recognized after appearing in the Marvel film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Huerta plays a leader of a nation that was inspired by Mayan culture. The clothes he wears in the film also have Aztec elements, especially the jewelry around the character’s neck. In the Black Panther movie, Huerta also holds a spear that has distinct Aztec elements.
The actor encourages young Mexicans to learn more about their heritage within and outside their communities.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, many famous Mexican actors have been in a series of TV shows, movies, and sitcoms. These actors take their Mexican heritage seriously and always encourage other young Latinos to embrace their culture. Many actors even refuse to take on other roles unless they’re Latino. Mexicans take pride in their traditions, whether they’re famous or not.
