She began acting in the late 1990s. Here are some of the celebrities and public figures who are speaking out. Wonder why Canadian singer Melanie Fiona infuses reggae sounds into most of her songs? In one of his most well known roles, Robert starred as Professor CARLOS GOMEZ is one of the most versatile character actors working in the industry today. Celia Cruz also won numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards. Amanda Sealess mother was born in Grenada and they both hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and the island nation. Growing up multi-ethnic was a plus, giving him the opportunity to learn of life outside the United States at a young age. Eva Mendes is an American actress, model and businesswoman. Born in Havana, Cuba, to a Cuban father and Spanish mother, shes among the actors whose family fled Fidel Castros regime and relocated to Madrid, Spain. And since there are so many Cuban celebrities, we've compiled a list of 50 for your use. The seven-time Grammy Award winner. Tammy Trull is known for Harsh Times (2005), All Night Bodega (2002) and Invasion (2005). She has been married to John Schlesinger since 1993. You already know Cuba as the largest island in the Caribbean. Steven Bauer (born Esteban Ernesto Echevarra Samson) is a Cuban-born American actor. He is a prominent attorney in Florida. However, her last five are in expurgated format. At only 26, Brie Larson is an Academy Award-winning actress with an impressive career both in front of the camera and behind it. Gloria Estefan, Desi Arnaz, Cesar Romero, Rosario Dawson, Cameron Diaz, Marco Rubio, Jeff Bezos, Eva Mendes, Pitbull, Andy Garcia, Gilbert Arenas, and Ted Cruz are just some of the famous Cubans whom the world knows and lauds. She was nominated for two NAACP Image Awards for "Outstanding Performance in a Youth/Children's Program" and two Imagen Awards for "Best Television Actress". | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Essence.com Advertising Terms. A physician by profession, he developed radical views upon witnessing the injustices in the world and joined Fidel Castros revolutionary 26th of July Movement. Paul won the LA Langston Faizon Santisima is an African-American actor and comedian from Santiago de Cuba known for Wanda from Elf, Big Worm from Friday, Sean "Sweet" Johnson from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Jahmal Abdul Jackson from The Replacements, Bruce the Bear from Zookeeper, Robin Harris from Bb's Kids Ana Margarita Martnez Casado was born on May 4, 1930 in Camagey, Cuba. Javier Sotomayor was born on October 13, 1967, and is a two-time gold medalist in the high jump. 20 Of Our Favorite Celebrities from Cuba Her parents are both of Cuban descent, and her father was born in Havana. Rumors believe he left behind his girlfriend Raidelmis Mendosa with a newborn baby after leaving Cuba. He grew up to become a successful musician and played a leading role in the spread of Latin music. Whenever Cubans count the number of people who have made them proud, they count Javier Sotomayor twice. As you trail their timeline, revel in their trivia, and wonder at some of the lesser-known facts about them, we bet you will not be able to stop reading. Dawson's powerhouse talent stands out the most in edgy A tall, strikingly attractive blue-eyed natural blonde, Cameron Diaz was born in 1972 in San Diego, the daughter of a Cuban-American father and a German mother. His stepfather is Vincent Casey. Explore all about the famous Cubans in their biographies captured below. Did you know that Cuba, a country synonymous to sugar, cigar, rum, baseball and musket-toting pirates, is also been home to many polarizing figures. Jencarlos Canela was born on April 21, 1988 in Miami, Florida, USA. In both career and in real life, Bobby Cannavale tends to choose the unconventional way of doing things. He Genesis Rodriguez was born in Miami, Florida. Here's How Cuban-American Celebrities Responded To Fidel - Bustle Rallies have been held from Havanas Malecon promenade to the streets of Little Havana in South Florida. His father was from Beirut, Lebanon and his mother was of Cuban descent.After meeting director David Anspaugh, who graciously extended him the Melissa Gallo is known for One Life to Live (1968), Let It Be Me (1995) and I Gotta Be Somewhere. Critics consider her one of the finest writers of female erotica. The Miami Marlins hung a Cuban flag in the baseball stadium at LoanDepot Park, posting a photo of the show of solidarity on Instagram with the hashtag #SOSCuba. Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer who achieved popularity in Cuba as a singer of guarachas during the 1950s. C uban-American celebrities reacted to the death of former longtime Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who passed away Friday at the age of 90. He continuous to appear in various Ruehl received her first Academy Award nomination and win for her performance as Anne Napolitano, the emotionally driven girlfriend to fallen radio personality, (played by Jeff Bridges), in Terry Gilliam's masterpiece, The Fisher King (1991). She has been married to Richard Marx since December 23, 2015. Because of her dancing talent, her photos were used in the 1959 film "Sheba thee Gladiator." "Bottom line is, this is about taking action," he continued. She began acting in the late 1990s. She died on July 16, 2003 in Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA. He reprised his role as the Mayor in the box-office hit "The Dark Knight Rises".Nestor can be seen Actress, singer, songwriter, and producer Irene Cara was destined for a life of accomplishments that millions strive for but very few actually attain. (1977) and Anglica, mi vida (1988). He was previously married to Carla. Though there are some you may already know, we bet there are more than a few who will surprise you. He holds a record as one of the most athletic competitors in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history. In the caption, she wrote, "Hey guys, there. Estefan was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami, Fla. She shared a video of protesters chanting along with her message of solidarity. She has been married to Emilio Estefan Jr. since September 2, 1978. Besides modeling, Vida Guerra is also a video vixen who has appeared in many music videos. The Most Famous Cubans and How They Made Their Name - Culture Trip She has up to 16 published volumes of her journals. She was previously married to Timothy Adams. Sentenced to life for murder, Shakur escaped from the 'Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women' and was eventually granted political asylum in Cuba. If it's in the news and it involves a celebrity, she's likely to be all over it. "Not being able to get them food, not being able to get them water, not being able to get them medicine. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. She has been married to Carlos Bernard since December 30, 2013. Estelles mother is from Senegal and her father is from Grenada. 15 Famous Cuban-Americans Gloria Estefan Born in Havana, Estefan is arguably Cuba's most famous singer. Considering how zealous he was about primitive arts and radical modern styles, present-day artists recognize his legacy. Though its well known that musician and actor Lenny Kravitz was born to a Black mother and a white father, many are not aware that he is also of Caribbean descent. Cuban: Vida Guerra is a famous Cuban glamorous model: Andy Garcia: April 12, 1956: Cuban: Andy Garcia is a Cuban-American actor and director, who can be regarded as one of the leading men of Hollywood: Camila Cabello: March 3, 1997: American: Learn about Camila Cabello, the famous American Singer; her birthday, what she did before fame, her . His years of hard work earned him a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in 2000. Armando Christian Prez, known by the stage name Pitbull or Mr. Worldwide, is an American rapper. Andrs Arturo Garca Menndez (born April 12, 1956) is an American actor and director of Cuban and English descent, who became known in the late 1980s and 1990s, having appeared in successful .more #154 of 272 The Best (Male) Actors Working Today #174 of 643 The Best Actors In Film History #184 of 289 The Coolest Actors Ever Faizon Love The phrase, which is a spin on the communist regime's decades-old motto of "patria o muerte" 'homeland or death,' has been transformed into a song that has become the backdrop to the unprecedented protests that have erupted across the island. The twoas well their actor brother Tahj and college football star brother Taviorare of Bahamian descent. Famous Cuban - Cuban Celebrities Its most likely because she is Guyanese. We Cubans are tired of living under your communist boot. Born Gerald Maxwell Rivera, the gorgeous singer is the offspring of a Haitian mother and a Puerto Rican father. Wilfredo scar Lam was a Cuban-born painter and sculptor of mixed-race ancestry. What strikes you the first time you hear of him is his high sense of humor. Like any immigrant, Ana de Armas found it daunting to speak English, but that didnt stop Hollywood producers from spotting her talent. This stunning and resourceful actress has been primarily a film player thus far. Award-winning actor, singer, songwriter, composer and TV personality, the multifaceted Carlos Ponce has enjoyed a storied career in the entertainment industry. She is the creative director of House of Yas. She is an actress, known for El Super (1979), Qu pasa, U.S.A.? As a sex symbol in the US, Chelo was an exotic dancer in Paris. He is married to Anabella Del Boca. The Greatest Cuban Actors He has been married to Erica Franco since July 31, 2009. Christin Milian spoke on her Cuban roots with Latin Times in 2014 saying, "As far as Afro-Cuban [goes], I'm finding more and more that there are people opening their eyes to seeing that . The actress and musician, who is of Cuban descent, also appears in this year's Midnight Sun and Assassination Nation among other projects. Oscar Isaac was born scar Isaac Hernndez Estrada in Guatemala, to a Guatemalan mother, Mara Eugenia, and a Cuban father, Oscar Gonzalo Hernndez-Cano, a pulmonologist. He has been married to Melissa Fumero since December 9, 2007. The Miami-born beauty's career blossomed with a simple suggestion from her mother. A post shared by Miami Marlins (@marlins), The Cuban-American singer and songwriter took to Instagram to share her support for Cubans protesting the government, saying: "The Cuban people are reaching their breaking point! Julio Oscar Mechoso was born on May 31, 1955 in Florida, USA. Sheryl Lee Ralphs mother is a Jamaican fashion designer and she split her time growing up between the island, Mandeville, and Long Island, N.Y. Kerry Washingtons mother, Valerie Washington, is Jamaican. If knowing that Laz Alonsos full first name is Lazaro made you assume he had a Caribbean background, you were absolutely right. A former freestyle wrestler, Romero earned Cuba a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Most popular Cuban/Cuban-American Actors - IMDb List of Cubans - Wikipedia He holds a world record in his niche for being the only athlete whos ever jumped 2.45m. He previously starred opposite Omar Avila is known for The Punisher (2004), Justified (2010) and Watch Over Me (2006). From television to film, dramatic to comedic, his portrayals have spanned all genres. Artists, photographers and fashion designers, First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba, Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, https://www.newspapers.com/clip/34288114/cuban-senoritas-winners-of-radio/, Coordination of United Revolutionary Organizations, Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Cubans&oldid=1142219780, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from September 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 04:33. Merediz reprises the role in the film Lovely, buxom, and vivacious blonde bombshell Louisa Moritz was born as Luisa Cira Castro Netto on September 25, 1936 in Havana, Cuba. While his music was originally defined by Rap and Hip-hop, his most recent repertoire has incorporated sounds from Pop and Dance music. She went after a radio station based in Spain. Read More 20 Celebrities Who Went to HarvardContinue, Five Roles That Brie Larson Would be Perfect For, 20 Celebrities Who Pulled Off Great Pixie Cuts, 7 Rock and Rollers who Went from Overweight to Completely Toned, 10 Celebrities Who Appear to Be Rich but Arent, 20 Celebrities You Forgot Posed for Playboy, 20 Female Celebrities Who Had Children in Their 40s, 20 Child Celebrities Who Tragically Died too Young. Born in New York City to Cuban parents, Hijuelos is perhaps the most famous Cuban-American writer. She is an actress, known for Queen of Swords (2000), Devil's Whisper (2019) and Scandal (2012). he wrote. Also, hes appeared in various films like The Agony and the Ecstasy, The Big Gundown, The White, the Yellow, and the Black, among others. He represented the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball between 2013 and 2016. Essence may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. After One of Hollywood's most private and guarded leading men, Andy Garcia has created iconic characters while at the same time staying true to his acting roots and personal projects.Garcia was born Andrs Arturo Garca Menndez on April 12, 1956, in Havana, Cuba, to Amelie Menndez, a teacher of English Gloria Estefan was born on September 1, 1957 in Havana, Cuba. She achieved international recognition as a TikTok star, which paved the way for a career in music. Another celebrity who holds a Caribbean background is actor Romany Malco. Their move to join other Americans to pursue greener pastures goes a long way to prove they are worth their salt. Gossip Girl remains her favorite all-time show, and she'll never, ever get tired of whatever Taylor Swift has to offer. Daisy Fuentes is a Cuban-American actress, comedienne, model, and tv host born on November 19, 1966. "Deaths from COVID are rising rapidly and because of the lack of medicine, resources, basic necessities and even, food many people are dying," she wrote. Torres is the first swimmer to represent the United States in five Olympic Games (1984, 1988, 1992, 2000 and 2008), and, at age 41, Jos Daz-Balart is known for Noticiero Telemundo (2003), Jane the Virgin (2014) and NBC News Decision 2010 (2010). Did you know that Cuba, a country synonymous to sugar, cigar, rum, baseball and musket-toting pirates, is also been home to many polarizing figures. When most people think about the most famous actors, musicians, or athletes,, Read More 7 Rock and Rollers who Went from Overweight to Completely TonedContinue, Although fame and fortune is one of the most popular phrases when describing people who have it all, the reality is that fame and fortune dont always go hand in hand. Gloria Estefan, one of Cuba's most famous singers, released a lengthy statement on her Instagram, saying the death of what Castro symbolized was renewing the Cuban exile community with hope. Since then he has starred in numerous productions on small Armando Riesco is a versatile and highly regarded NYC based actor. We may earn commission from the links on this page. He held 15 title belts in nine promotions during an illustrious career that spanned almost 30 years. As the longest-reigning non-royal head of the 20th and 21st centuries, Castro was responsible for making Cuba a communist state. His acting skills paid off when he received a Primetime Emmy Award and a nomination for Golden Globe Award. Born Carlos Yunior Acosta Quesada on June 2, 1973, Carlos Acosta is a renowned ballet director. The Greatest Cuban Singers With Cuban city dwellers, Castro promised his citizens to restore the 1940 constitution, develop an administration that values integrity, and partake in modern reforms. He is an actor and producer, known for Severance (2022), The Outsider (2020) and Russian Doll (2019). He had Italian and American citizenship. Attended Newport Harbor High School, San Diego City College, Cypress Junior College, Chapman College, and LA Valley College. From politics, martial arts, painting, and sculpting, showbiz to journalism, celebrities from Cuba have proven that America is the land of diversity regardless of your nationality. The. Both of the actors parents are Afro-Trinidadian. Known for his pitching prowess, he broke the record previously held by Bruce Stutter for the most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout on July 11, 2014. Davis Jr. Raised in the backstage wings of Las Vegas hotels by his Cuban father, Puerto Rico-born Kamar de los Reyes knew the second he was hoisted onto the stage to dance with Lola Falana at the age of 8, that he not only wanted to perform, but he wanted to be out front.Kamar's father, a Cuban drummer and Carmen Blanca del Ro is known for Without You (2006). List of Cuban Americans - Wikipedia They have one child. Tatyana Alis mother is Afro-Panamanian while her father is Indo-Trinidadian. After a series of roles in B movies such as Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror (1998) and Urban Legends: Final Cut (2000), she made a career-changing appearance in Training Day (2001). He has been married to Lilly Pino Bernal since February 15, 2002. Widely considered one of the most athletic competitors ever in the history of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Yoel Romero is often compared with the greats of the sport. He is an actor and producer, known for Scandal (2012), Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021) and Weeds (2005). He has appeared in over a dozen films (Garden State, Adult World, Bella, World Trade Center), and regular, recurring, and guest starring spots on television ("National Treasure: Edge of History","The Chi", "Queen of the South"). Luis Fortuno This former governor of Puerto Rico was the first Republican since 1969 to hold the post. They have three children. She is married to singer Richard Marx. He is most often recognized for his integral role in the series "Lost" as Richard Alpert, as well as his turn as Mayor Anthony Garcia opposite Gary Oldman in Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight". Four years later, her family relocated to Harrison, New Jersey, where she enrolled at Harrison High School. He is a writer and producer, known for Celeste (1991), Al diablo con los guapos (2007) and Amar de Nuevo (2011). These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands. She appeared as herself in the documentary, Cuban-American actor William Levy started as a model and then appeared on Spanish reality shows such as, (Cuban-born American Baseball Player Who Plays as a Relief Pitcher ), (Cuban-American Former Major League Baseball (MLB) Outfielder and Designated Hitter), (MTV's First Latina VJ and the First Latina Spokesperson for Cosmetic Company 'Revlon'), (French-Born American Novelist, Diarist and Short Story Writer), (Cuban Nationalist, Poet and Philosopher), (Cuban-born American Baseball Player Who Plays as a Right Fielder), (Cuban-born Baseball Player Who Plays as an Outfielder), (Cuban-American HIV/AIDS Activist and Reality TV Personality ), (Cuban-born Mexican Baseball Player Who Plays as an Outfielder), (Conductor, Composer, Jazz musician, Singer, Bandleader), (Pop Singer Who Co-wrote the Song 'Shes All I Ever Had' for 'Ricky Martin'), (Cuban-Born Actor, Model, and Voice Actor), (Singer, Music executive, Banjoist, Composer), (President of the Council of State of Cuba), Cuban politician Ral Castro, brother of Fidel Castro, succeeded his brother as the Cuban president and reigned from 2008 to 2018. His Polish Jewish parents raised him in Buenos Aires. It was inevitable that Nona Gaye would become a singer - she is the granddaughter of Cuban jazz great Slim Gaillard, the niece of R&B singer/songwriter Frankie Gaye and the daughter of soul legend Marvin Gaye. Camilo Cienfuegos was a Cuban revolutionary who was part of the 1956 Granma expedition alongside Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Serving as the Cuban prime minister from 1959 to 1976 and as president from 1976 to 2008, Fidel Castro was one of the most prominent Cuban leaders in the history. It turns out that the Cuban revolution which led these celebrities parents to immigrate to the US was a blessing in disguise. 10 Famous People You Didn't Know Were Cuban-American - Startup Cuba TV In 1960, at the age of 11, she left Castro's Cuba to start Georg Stanford Brown was born on June 24, 1943 in Havana, Cuba. Graduating high school is an achievement for some teenagers who cannot wait to begin their adulthood phase. His regular recurring roles on television, starting with Knots Landing (1979), include SeaQuest 2032 (1993), The Division (2001), The Client List Saundra Santiago is a versatile actress who has worked in television, movies and on the Broadway stage.