Assassinated in 1967, he remains both a revered and reviled historical figure. 15 Famous Cuban-Americans Gloria Estefan Born in Havana, Estefan is arguably Cuba's most famous singer. Actress and singer Annabella Avery "Bella" Thorne, known for Shake It Up (2010), The DUFF (2015), Blended (2014), and Midnight Sun (2018), was born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, to Tamara (Beckett) and Delancey Reinaldo "Rey" Thorne. The message was retweeted more than 6,000 times. Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet. He represented the Miami Marlins of Major League Baseball between 2013 and 2016. Ever watched the 1983 crime drama Scarface? Cuban-American Yas Gonzalez has created an enviable fashion line with her creations. They have one child. But most of all not being able to help, and really get them what they deserve which is freedom.". In the beginning, his decisions may have cost the dark, swarthily good-looking actor some acting roles and/or good-paying parts but, in the end, his strong work ethic and sense of self, despite Guillermo Diaz was born in 1975 in New Jersey, USA. 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. This is a list of notable Cubans, ordered alphabetically by first name within each category. Emilio Esteban is known for Entre amigos (2012). 3. They have two children. These actors/entertainers were either born in the US to one or two Cuban parents or born in Cuba. He went on to become one of Fidel Castro's top guerrilla commanders and played an important role in winning the Battle of Yaguajay, which earned him the nickname Hero of Yaguajay. 15 Famous Cuban-Americans | Time She has two half-sisters. To date, other writers acquaint her with other prominent authors, artists, psychoanalysts, and other figures. 41, former White House official. You already know Cuba as the largest island in the Caribbean. Though there are some you may already know, we bet there are more than a few who will surprise you. He declined to identify himself for fear of being arrested later. Also, their passionate prowess to venture into different industries and showcase their talents should serve as an inspiration for any immigrant looking to be famous in the US. Born to a Cuban mother and a Persian father, Dar grew up on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. in Fairfax County, Virginia. His first recorded mainstream performance was on a solo track from Lil Jon's 2002 album Kings of Crunk. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to our She still wishes Brad and Jen were still together. As a sex symbol in the US, Chelo was an exotic dancer in Paris. Cameron Diaz Actress | Vanilla Sky 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. "Not being able to get them food, not being able to get them water, not being able to get them medicine. Because of her dancing talent, her photos were used in the 1959 film "Sheba thee Gladiator." While there, she was voted the best-looking and homecoming queen. Though Campbell is most notably known as being from South London, many may not be aware that the famed model and actress is also of Afro-Jamaican descent. Actress Lorraine Toussaint was born in Trinidad and Tobago. She is also revered for popularizing Latin music in the USA. 100 names 1. The actress and musician, who is of Cuban descent, also appears in this year's Midnight Sun and Assassination Nation among other projects. He had Italian and American citizenship. Desi Arnaz Jr. has lived in Boulder City, Nevada, since 1986, where he owns the Historic Boulder Theatre and helps direct non-profit Boulder City Ballet Company (BCBC) with his wife, Amy Arnaz. Our brave people took the streets to protest for this humanitarian crisis and the people of Cuba need our help urgently. Odette's father, Victor Oscar Yustman, was born in Bogot, Colombia, of Italian and Polish Jewish descent. 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. ESSENCE.com is part of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. He first gained recognition in the late 2010s due to his lead role on the teen drama SKAM Austin (2018)Giovanni is of Cuban descent as his mother Gisela is Cuban, while his father was born in New York Luis G. Oquendo was born on March 24, 1925 in Havana, Cuba. She was educated at the Carrolton School of the Sacred Heart in Miami. According to Pantheon, Andy Garcia is an American actor and director born in April 1956 and is of Cuban descent. Abajo la dictadura!" He attributes his height of 1.93 meters as the main reason he was chosen to play basketball. Overcoming the obstacle of not knowing English, she established herself as a solid actress by working in films like Knives Out and Blade Runner 2049. Marilyn Milian was born on May 1, 1961 in Queens, New York City, New York, USA. Mauro Bolognini noticed him and that was the starting point of a rich cinematographic career in Italy, where he played in all With a career spanning over two decades, three Grammy Awards, 20 million albums sold, and starring roles on Broadway, the acclaimed, romantic sounds of Jon Secada, have resulted in numerous hits in English and Spanish, establishing him as one of the first bilingual artists to have international B-Real was born on June 2, 1970 in Hollywood, California, USA. Initially, she appeared in Spanish films before relocating to Hollywood. List of Cuban Americans - Wikipedia Initially, he represented the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs. 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. He was an actor, known for Planet Terror (2007), Jurassic Park III (2001) and The Legend of Zorro (2005). Camilo Cienfuegos was a Cuban revolutionary who was part of the 1956 Granma expedition alongside Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. Lawmakers, celebrities and Latino advocacy groups joined their cause, . They have two children. Son of Spanish immigrants, Jose Marti spent his childhood in a strife-torn Cuba and attended high school on financial aid. Twin sisters Tia and Tamera Mowry may be known for their biracial background, but did you know they are also of Caribbean heritage? The twoas well their actor brother Tahj and college football star brother Taviorare of Bahamian descent. Though it's 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. All rights reserved. Canadian singer Deborah Cox was born to Afro-Guyanese parents. Learn about Camila Cabello, the famous American Singer; her birthday, what she did before fame, her family life, fun trivia facts and more. This is a list of notable Cuban Americans, including immigrants who obtained American citizenship and their American descendants. Konnan is also known for his involvement in the creation of Lucha Underground. Dominik Garca-Lorido was born in Miami, Florida, the daughter of Maria Victoria "Marivi" Lorido and actor Andy Garca. With Cuban city dwellers, Castro promised his citizens to restore the 1940 constitution, develop an administration that values integrity, and partake in modern reforms. 5 Cuban American Novelists You Should be Reading Eva Mendes echoed Camila Cabello's sentiment, reposting her "fellow hermana Cubana," or Cuban sister, on Instagram. He studied classical violin as a child and began working in silent films to support his family. He was previously married to Brandi Glanville. Famous People From Cuba She is an actress, known for The People's Court (1997), As the World Turns (1956) and George Lopez (2002). She continued to act in high school where she was discovered by Nickelodeon and commuted from Florida to Montreal, Quebec, Canada, to Ral Eduardo Esparza is an American stage, screen, and voice actor. She was born on April 10, 1933, but passed on on February 20, 2019. He was part of the, (Cuban-born American Baseball Player Who Plays as a Catcher), (Best Known for His Role as Manny Rivera in the Film Scarface), (Cuban Baseball Player Who Played as a Left Fielder), (Cuban-American Actor and Former Fashion Model), (Cuban Baseball Player Who Plays as a Left Fielder and Designated Hitter), (American Political Activist and Member of the Black Liberation Army Who Was Convicted in the First-Degree Murder), (Cuban Baseball Player Who Plays as a Left Fielder), (Cuban Baseball Player Who Plays as an Outfielder), (Former Cuban-born Baseball Player Who Played as a Pitcher). At only 26, Brie Larson is an Academy Award-winning actress with an impressive career both in front of the camera and behind it. Bob Vila was born on June 20, 1946 in Miami, Florida, USA. Cuban Film Actors & Actresses | List of Movie Stars From Cuba - Ranker Lincoln Diaz-Balart The former Republican representative from Florida from 1993 to 2011 was born in Havana, Cuba. Self described as "adventurous, independent and a tough kid," Cameron left home at 16 and for the next 5 years lived in such varied Eddie Cibrian was born on June 16, 1973 in Burbank, California, USA. They have one child. His work in art was based on the endurance of the Afro-Cuban culture and spirit. JoAnna Garcia Swisher was born in Tampa, Florida. A physician by profession, he developed radical views upon witnessing the injustices in the world and joined Fidel Castros revolutionary 26th of July Movement. She got her start in New York regional theater, and has since starred in over two dozen theatrical productions including "Annie," "The Wizard of Oz," "The Sound of Music," "The Wiz," and "Gypsy." 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. 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. His years of hard work earned him a silver medal at the Summer Olympics in 2000. Burman, a 47-year-old Jewish Argentinian film director, is best known for having begun the "New Argentine Cinema" wave, according to Wire Magazine. It turns out that the Cuban revolution which led these celebrities parents to immigrate to the US was a blessing in disguise. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. 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. The Cuban YouTube personalities posted about Cuba on Instagram, tagging President Joe Biden alongside a post that read: "They are Killing us !!! He grew up to become a successful musician and played a leading role in the spread of Latin music. But that is just tip of the iceberg. 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 was a Cuban-American diarist born on February 21, 1903, and died on January 14, 1977. David is of Irish (father) and Cuban (mother) descent. Several public figures and celebrities are voicing their support for Cuba on social media using the hashtag #SOSCuba. Famous Cuban - Cuban Celebrities 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. Pep of rap group Salt-N-Pepa was born in Kingston, Jamaica. Since gradating, Dar has worked Jsu Garcia, DSS is an actor/director and minister who co-directed (along with John-Roger, DSS) the documentary Mystical Traveler, The Life and Times of Dr. John-Roger. 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). Find out more about the greatest Cubans, including Fidel Castro, Gloria Estefan, Miguel Daz-Canel, Yoel Romero and Desi Arnaz. He is an actor and director, known for Stir Crazy (1980), Roots (1977) and Bullitt (1968). Initially, she started writing in French but didnt feel like she garnered enough audience. He is an actor and producer, known for The Young and the Restless (1973), Rendezvous (2019) and The Org. Wilfredo scar Lam was a Cuban-born painter and sculptor of mixed-race ancestry. Assata Shakur is a former member of the revolutionary organization 'Black Liberation Army'. A former freestyle wrestler, Romero earned Cuba a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics. She also hosted America's Funniest Home Videos and later launched a clothing and haircare line. He was brought up in San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, California. Is an ex-policeman (uniformed), and a licensed pilot. However, her last five are in expurgated format. Alumni of The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. Dara Grace Torres (born April 15, 1967) is an American former competitive swimmer who is a twelve-time Olympic medalist and former world record-holder in three events. Yoel Romero was born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, on April 30, 1977. Celia Cruz was a Cuban-American singer who achieved popularity in Cuba as a singer of guarachas during the 1950s. Chosen as one of Variety's "Top Ten Actors to Watch" and part of the new breed of leading men in Hollywood, Laz Alonso is starring in Amazon Prime's series THE BOYS. 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. She grew up in Enrique Murciano was born in Miami, Florida, on July 9, 1973, but spent the first few years of his life in Mexico. Her popularity increased after the release of her song Luna Llena, which has gathered more than 100 million views on YouTube. They have two children. A post shared by Enrique Santos (@enriquesantos). 1. Watch the full video below. His debut came in 1987 when he starred in The Untouchables. In 1988, he also appeared in Stand and Deliver. The latest HBO television movie he appeared in was My Dinner with Herv in 2018. Died: July 16, 2003. However, to a younger generation weaned Oscar Nuez was born on November 18, 1958 in Cuba. Though there are some you may already know, we bet there are more than a few who will surprise you. In the caption, she wrote, "Hey guys, there. A Spanish-Cuban actress, Ana de Armas worked in Spanish films and television shows before moving to Hollywood. The Cuban-American rapper, singer and businessman posted a passionate video message on Twitter calling on the international community to help Cuba amid the escalating crisis. Thanks to his love for plants, he simultaneously studied Botanical Gardens. The Most Famous Cubans and How They Made Their Name - Culture Trip Miguel Daz-Canel is a Cuban politician and the current president of Cuba. Her famous hits that made it to the top 10 in the music charts are Dont Wanna Lose You and Rhythm Is Gonna Get You. Her talent in the music industry helped her get the Presidential Medal of Freedom.. Self described as "adventurous, independent and a tough kid," Cameron left home at 16 and for the next 5 years lived in such varied . Julio Oscar Mechoso was born on May 31, 1955 in Florida, USA. As a teenager, Estefan's family fled the Cuban. 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. Cuban-American Celebrities React to Fidel Castro's Death Her life inspired the documentary film Eyes of the Rainbow. While there, she pursued communications. The son of a Cuban-born surgeon and a Manhattan socialite, he went to prep school and attended Princeton University. Rumors believe he left behind his girlfriend Raidelmis Mendosa with a newborn baby after leaving Cuba. 27 Celebrities Who Are Of Caribbean Descent - Essence Odette started her career with a minor role in the movie David Scott Lago was born on January 18, 1979 in Downey, California, USA. Eventually, she abandoned the church at 16 years old. Here's How Cuban-American Celebrities Responded To Fidel - Bustle To one generation, he was the distinguished Latin lover of numerous musicals and romantic comedies, and the rogue bandit The Cisco Kid in a string of low-budget westerns. She has a younger brother named Tiago. The Miami Heat also shared a photo supporting the island on Instagram. Born in New York City to Cuban parents, Hijuelos is perhaps the most famous Cuban-American writer. One of her first A graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film, and Television, Sanchez was born in Los Angeles to Cuban immigrants and raised in Palm Desert, California. She has three siblings, Remy Thorne, Dani Thorne and Kaili Thorne, Christina Milian was born Christine Flores on September 26, 1981 in Jersey City, New Jersey & raised in Waldorf, Maryland. 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. A Spanish-Cuban actress, Ana de Armas worked in Spanish films and television shows before moving to Hollywood. Together with Michael, they have two daughters, Ysabel and Victoria, and three other half-siblings from Michaels first marriage. He is an actor, known for The Cave (2005), The Best Man Holiday (2013) and Sunset Beach (1997). Cuban-American singer, songwriter and actress Christina Milian, who was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, as Christine Flores and raised in Waldorf, Maryland, was signed with the Def Jam recording . This Cuban-American rapper from Miami is one of the most famous Latino singers of the Urban genre. 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. Considered one of Broadway's leading men since the 2000s, he is best known for his Tony Award-nominated performance as Bobby in the 2006 Broadway revival of Company and for his television role as New York Assistant District Natalie Martinez began modeling at the age of 15, years before she considered giving acting a try. He appeared in multiple commercials and print campaigns before guest-starring on the Disney Channel's Emmy Award-winning series, Wizards of Waverly Place (2007), which eventually led to an audition for the role of "Deuce Martinez" on Shake It Blake Jenner is a singer and actor from Miami, Florida. Adam Irigoyen began his acting career at the age of 11. Nobody Remembers", "How Arrojo fulfilled 'impossible' dream with Rays", "Cool as ever: Bronson Arroyo is living life after baseball to the fullest", "Pronounce Tigers' 'Avila'? Famed actress Nia Long is another celebrity who is of Caribbean descent. In a passionate video message posted on Twitter, rapper Pitbull called on the international community to help the economic and humanitarian crisis in Cuba. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Resident Evil: The Final Chapter. Daddy Yankee showed his support for Cuba by simply posting #SOSCuba on Twitter. The. Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, Carlos made his acting debut at the age of six. Attended New York City's High School of Music and Art She is a gifted mezzo soprano and was trained in opera and jazz and also sang in a gospel choir. Only recently has she been opening herself up more to doing television (the series Gemini Division (2008), which she executive-produced), and animated voice-overs. Most recently, he directed "The Tenth Man" in Hebrew and Spanish in 2016, available on Netflix now. Considering how zealous he was about primitive arts and radical modern styles, present-day artists recognize his legacy. His acting skills paid off when he received a Primetime Emmy Award and a nomination for Golden Globe Award. From the age of ten, she aspired to become an actress and attended New York University, from which she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Drama. He is an actor and composer, known for Blast from the Past (1999), Training Day (2001) and Bulworth (1998). The Greatest Cuban Actors Estefan was born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Miami, Fla. She shared a video of protesters chanting along with her message of solidarity. As president of Cuba, Miguel Daz-Canel has made several international trips, visiting places like India, Azerbaijan, and Russia. This timeworn yet splendid country, which fuses old world colonial charm with contemporary cultural idiosyncrasies with lan, boasts of some exceptionally gifted and universally feted Cubans whose life and heritage will bowl you over completely. Oscar Isaac. Cuba might be a fairly small country, but it has produced a huge array of talent. Cuban-American Actors/Actresses - IMDb She was previously married to Pedro Knight. She is the creative director of House of Yas. 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 . In 1916, his family sent him to Havana to pursue law. His stepfather is Vincent Casey. Jon Secada is a singer, voice actor, and songwriter. Luis Fortuno This former governor of Puerto Rico was the first Republican since 1969 to hold the post. The president and CEO of iHeartLatino changed his profile picture to the "SOS CUBA" call-to-action image and posted a strong message in solidarity with the Cuban community. Ana de Armas was born in Santa Cruz del Norte, Cuba on April 30, 1988. Isabel Apolonia Garcia Hernndez, popularly known as Chelo Alonso, was also a Cuban actress. "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. He found inspiration as a child in Jim Carrey and Michael Jackson, and aspired to be an entertainer. She then went on to become a popular model, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Premios TVyNovelas in 2015. He appeared in a few plays on Broadway, as well as in a show by Jean Cocteau in Spoleto. He holds a world record in his niche for being the only athlete whos ever jumped 2.45m. Sun Sign: Libra. He devised ways of forgetting his rough childhood by engaging in football and breakdancing. Another celebrity who holds a Caribbean background is actor Romany Malco. This article will discover 20 of our favorite celebrities from Cuba that have supported this interesting fact. He then went on to establish himself as a serious actor. If knowing that Laz Alonsos full first name is Lazaro made you assume he had a Caribbean background, you were absolutely right. Malu Trevejo is currently signed to Atlantic Records. He brought with him his love of exotic cars and motorcycles. She has worked for cancer research and other charitable causes, too. He holds a record as one of the most athletic competitors in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history. Its most likely because she is Guyanese. Ariana Barouk is known for Quin es quin? He has been married to Diana Barrett since 1975. Part Deux (1993), Home Again with Bob Vila (1990) and This Old House (1979). Humane Society of Broward County Kicks Off VCA Walk for the Animals in Fort Lauderdale, BSO Searching forMissing 11-Year-Old Girl From Pompano Beach, Miami-Dade Mayor, State Attorney Announce New Measures to Protect HOA Residents, Father, 3-Year-Old Son Dead in Murder-Suicide In Luxury Coconut Grove Apartment: Police, Pregnant Inmate Speaks in Court After Appeals Court Denies Petition to Release Unborn Baby, Check Your Change! Jordi Vilasuso was born on June 15, 1981 in Miami, Florida, USA. Lucie Arnaz was born on July 17, 1951 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA. Gossip Girl remains her favorite all-time show, and she'll never, ever get tired of whatever Taylor Swift has to offer.