32 Celebrities That You Might Not Know Are Latino
Latinos come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We can be white with blonde hair and blues eyes and we can be black. We are gay, Muslim, Asian, indigenous, etc. Because of our genetic diversity, some Latinos exist in plain sight without anyone knowing. Here are 32 Latino celebrities that you probably didn’t know are, in fact, Latino.
1. Uma Thurman
You probably know Uma Thurman from her role in “Pulp Fiction” but did you know she has Mexican roots? Her mother, a fashion model named Nena von Schlebrügge, was born in Mexico City before moving to New York to be a model.
2. Nicole ‘Snooki’ Polizzi
Snooki first became famous because of her role on “The Jersey Shore.” While she was raised by an Italian-American family, Snooki was actually born in Santiago, Chile.
3. David Gallagher
Model and actor, Noel Gallagher, is Cuban on his mother’s side. The “7th Heaven” star was born in New York City.
4. Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars’ real name is Pete Gene Hernandez. He was born in Hawaii but he is half Puerto Rican on his father side. This is something the singer has become more and more vocal about.
5. Victoria Justice
The Disney television star is a proud Puerto Rican thanks to her mother. Her mother was raised in the Bronx, a predominately Latino neighborhood so she definitely grew up with Latino values.
6. Fergie
Fergie was everywhere in the early 2000s as part of the musical group The Black Eyed Peas. But, now you know that she has Mexican ancestry in her family line.
7. Sara Paxton
Los Angeles-born Sara Paxton can thank her mother for her Jewish and Mexican backgrounds. Her father is a mix of European countries.
8. Nicole Richie
You likely know Nicole Richie as Lionel Richie’s daughter and “The Simple Life” with bestie Paris Hilton. Nicole was actually adopted by Lionel and her biological family has Mexican ancestry.
9. Hulk Hogan
Considered by some as the greatest professional wrestler ever, Hulk Hogan, born in Georgia. But did you know that he has Panamanian roots?
10. Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi’s real name is Scott Ramon Seguro. His father is a proud Mexican-American.
11. Andrew Keegan
He has been on “Party of Five,” “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Independence Day,” but did you know Andrew Keegan is Colombian on his mother’s side? Another fun fact is that the actor has his own cult in Venice Beach, California.
12. Bella Thorne
Bella Thorne’s father, who passed away in a traffic accident, was Cuban. The Cuban-American actor has come out as bisexual recently adding another layer to her already complicated persona.
13. Frankie Muniz
Everyone knew of Frankie Muniz while growing up thanks to “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Agent Cody Banks.” While Frankie is his stage name, his real name is Francisco, probably thanks to his Puerto Rican father.
14. Raquel Welch
Raquel Welch’s maiden name is Tejada. The soap opera star changed her name while trying to make it in Hollywood, but her father was born in La Paz, Bolivia.
15. Odette Yustman
Gorgeous Odette Yustman, known for her role in “House,” has a very strong Latino background. Her father was born in Bogota, Colombia and her mother is Cuban.
16. Pedro Pascal
This one is kind of obvious, but just so we are all on the same page, Pedro Pascal, the star of Netflix’s “Narcos” is Chilean.
17. Nina Garcia
Nina Garcia is the editor-in-chief of Elle and one of the judges of “Project Runway.” She is also a proud Latina who was born in Barranquilla, Colombia.
18. Aubrey Plaza
Known for her role in “Parks and Recreation,” Aubrey Plaza is half Puerto Rican. This is also mentioned in her character’s storyline in the show giving you a look at the real Plaza.
19. Linda Christian
The first Bond Girl was born actually born in Tampico, Mexico. Her real name is Blanca Rosa Welter. How’s that for groundbreaking.
20. Q’orianka Kilcher
Q’orianka Kilcher portrayed Pocahontas in “The New World” in 2005, which makes sense because her background is indigenous. Her father is of Quechua-Huachipaeri descent, passing down the heritage through Q’orianka’s name. Not technically Latina but the tribe is the indigenous people from Peru.
21. Helena Christensen
Christensen was a Victoria’s Secret model for years. While she was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, the former model is Peruvian thanks to her mama.
22. Heather Hemmens
Heather Hemmens, known for her role in “Hellcats,” was born in Maine. She is Costa Rican, proud and has no problem telling you.
23. Jordana Brewster
Known for her role in the “Fast and Furious” series, Brewster’s father is an American investment banker and her mother is Brazilian model Maria João. Brewster was born in Panama City, Panama.
24. Ryan Lochte
Lochte made the wrong kind of news during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics by claiming he was robbed at gun point. The story turned out to be false. Any way, the swimmer is a New York-born Cuban on his mother’s side.
25. Alexis Bledel
Bledel became a household name on the set of “Gilmore Girls” and it hasn’t stopped since. Her father, by the way, was born in Argentina and her mother was born in Arizona but raised in Mexico City. She is quick to let you know that she is Latina.
26. David Blaine
A world renowned magician, Blaine holds multiple word records. No doubt it makes is father’s Puerto Rican family very happy.
27. Ted Williams
Former professional baseball player and later manager, Williams was born in California but had Mexican background. He was not the first Latino to play baseball. that title belongs to Luis Manuel Castro from Medellín, Colombia.
28. Vanna White
Vanna White has spent decades as the beautiful woman that reveals the letters on “Wheel of Fortune.” She is half Puerto Rican but uses her step father’s last name because her biological father abandoned her.
29. Vanessa Marcil
Born Sally Vanessa Ortiza and known for her role on “General Hospital,” Marcil is half Mexican on her father’s side.
30. Howie Dorough
Howie D is one of two Latino members of the Backstreet Boys, the other being AJ McLean. It wasn’t spoken about back in the day, but now there is no denying it. Thank you, Internet.
31. Ryan Cabrera
Remember Ashlee Simpson’s ex-boyfriend Ryan Cabrera? Well, he was born to a Colombian father which makes him half Latino.
32. Harry Shum Jr.
Known for playing Mike Chang on “Glee,” Harry Shum Jr. was actually born in Costa Rica.
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