Mexico is an often underestimated entity when it comes to things like contemporary culture. People generally associate Mexico with picturesque vacations, satisfying dishes, intricate celebrations, and a conflicted recent history. Even though it is easy to stereotype Mexico with its fiesta, fireworks, and food, there is plenty more interest to be had with Mexico and its people! If there is another thing that Mexico deserves praise for, it is the talented people who have been able to bring modern attention to the country and help enlighten the world about the people there. Mexican history is filled with amazing historical figures - and that’s only taking the post-colonial society into account!
| Name | Profession |
|---|---|
| Benito Juarez | Former President of Mexico |
| Porfirio Díaz | General and Former President of Mexico |
| Francisco (Pancho) Villa | Revolutionary and Former Governor of Chihuahua |
| Emiliano Zapata | Revolutionary Leader |
| Diego Rivera | Artist |
| Frida Kahlo | Artist |
| Octavio Paz | Diplomat, Poet, and Essayist |
| Pedro Infante | Singer and Actor |
| Carlos Slim | Businessman and Philanthropist |
| Carlos Santana | Guitarist |
| Damián Alcázar | Actor |
| Alfonso Cuarón | Filmaker |
| Guillermo del Toro | Film Producer |
| Verónica Falcón | Choreographer and Actress |
| Salma Hayek | Actress |
| Lucero | Singer |
| Thalía | Singer |
| Oscar de la Hoya | Professional Boxer |
| Sara Ramírez | Actress |
| Gael García Bernal | Actor |
| Alfonso Herrera | Actor and Singer |
| Karla Souza | Actress |
| Javier Hernández Balcázar | Soccer Player |
| Santos Saúl (Canelo) Álvarez | Boxer |
| Emilio Osorio | Singer, Dancer, and Actor |
Top 25 Mexican Celebrities
When people think of Mexican celebrities in the entertainment industry, they probably think of Telenovelas. But, there are prominent Mexican figures sprinkled throughout the entire industry!
TV shows, movies, music; actors and actresses, producers, directors, singers, musical artists… these are just the roles that people are most likely to be well-known for. Following that logic, we will be talking about Mexican celebs in these roles, even though there are many other incredible Mexican stars in other fields. These celebs continue to shine in the diverse fields they belong to, making the Mexican community as proud as they can be.
1. Benito Juarez (1806-1872)
Regarded as one of Mexico's most influential leaders, Benito Juarez played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's political and social landscape. Born in 1806 in Oaxaca, Mexico, Juárez rose from humble beginnings to become Mexico's first indigenous president.
His presidency, from 1858 to 1872, was marked by his efforts to modernize Mexico, champion civil rights, and combat foreign intervention. A staunch advocate for separation of church and state, Juárez’s reforms included the Laws of Reform, which aimed to limit the power of the Catholic Church in public life.
Juárez also successfully defended Mexico during the French intervention, repelling an attempt to establish a monarchy under Emperor Maximilian I, a victory that solidified his place in Mexican history.
His leadership during the Reform War (1857-1861) and the French Invasion (1861-1867) made him a symbol of resistance and national unity. After securing Mexico’s sovereignty, Juárez worked on economic reforms and expanding education, laying the foundation for the nation's future development. His legacy as a leader of resistance, social justice, and national sovereignty continues to inspire Mexicans today!
2. Porfirio Díaz (1830-1915)
Porfirio Díaz was a former general and president of Mexico who originated from Oaxaxa, Mexico. Díaz served as the president of Mexico for over three decades between 1876-1911 and originally rose to power through his military success and a promise of democratic reform.
However, his long rule—known as the Porfiriato—became increasingly authoritarian. While he modernized the country with new infrastructure, railways, and economic growth, his regime also widened social inequality and suppressed political opposition. His leadership ultimately sparked the Mexican Revolution, leading to his exile in 1911 after a military coup. His time in office is the longest in Mexico's history.
After his exile in 1911, Porfirio Díaz settled in Paris, France, where he lived out the rest of his life in relative obscurity. Though he had once ruled Mexico with a firm hand, he remained largely out of the public eye and never returned to his homeland. He died in Paris in 1915, and his remains are still buried there in Montparnasse Cemetery.
3. Francisco (Pancho) Villa (1878-1923)
Francisco Pancho Villa, one of the most iconic figures of the Mexican Revolution, was a bandit turned military leader who played a pivotal role in the overthrow of the oppressive regime of Porfirio Díaz.
Born in Durango, Mexico, Villa was initially known for his life of crime, but his leadership in the revolution earned him a legendary status in Mexican history. A skilled tactician and charismatic figure, Villa commanded a large army, known as the "División del Norte," which fought for the rights of Mexico's rural poor.
Though his methods were controversial, Villa’s legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against injustice.
His actions continue to inspire political movements across Latin America, and his life has been the subject of countless films, books, and songs, making him a cultural and historical icon.
4. Emiliano Zapata (1879-1919)
A legendary figure in Mexican history, Emiliano Zapata (1879–1919) was a revolutionary leader and symbol of agrarian justice.
Born in the state of Morelos, Zapata became a key figure in the Mexican Revolution, fighting for land reform and the rights of rural peasants.
He led the Liberation Army of the South and famously advocated for the slogan “Tierra y libertad” (“Land and liberty”), pushing for the redistribution of land to Indigenous and farming communities. His commitment to social justice was captured in the Plan de Ayala, a manifesto demanding land reforms and denouncing government betrayal.
Though he was assassinated in 1919, Zapata's legacy endures as a symbol of resistance, equality, and the enduring fight for the rights of the marginalized in Mexico.
5. Diego Rivera (1886-1957)
Born in Guanajuato, Mexico in 1886, Diego Rivera is one of Mexico's most famous painters and helped establish the mural movement in art. A central figure in the Mexican muralism movement, Rivera’s work aimed to make art accessible to the masses, showcasing the struggles and triumphs of the working class.
His murals, filled with symbolism and political themes, can be found in public buildings across Mexico and the United States. Some of his most famous works include:
Location: Rockefeller Center in NYC
Year: 1933
Location: Detroit Institute of Arts
Year: 1932-1933
Location: The National Palace in Mexico City
Year: 1929-1935
6. Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)
Born in Coyoacán, Mexico City in 1907, Frida Kahlo lived an abundant life full of tragedy, pain, and resilience, in which she channeled into her work to become one of the most remarkable artists of her generation.
Despite facing lifelong health challenges, including a severe bus accident in her youth, Kahlo turned her suffering into art, creating powerful and emotionally charged works.
Her most famous paintings include:
- The Two Fridas (Las dos Fridas)
- Self-Portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird
- The Broken Column
- Diego and I
- Henry Ford Hospital
Kahlo’s unique style blended Mexican folk art with surrealism, and she remains a symbol of feminism, strength, and Mexican cultural pride. Her former home, La Casa Azul in Mexico City, is now a museum dedicated to her life and legacy.
7. Octavio Paz (1914-1998)
Born in Mexico City in 1914, Octavio Paz lived and worked all around the world as a diplomat and lived in many cities including New Delhi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, and Tokyo.
In additional to being a diplomat, Paz was a renowned poet and essayist. He is most known for his essay El laberinto de la soledad, which analyzes Mexican culture and identity, and his poetry collection Piedra del sol.
As a diplomat, he represented Mexico in various countries but resigned in protest against government repression in 1968. His profound influence on Latin American literature and thought continues to shape contemporary discussions on politics, culture, and history.
Paz was so well-known for his groundbreaking work, that he was the first Mexican writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990.
8. Pedro Infante (1917-1957)
Born in 1917 in Mazaltan, Mexico, Pedro Infante is a timeless Mexican legend who helped define the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Known for his smooth voice and unforgettable screen presence, he starred in classic films like “Nosotros los Pobres,” “Ustedes los Ricos,” and “Pepe el Toro.” His music lives on through hits like “Amorcito Corazón,” “Cien Años,” “Bésame Mucho,” and “La Que Se Fue.” Unfortunately, Infante passed away at 39 years old, however, he left and unforgettable mark on Mexico's Golden Age by starring in 59 movies and recording 366 songs!
9. Carlos Slim (1940 -)
Originally from Mexico City, Mexico, Carlos Slim is globally known for being one of the richest men in the world. While not a celebrity in a traditional entertainment sense, Slim is well-known for his savvy investments in telecommunications, finance, and retail. He has been a central figure in the Mexican economy and gained international attention as the head of América Móvil, Latin America's largest phone company.
Beyond business, Slim is known for his philanthropic efforts in education, health, and the arts and he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Mexico's future on the world stage!
10. Carlos Santana (1947 -)
Originally from Autlán de Navarro, Mexico, Carlos Santana moved to San Francisco, CA, in 1961 to join his family who moved there a year before him.
A legendary guitarist with a sound that blends rock, Latin music, and blues, Carlos Santana rose to fame in the late 1960s with his band Santana, famously performing at Woodstock and introducing Latin-infused rock to the mainstream.
His signature guitar tone and soulful solos earned him multiple Grammy Awards, especially with his wildly successful 1999 album Supernatural, which featured hits like “Smooth” and “Maria Maria.”
Beyond his music, Santana is also a passionate advocate for peace and social change, using his platform to inspire and uplift. With decades in the spotlight, he remains one of Mexico’s most iconic and influential musical exports.
11. Damián Alcázar (1953 -)
Born in Jiquilpan, Mexico in 1953. He has lived in Mexico all his life.
Alcázar is said to have one of the most visible careers in Mexican film and TV in recent years. He studied acting at many prestigious institutes, like the National Institute of Fine Arts, the Theatrical Experimentation Center, and the Faculty of Theater at Veracruz University.
He has won several Ariel Awards for his work in Mexico, and his plethora of diverse works makes him one of the most important actors of modern Mexican cinema.
Known for his superb performances on screen, he is considered to be one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Some of his most notable projects in Mexico include La ciudad al desnudo, Lolo, Eddie Reynolds y los ángeles de acero, and El Infierno. In the US, he is most known for his role as Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela in Narcos, as Lord Sopespian in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, and most recently for his role in Blue Beetle.
Additionally, Alcázar is known for advocacy and philanthropy. He recently supported those involved in the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
12. Alfonso Cuarón (1961 -)
Alfonso Cuarón, born in Mexico City, Mexico, is one of the most acclaimed Mexican filmmakers of his generation, known for his exceptional storytelling, innovative cinematography, and ability to blend personal narratives with universal themes.
Throughout his career, Cuarón has earned global recognition for his mastery of film and his ability to push boundaries across various genres.
Some of his most notable works include:
- "Y Tu Mamá También" (2001) – A coming-of-age road film that explores themes of friendship, love, and loss against the backdrop of Mexico’s social and political landscape. The film received widespread critical acclaim and helped solidify Cuarón's place as a leading director in world cinema.
- "Children of Men" (2006) – A dystopian thriller set in a future where humans have become infertile, and society is on the brink of collapse. The film is celebrated for its groundbreaking long takes and its exploration of hope and survival in dark times.
- "Gravity" (2013) – This sci-fi thriller, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Director for Cuarón. Its stunning visual effects and intense portrayal of isolation in space earned it a place among the most technically advanced films ever made.
Cuarón’s work has not only shaped contemporary cinema but also brought global attention to Mexican filmmaking
13. Guillermo del Toro (1964 -)
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1964. He fled Mexico to the US in 1998 due to the worsening political situation.
Guillermo del Toro is one of the most gifted Mexican film producers and one of the most famous Hispanic people in history.
He has been awarded multiple Academy Awards, British Academy Film Awards, Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Movie Awards, and numerous other awards for all facets of his work.
Guillermo identified himself proudly as a Mexican when he gave his acceptance speech for receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2019.
Perhaps his most significant achievement was winning an Academy Award for his film Shape of Water in 2017.
Additionally, he has worked alongside another film director of Mexican origin, Alfonso Cuaron, to produce Pan’s Labyrinth, which is the most-watched Spanish-language movie in the US.
14. Verónica Falcón (1966 -)
Born in Mexico City in 1966. She emigrated to the US in 2015.
Veronica Falcón is a well-known Mexican choreographer and actress. She began her entertainment career in Mexico, working as an actress and choreographer in Mexico's National Opera Company. Afterward, she acted in many Mexican movies and won awards, making her a well-known Mexican celebrity.
In 2015, she took a leap of faith and moved to the US to grow her career. In 2016, that leap proved fruitful when she secured her spot in the TV series Queen of the South, in which she played Camila Vargas for three seasons. For this role, she was awarded the Outstanding Performance in a Television Series Impact Award in 2019.
Other well-received media she has acted in include Ozark, Perry Mason, and A Million Miles Away.
15. Salma Hayek (1966 -)
Born in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico to her Lebanese/Spanish parents in 1966. Salma Hayek moved to Los Angeles in 1991 to pursue her film career.
Salma Hayek is one of the most adored Mexican actresses, which makes it fitting that she portrayed one of the most famous Mexican people, Frida Khalo in the 2002 biopic Frida, which Hayek also produced. This role made her the first Mexican actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for "Best Actress". It also got her nominated for the Golden Globe Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and British Academy Film Award for "Best Actress".
She began acting in 1988 and her first role was in the Mexican TV series Un Nuevo Amanecer, which earned her the TVyNovelas Award for Best Debut Actress. From there, she starred in Teresa, a Mexican telenovela that earned her the TVyNovelas Award for "Best Female Revelation" award in 1990.
Her big break into the United States came later, when she co-starred in Desperado with Antonio Banderas. Afterward, she gained more recognition with projects like Once Upon a Time in Mexico and the Mariachi Trilogy.
Later in her career, she began producing movies and TV and series such as Ugly Betty. She continues to act and produce movies and also participates in advocacy work.
16. Lucero (1969 -)
Born in Mexico City in 1969. Lucero appears to still reside in Mexico.
Lucero is a multi-platinum singer and has garnered a loyal fan following in Mexico, making her one of the most popular Mexican musicians of all time. Her songs have topped both the Billboard charts in the US and Mexico, she has sold over 30 million records worldwide and has the distinction of several platinum awards.
She is also beloved for her acting roles, like her first role as the hostess of the popular children’s show, Alegrias de Mediodia, at age 13.
After her acting debut, Lucero went on to star in many TV shows/telenovelas and movies. Her most recent series, El gallo de oro, has been well-received by audiences since its release in October of this year.
17. Thalía (1971 -)
Born in Mexico City in 1971. In 2006, she received US citizenship and now holds dual citizenship.
Born as Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda Mottola, Thalía (also known as Lady T) is a songwriter, singer, former actress, and businesswoman and is among the most influential and successful artists of Mexican origin globally.
In addition to Spanish singing, Thalía has sung in multiple languages like French, English, Tagalog, and Portuguese.
Furthermore, she has starred in multitudes of telenovelas, has a famous fashion line, and has a singing career.
Thalía is most popularly known as the most prominent woman in Latin pop. She has built a name for herself and maintained relevance in the industry for over 30 years - a noble feat for anyone, since the celebrity world has been historically very ageist!
Moreover, as a solo artist, she has sold more than fifty million records globally and currently holds 12 Vevo Certified Awards (given to music videos with over 100 million views on Vevo).
Thalía is still making music and has done some voice acting in the recent past. Her newest audio-visual project, Thalia’s Mixtape El Soundtrack De Mi Vida, helped her secure the Global Powerhouse Award from Billboard earlier this year, making her one of the most famous people from Mexico.
18. Oscar de la Hoya (1973 -)
Born in East Los Angeles in 1973 to Mexican immigrant parents, Oscar De La Hoya grew up straddling two cultures. He ended up becoming one of the most well-known boxers in both Mexico and the United States.
Nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” he captured the world’s attention by winning a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a victory he dedicated to his late mother. De La Hoya went on to become a 10-time world champion across six weight classes, facing off against legends like Julio César Chávez, Félix Trinidad, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Outside the ring, he founded Golden Boy Promotions—one of the top boxing promotional companies—and even dropped a Grammy-nominated Latin pop album in 2000.
19. Sara Ramírez (1975 -)
Born in Mazatlan, Mexico, Sara Ramírez moved to the US at eight years old, eventually she studied fine arts at Juilliard and became one of the most renowned actors in both tv and theater.
She rose to fame for her role as Dr. Callie Torres on Grey’s Anatomy, where she became one of the first openly LGBTQ+ characters on network television, earning critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild Award. But that’s not all—Sara's also a Tony Award-winning actress for her performance in Spamalot on Broadway.
A few of the roles she is most known for include:
- Calliope Torres in Grey's Anatomy
- Queen Miranda (voice) in Sofia the First
- Kat Sandoval in Madam Secretary
- Che Diaz in And Just Like That...
With a voice that can soar through both comedic and dramatic roles, she’s become an icon of representation in Hollywood.
20. Gael García Bernal (1978 -)
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1978. He spends his time split between Mexico City and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Although the world was introduced to Gael as the voice of Héctor in Coco, he was already well known in Mexico for his acting, since he had been an actor since he was only 1 year old! He is one of the more well-known celebrities from Mexico in the US.
His first starring role was as Daniel in El abuelo y yo when he was 14.
The role in Coco was Gael’s second English-speaking role after his first successful role in the hit Amazon series Mozart in the Jungle, which earned him the Golden Globe Award for "Best Actor in a Comedy Series" in 2016.
He has also been nominated for and won many awards, including the Cannes Film Festival Chopard Trophy, the Venice Film Festival awards, the Abu Dhabi Film Festival awards, and the Cork International Film Festival awards.
In addition to being in Mexican and American films, Bernal has also acted in South America, France, and Spain.
He has starred in multiple hit Mexican movies such as The Motorcycle Diaries and Amores Perros, bringing him much-deserved critical acclaim. He is one of the most famous Mexican actors.
21. Alfonso Herrera (1983 -)
Born in Mexico City in 1983. He still lives in Mexico. Alfonso Herrera, a widely acclaimed talent in Latin America, rose to fame with his leading role in the hit series Rebelde.
This show birthed the band RBD, where Herrera played a vital role, leading to over 89 awards, including the coveted "Best International Band" at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and two Latin Grammy Award nominations. RBD also sold more than 10 million albums worldwide.
Herrera’s acting career is full of highly-regarded films that have won awards, encouraged standing ovations at the premiere, and box-office hits.
In the United States, Herrera is known for his roles as Father Thomas Ortega in the 2016 TV series The Exorcist, Hernando Fuentes in Sense8, Javier Jimenez in Queen of the South, and Javi Elizanndro in Ozark.
Herrera works to help refugees and street children. He was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in September 2020 and helped found the Fundación Sálvame with his RBD bandmates in 2006, which helps children in Mexico, Brazil, and Spain.
22. Karla Souza (1985 -)
Born in Mexico City in 1985. She studied in France, London, and Moscow before moving to the US in 2014.
Souza’s career success in the States was immediate; her first big role was as Laurel Castillo in How to Get Away with Murder, for which she earned the National Hispanic Media Coalition for "Outstanding Performance in a Television Series" in 2017.
Since her American debut, Souza has acted and starred in a few other shows and movies (and even a podcast). Her current ongoing role is as Marina in a TV series called Home Economics.
Before breaking into the US market, Souza acted in many Mexican series and movies including the box-office hits Nosotros los Nobles and Instructions Not Included. She has also won awards for her career in Mexico, which started in 2009 (following a hiatus after a small role in a film called Aspen Extreme in 1992).
Karla now offers an online course called “Unleashed: A Journey Back To Ourselves” and has advocated for ending violence against women.
23. Javier Hernández Balcázar (1988 -)
Born in Gaudalajara, Mexico, Javier Hernández Balcázar, better known as Chicharito, quickly became one of the best soccer players in Mexico! He first played professional soccer for Chivas Guadalajara in 2006, after playing for their youth academy, and then he transferred to play for Manchester United in 2010. He was the first Mexican player to join the club!
He later played for top clubs like Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham, Sevilla, and LA Galaxy. On the international stage, Chicharito is Mexico’s all-time leading goal scorer, with over 50 goals for El Tri.
Known for his sharp finishing, movement, and determination, he remains an inspiration for aspiring Mexican soccer players.
24. Santos Saúl (Canelo) Álvarez (1990 -)
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico in 1990, Álvarez is one of the best professional boxers out of Mexico!
Known for his knockout power, Canelo has climbed the ranks to become one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the word, holding titles across four weight classes!
Outside of boxing, he’s also become a successful businessman and philanthropist, using his platform to give back to his community.
25. Emilio Osorio (2002 -)
Born in Mexico City in 2002, he still lives in Mexico with his family. This rising star may be young, but he has already made quite a splash in the entertainment industry in Mexico.
A triple threat, the singer, dancer, and actor debuted on screen in 2013 in the telenovela Porque el amor manda.
Osorio was able to showcase his talents on screen and from there, he has had no lack of work.
His big break came through the 2014 telenovela Mi corazón es tuyo, and he also starred in the musical theater adaptation titled Aristemo el musical. This success extended to a spin-off series centered around his character, 'Aristotle Corsica'.
He has also released two studio albums and has recorded three songs in collaboration with his series fellow co-star Joaquín Bondoni. Though his career is just starting, Osorio has already won several awards, like Premios Eres, TV Adicto Golden Awards, and Kids Choice Awards México.
Keep an eye on this talented young Mexican celeb; he is sure to have a dazzling career ahead of him!
How to Learn Spanish with a Private Tutor
If you find yourself enamored by Mexican pop culture and media, that’s a great motivation for you to pursue learning to understand the Spanish language!
There are a few different ways you can learn to speak in Spanish, but some ways will allow you to learn faster than others.
Studying Spanish in Mexico is one great way to learn since you’ll be immersed in the language and culture. Culture influences language and vice-versa in an endless loop, so learning both at once helps you gain valuable context needed to fully understand the language. The immersion method is regarded as the fastest way to learn Spanish or any other language.
Another highly effective method (if you don’t want to or can’t move to Mexico for a while, which is reasonable!) is to hire a private tutor.
With Superprof, you can find the perfect tutor to suit your needs. Search thousands of tutors for online or in-person Spanish classes for any budget and schedule! Having a tutor is usually the best way to learn Spanish because your tutor will pay individualized attention to you, your needs, and your progress. They can make adjustments to your lessons as needed according to your unique learning style and make sure you learn all the things you want to learn, instead of what a standard classroom curriculum decides you should learn!
Ready to learn Spanish? Get started today with Superprof and don't forget to cast your vote on who you think is the most famous among Mexican celebrities!
Who is the most famous Mexican celebrity?
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
This article was a joy to read. I’m so grateful to be educated on this topic. I recommend reading this article! Such a good read
i agree, i loved reading this article! very good.
Thank you for the feedback! I’m happy you enjoyed the article!
Me parece que tenemos otros artistas mas famosos que los de esta lista ,como Maria Felix, Emilio no se por que forma parte de ella
What about Eva Longoria? We are so underrepresented as Mexican celebrities. Diego Rivera could have been added on since we are talking about celebrities posthumously.
Hello Alma, Thanks for your feedback! We do agree she is very important and do not doubt her influence and note this is just one list and can always change depending on the person and the criteria.
Lupita Nyongo is african.
Thank you for the comment, Costas. Lupita Nyong’o is a Kenyan-Mexican actress.
Imperdonable que se olviden de Cantinflas