List of Stateside Puerto Ricans
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Puerto Ricans Puerto Ricans ( es, Puertorriqueños; or boricuas) are the people of Puerto Rico, the inhabitants, and citizens of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and their descendants. Overview The culture held in common by most Puerto Ricans is referred t ...
in the
continental United States The contiguous United States (officially the conterminous United States) consists of the 48 adjoining U.S. states and the Federal District of the United States of America. The term excludes the only two non-contiguous states, Alaska and Hawaii ...
and
Hawaii Hawaii ( ; haw, Hawaii or ) is a state in the Western United States, located in the Pacific Ocean about from the U.S. mainland. It is the only U.S. state outside North America, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only stat ...
, including people born in the United States proper of Puerto Rican descent and Puerto Ricans who live in the United States proper. Since those born in Puerto Rico are
US citizens Citizenship of the United States is a legal status that entails Americans with specific rights, duties, protections, and benefits in the United States. It serves as a foundation of fundamental rights derived from and protected by the Constitu ...
, it is easier to migrate to the United States proper from Puerto Rico than from anywhere else in Latin America. Currently, more than 5.5 million Puerto Ricans and their descendants live in the United States proper, significantly more than the population of Puerto Rico itself. The following list contains notable members of the Puerto Rican community.


Television show hosts

* La La Anthony television personality, video jockey and actress; host of
MTV MTV (Originally an initialism of Music Television) is an American cable channel that launched on August 1, 1981. Based in New York City, it serves as the flagship property of the MTV Entertainment Group, part of Paramount Media Networks, a di ...
's '' TRL'' *
Daisy Martinez Daisy Maria Martinez is an actress, model, chef, television personality, and author, who hosted a PBS television series, '' Daisy Cooks!'', which launched on April 15, 2005. Career Daisy was born to stateside Puerto Rican parents in Brooklyn, Ne ...
actress, model, chef,
television personality Celebrity is a condition of fame and broad public recognition of a person or group as a result of the attention given to them by mass media. An individual may attain a celebrity status from having great wealth, their participation in sports ...
and
author An author is the writer of a book, article, play, mostly written work. A broader definition of the word "author" states: "''An author is "the person who originated or gave existence to anything" and whose authorship determines responsibility f ...
; host of PBS television series '' Daisy Cooks!'' *
John Melendez John Edward Melendez (born October 4, 1965), also known as Stuttering John, is an American radio personality, comedian, singer, actor, television writer, announcer, and podcast host. He is best known for being on ''The Howard Stern Show'' from ...
television writer and former radio personality * Rogelio Mills television personality; Puerto Rican/Black Hispanic American * Antonio Sánchez radio and television personality, show host and producer *
Fernando Allende Luis Fernando Allende Arenas (born November 10, 1952) is a Mexican singer, actor, painter, film producer, and film director. Early life Allende was born in Mexico. His father is Mexican, and his mother is from Cuba. Allende's grandfather on his f ...
(Mexican/Puerto Rican host)hosts Miss World international live telecast to 153 countries for the fourth time in a row. Also hosted Buscando Estrellas; Spanish speaking equivalent to star search. Also hosted all the promos for the soccer World Cup and starred in the successful show "Hot Hot Hot", produced by Dick Clark. * Vanna White Co-Host of
Wheel of Fortune (American game show) ''Wheel of Fortune'' (often known simply as ''Wheel'') is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin. The show has aired continuously since January 1975. It features a competition in which contestants solve word puzzles, similar ...


Business

* Kimberly Casiano President and
Chief Operating Officer A chief operating officer or chief operations officer, also called a COO, is one of the highest-ranking executive positions in an organization, composing part of the " C-suite". The COO is usually the second-in-command at the firm, especially if ...
of
Casiano Communications Latin Media House, LLC acquired the assets of Casiano Communications Inc. (CCI) effective November 2, 2015 from Chapter 11 at the US Bankruptcy Court. The original company was founded in 1973, by Manuel A. Casiano, who died on May 19, 2017, at t ...
*
María Elena Holly María Elena Holly (née Santiago; born December 20, 1932) is the widow of American rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly. As a receptionist at Peermusic, she met with Holly and his band the Crickets on June 19, 1958, and Holly proposed to her after f ...
Puerto Rican widow of rock and roll pioneer
Buddy Holly Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), known as Buddy Holly, was an American singer and songwriter who was a central and pioneering figure of mid-1950s rock and roll. He was born to a musical family in Lubbock, Texas ...
; lives in Texas and New York *
Ralph Mercado Ralph Mercado Jr. (September 29, 1941 – March 10, 2009) was a promoter of Latin American music — Latin Jazz, Latin rock, merengue and salsa — who established a network of businesses that included promoting concerts, managing artists, Ri ...
promoter of Latin American music, including Latin jazz, Latin rock, merengue and salsa; established a network of businesses *
Lisette Nieves Lisette Nieves is an American academic, non-profit leader, and public official. She is the president of the Fund for the City of New York and a Distinguished Clinical Instructor with New York University. In July 2022, she became a U.S. Senate-con ...
founder of Atrevete Latino Youth, Inc., an organization which focuses on the educational and leadership training of young Latinos * Samuel A. Ramirez, Sr. first Hispanic to launch a successful investment banking firm * Angel Ramos founder of Telemundo, the second largest Spanish-language television network in the United States *
Xavier Romeu Xavier Romeu Matta is a counselor and litigator, with expertise in securities litigation and regulation, and corporate, commercial and employment litigation. He is a former politician, and an advocate of statehood for Puerto Rico, and of the appoin ...
Executive Director of
Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company The Puerto Rico Industrial Development Company (PRIDCO) — es, Compañía de Fomento Industrial de Puerto Rico (or simply ''Fomento'')— is a government-owned corporation of Puerto Rico authorized and empowered to induce private capital ...
* Herb Scannell President of BBC Worldwide America *
Nina Tassler Nina Tassler is an American television executive and producer. She was most recently the chairwoman of CBS Entertainment until 2015. Life and career Tassler was born in New York City to a Jewish father and a Puerto Rican mother who converted t ...
television executive; President of CBS Entertainment since September 2004 *
Richard Velazquez Richard Velazquez is a nationally recognized leader in the Hispanic community and in business. Velazquez leads international marketing for Amazon Alexa for Latin America and Australia/New Zealand, and the Smart TV segment. Prior to this, Velazqu ...
first Puerto Rican automotive designer for
Porsche Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, usually shortened to Porsche (; see below), is a German automobile manufacturer specializing in high-performance sports cars, SUVs and sedans, headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The company ...
; first Puerto Rican
Xbox Xbox is a video gaming brand created and owned by Microsoft. The brand consists of five video game consoles, as well as applications (games), streaming services, an online service by the name of Xbox network, and the development arm by the ...
product planner; co-founder and President of NSHMBA Seattle * Maria Vizcarrondo-De Soto President and CEO of the United Way of Essex and West Hudson


Actors and actresses

*
Kirk Acevedo Kirk M. Acevedo (born November 27, 1971) is an American actor. He is primarily known for his work on television for the portrayals of Miguel Alvarez in the HBO series '' Oz'', Joe Toye in '' Band of Brothers'', and FBI Agent Charlie Francis ...
actor, HBO series '' Oz'', '' Band of Brothers'', ''
Fringe Fringe may refer to: Arts * Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world's largest arts festival, known as "the Fringe" * Adelaide Fringe, the world's second-largest annual arts festival * Fringe theatre, a name for alternative theatre * The Fringe, the ...
'' *
Fernando Allende Luis Fernando Allende Arenas (born November 10, 1952) is a Mexican singer, actor, painter, film producer, and film director. Early life Allende was born in Mexico. His father is Mexican, and his mother is from Cuba. Allende's grandfather on his f ...
actor (Mexican/Puerto Rican) * Daniella Alonso actress * Trini Alvarado actress, flamenco dancer, and flamenco Singer *
Tyler Alvarez Tyler Sage Alvarez (born October 25, 1997) is an American actor, known for his roles as Diego Rueda in Nickelodeon's teen sitcom ''Every Witch Way'' and Peter Maldonado in Netflix's mockumentary series ''American Vandal''. Early life Alvarez was ...
American actor of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent (''
Every Witch Way ''Every Witch Way'' is a telenovela-formatted teen sitcom that originally aired on Nickelodeon from January 1, 2014, to July 30, 2015. The first season aired as a "One Month Event", where the first 20-episode season aired every weeknight in Jan ...
'', '' American Vandal'') *
Philip Anthony-Rodriguez Philip Anthony-Rodriguez is an American actor known for his roles on ''Jake 2.0'' as Kyle Duarte, the voice of disc jockey Maurice Chavez in the 2002 video game '' Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', and as Jetstream Sam in the 2013 video game '' Me ...
actor and singer *
Victor Argo Victor Argo (November 5, 1934 – April 7, 2004) was an American actor of Puerto Rican descent who usually played the part of a tough bad guy in his movies. He had a career span of forty years. He is best known for '' Mean Streets'' (1973), ...
actor * Yancey Arias American actor of Colombian and Puerto Rican descent *
Rick Aviles Rick Aviles (October 14, 1952 – March 17, 1995) was an American stand-up comedian and actor of Puerto Rican descent, best remembered for portraying the villainous Willie Lopez in the film ''Ghost''. Career Born in Manhattan, Aviles worked as ...
stand-up comedian and actor, ''
Ghost A ghost is the soul or spirit of a dead person or animal that is believed to be able to appear to the living. In ghostlore, descriptions of ghosts vary widely from an invisible presence to translucent or barely visible wispy shapes, to re ...
'' * Jake T. Austin actor, ''
Wizards of Waverly Place ''Wizards of Waverly Place'' is an American fantasy teen sitcom created by Todd J. Greenwald that aired on Disney Channel for four seasons between October 2007 and January 2012. The series centers on Alex Russo (Selena Gomez), a teenage wiza ...
'' *
Charlotte Ayanna Charlotte Ayanna (born Charlotte Lopez; September 25, 1976) is a Puerto Rican-American actress and former Miss Teen USA. Early life Ayanna was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, but moved to Vermont at an early age. She had a troubled childhood, spen ...
actress and former Miss Teen USA *
Adrienne Bailon Adrienne Eliza Bailon-Houghton (née Bailon () ; born October 24, 1983) is an American television personality, singer, and actress. She is a former member of the girl groups 3LW and The Cheetah Girls. From 2013 to 2022, Bailon was a co-host of ...
singer and actress *
Rosa Blasi Rosa Blasi (born December 19, 1972) is an American actress, author, model and therapist. She is known for her roles as Luisa Delgado in the Lifetime medical drama series '' Strong Medicine'' and Barb Thunderman in the Nickelodeon series ''The Thu ...
actress *
Diego Boneta Diego Andrés González Boneta (born November 29, 1990) is an American actor, producer and singer. He gained wider recognition after starring in ''Rock of Ages'' (2012) alongside Tom Cruise and the ''Netflix'' biographical series '' Luis Miguel: ...
American actor and singer; father is
Mexican Mexican may refer to: Mexico and its culture *Being related to, from, or connected to the country of Mexico, in North America ** People *** Mexicans, inhabitants of the country Mexico and their descendants *** Mexica, ancient indigenous people ...
, mother was born in the US, to a Puerto Rican father and
Spanish Spanish might refer to: * Items from or related to Spain: **Spaniards are a nation and ethnic group indigenous to Spain **Spanish language, spoken in Spain and many Latin American countries **Spanish cuisine Other places * Spanish, Ontario, Can ...
mother *
Paul Calderón Paul Calderón is a Puerto Rican actor, writer, director and producer. He is a founding member of the Touchstone Theatre, the American Folk Theatre and the LAByrinth Theater Company. He is also a member of the Actors Studio, auditioning and a ...
actor * Nydia Caro actress and singer * David Castro actor * Raquel Castro teen actress and singer *
Míriam Colón Míriam Colón Valle (August 20, 1936 – March 3, 2017) was a Puerto Rican actress. She was the founder and director of New York City's Puerto Rican Traveling Theater. Beginning her career in the early 1950s, she performed on Broadway and on ...
actress and founder and director of the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater in New York City *
Liza Colón-Zayas Liza Colón-Zayas (born 1972) is an American actress and playwright. Early life and education Liza Colón was born and raised in The Bronx borough of New York City in 1972 and began her career off-Broadway. She broke into mainstream theatre whe ...
actress and playwright * Kevin Corrigan actor * Aulii Cravalho actress *
Alexis Cruz Alexis Cruz (born September 29, 1974) is an American actor, known for his performances as Rafael in '' Touched by an Angel'' and as Skaara in ''Stargate'' and ''Stargate SG-1''. Biography Cruz was born in The Bronx of Puerto Rican descent. His m ...
actor *
Wilson Cruz Wilson Cruz (born Wilson Echevarría; December 27, 1973) is an American actor known for playing Rickie Vasquez on ''My So-Called Life'', Angel in the Broadway tour production of '' Rent'', Dr. Hugh Culber on '' Star Trek: Discovery'', and the r ...
actor * Henry Darrow actor of stage and film * Raúl Dávila actor, ''
All My Children ''All My Children'' (often shortened to ''AMC'') is an American television soap opera that aired on ABC from January 5, 1970, to September 23, 2011, and on The Online Network (TOLN) from April 29 to September 2, 2013, via Hulu, Hulu Plus, and ...
'' *
Rosario Dawson Rosario Isabel Dawson (born May 9, 1979) is an American actress. She made her feature-film debut in the 1995 independent drama '' Kids''. Her subsequent film roles include ''He Got Game'' (1998), ''Josie and the Pussycats'' (2001), ''Men in Bl ...
actress *
Roxann Dawson Roxann Dawson (née Caballero, born September 11, 1958), also credited as Roxann Biggs and Roxann Biggs-Dawson, is an American actress and director. She is best known for her role as B'Elanna Torres on the television series '' Star Trek: Voyager' ...
actress, '' Star Trek: Voyager''; producer and director *
Idalis DeLeón Idalis M. DeLeón (born June 15, 1969) is an American singer, actress, and television host. DeLeón is best known as an MTV VJ, hosting the music countdown show from June 1994 until September 1998. DeLeón is also known for her acting roles as ...
actress, singer, and television host * Michael DeLorenzo actor * Melonie Diaz actress * Sully Diaz actress and singer, ''
Coralito Coralito (Little coral), is a Puerto Rican telenovela produced by Telemundo. The main characters were played by Sully Díaz and Salvador Pineda. Díaz played the character of Coralito. The telenovela played in 1984. Ednita Nazario Edna María ...
'' * Shabba Doo actor, dancer, choreographer, and director * Héctor Elizondo actor *
Erik Estrada Henry Enrique Estrada (born March 16, 1949) is an American actor and police officer. He is known for his co-starring lead role as California Highway Patrol officer Francis (Frank) Llewelyn "Ponch" Poncherello in the police drama television series ...
actor *
Antonio Fargas Antonio Juan Fargas (born August 14, 1946) is an American actor known for his roles in 1970s blaxploitation and comedy movies, as well as his portrayal as Huggy Bear in the 1970s TV series ''Starsky & Hutch''. Early life Fargas was born in New Y ...
actor, 1970s blaxploitation films *
José Ferrer José Vicente Ferrer de Otero y Cintrón (January 8, 1912 – January 26, 1992) was a Puerto Rican actor and director of stage, film and television. He was one of the most celebrated and esteemed Hispanic American actors during his lifetime, w ...
actor * Miguel Ferrer actor, ''
Crossing Jordan ''Crossing Jordan'' is an American crime drama Crime films, in the broadest sense, is a film genre inspired by and analogous to the crime fiction literary genre. Films of this genre generally involve various aspects of crime and its dete ...
''; son of José Ferrer *
Franky G Franky G (born Frank Gonzales; October 30, 1965) is an American film and television actor. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Xavier in ''Saw II'' and Wrench in the 2003 remake of ''The Italian Job'' as well as other various roles such ...
film and television actor *
Gloria Garayua Gloria Garayua (born October 18, 1978) is an American actress. Garayua made her major film debut in the 2005 comedy film '' Fun With Dick and Jane'', and is now commonly cast in guest roles on long-running series such as '' Six Feet Under'', ''We ...
film and television actress *
Aimee Garcia Aimee Sandimés Garcia López de Ordóñez (born November 28, 1978) is an American actress and writer. She is known for her television roles as Veronica Palmero on the ABC sitcom '' George Lopez'', Yvonne Sanchez on the CBS period drama ''V ...
father is from
San Juan San Juan, Spanish for Saint John, may refer to: Places Argentina * San Juan Province, Argentina * San Juan, Argentina, the capital of that province * San Juan, Salta, a village in Iruya, Salta Province * San Juan (Buenos Aires Underground), ...
* Mayte García American dancer, actress, singer, and choreographer *
Marilyn Ghigliotti Marilyn Ghigliotti (born August 10, 1961) is an American actress, producer, director and make-up artist best known for playing Veronica Loughran in ''Clerks''. Life and career ''Clerks'' director Kevin Smith cast her for her ability to cry whil ...
character actress, ''
Clerks A clerk is someone who works in an office. A retail clerk works in a store. Office holder Clerk(s) may also refer to a person who holds an office, most commonly in a local unit of government, or a court. *Barristers' clerk, a manager and adminis ...
'' *
Ian Gomez Ian Braque Gomez (born December 27, 1964) is an American actor known for his comedic TV work, which include series-regular roles as Javier on '' Felicity'' and Andy on ''Cougar Town''. Early life He was born in New York City, New York, to an art ...
actor, known for his comedic TV work, '' Felicity'', ''
Cougar Town ''Cougar Town'' is an American television sitcom that ran for 102 episodes over six seasons, from September 23, 2009, until March 31, 2015. The first three seasons aired on ABC, with the series moving to TBS for the remaining three seasons. AB ...
'' * Marga Gomez comedian, playwright, and humorist *
Reagan Gomez-Preston Reagan Amyre Gomez-Preston (born April 24, 1980) is an American television, film and voice actress. She is known for her roles as Zaria Peterson on The WB sitcom '' The Parent 'Hood'' (1995–1999) and Roberta Tubbs on the FOX animated comed ...
American actress of Puerto Rican and African descent *
Rick Gonzalez Rick Gonzalez (born June 30, 1979) is an American actor and musician. He is known for his roles as Timo Cruz in the motion picture ''Coach Carter'', as Spanish in '' Old School'', as Ben Gonzalez on the CW supernatural drama television series ' ...
actor, film ''Coach Carter'', television series ''Reaper'' * La'Myia Good actress *
Meagan Good Meagan Monique Good is an American actress. She first gained critical attention for her role in the film ''Eve's Bayou'' (1997), prior to landing the role of Nina in the Nickelodeon sitcom ''Cousin Skeeter'' (1998–2001). Good received further ...
actress * Camille Guaty actress *
Luis Guzmán Luis Guzmán (born August 28, 1956) is a Puerto Rican actor. His career spans over 40 years and includes a number of films and television series. He has appeared in the Paul Thomas Anderson films ''Boogie Nights'' (1997), ''Magnolia'' (1999) an ...
actor *
April Lee Hernández April Lee Hernandez (born January 31, 1980) is an American film and television actress. She has also been credited as April L. Hernandez and April Hernandez-Castillo. Personal life Hernandez grew up near the Grand Concourse in The Bronx. She i ...
actress *
Kristin Herrera Kristin Lisa Herrera (born February 21, 1989) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Dana Cruz on the first season of the Nickelodeon series '' Zoey 101'' and as Lourdes Del Torro on '' General Hospital''. Career Herrera was b ...
actress, ''
Zoey 101 ''Zoey 101'' is an American comedy drama television series created by Dan Schneider for Nickelodeon. It aired from January 9, 2005, to May 2, 2008. It focuses on the lives of Zoey Brooks ( Jamie Lynn Spears), her brother Dustin ( Paul Butcher), ...
'' * Jon Huertas American actor, ''
Castle A castle is a type of fortified structure built during the Middle Ages predominantly by the nobility or royalty and by military orders. Scholars debate the scope of the word ''castle'', but usually consider it to be the private fortified r ...
''; of Puerto Rican and African descent * Mark Indelicato actor and singer, ''
Ugly Betty ''Ugly Betty'' is an American comedy-drama television series developed by Silvio Horta, which was originally broadcast on ABC. It premiered on September 28, 2006, and ended on April 14, 2010. The series is based on Fernando Gaitán's Colombi ...
'' * Vincent Irizarry actor * Shar Jackson American actress; of African, Puerto Rican and Mexican descent * Cherie Johnson American actress, ''
Punky Brewster ''Punky Brewster'' is an American Situation comedy, sitcom television series about a young girl (Soleil Moon Frye) being raised by a foster parent (George Gaynes). The show ran on NBC from September 16, 1984, to March 9, 1986, and again in Broad ...
'', ''
Family Matters ''Family Matters'' is an American television sitcom that debuted on ABC on September 22, 1989, and ended on May 9, 1997. However it moved to CBS, where it was shown from September 19, 1997, to July 17, 1998. A spin-off of '' Perfect Strangers, ...
''; of African American and Puerto Rican descent *
Raúl Juliá Raúl Rafael Carlos Juliá y Arcelay (March 9, 1940 – October 24, 1994) was a Puerto Rican actor. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he took an interest in acting while still in school and pursued the career upon completion of his studies. After ...
(1940–1994) Puerto Rican actor and playwright *
Victoria Justice Victoria Dawn Justice (born February 19, 1993) is an American actress and singer. She has received several accolades, including two Young Artist Awards and nominations for three Imagen Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and three Kids' Choice Award ...
American actress, singer, and songwriter; mother is Puerto Rican *
Eva LaRue Eva Maria LaRue (; born December 27, 1966) is an American actress and model. She is known for her roles as Maria Santos on ''All My Children'' and Det. Natalia Boa Vista on '' CSI: Miami''. Early life LaRue was born in Long Beach, Californi ...
American actress, ''
CSI: Miami ''CSI: Miami'' (''Crime Scene Investigation: Miami'') is an American police procedural drama television series that ran from September 23, 2002 until April 8, 2012 on CBS. Featuring David Caruso as Lieutenant Horatio Caine, Emily Procter as Detec ...
''; of
French French (french: français(e), link=no) may refer to: * Something of, from, or related to France ** French language, which originated in France, and its various dialects and accents ** French people, a nation and ethnic group identified with Franc ...
, Puerto Rican,
Dutch Dutch commonly refers to: * Something of, from, or related to the Netherlands * Dutch people () * Dutch language () Dutch may also refer to: Places * Dutch, West Virginia, a community in the United States * Pennsylvania Dutch Country People E ...
, and Scottish ancestries *
John Leguizamo John Alberto Leguizamo Peláez (; ; born July 22, 196013:04) is an American actor, comedian, and film producer. He has appeared in over 100 films, produced over 20 films and documentaries, made over 30 television appearances, and has produced ...
American actor, born in Colombia to a Puerto Rican parent. *
Adrianne Leon Adrianne is a given name. It is the feminine form of the male name Adrian. People named Adrianne include: * Adrianne Allen (1907–1993), English stage actress * Adrianne Baughns-Wallace (born 1944), American television journalist * Adrianne Byrd ...
American actress, singer-songwriter, guitarist; of Puerto Rican,
Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, an ethnic group or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance language *** Regional Ita ...
and
Canadian Canadians (french: Canadiens) are people identified with the country of Canada. This connection may be residential, legal, historical or cultural. For most Canadians, many (or all) of these connections exist and are collectively the source of ...
descent * Sunshine Logroño actor, radio announcer, television show host, singer, comedy writer, entrepreneur and comedian; American born and of Puerto Rican descent; raised in Puerto Rico * Priscilla Lopez American singer, dancer, and actress; of Puerto Rican descent *
Gina Lynn Tanya Mercado (born February 15, 1974), known professionally as Gina Lynn, is an American former pornographic actress, model, and stripper. She was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame in 2010 and is the '' Penthouse'' magazine Penthouse Pet for ...
Puerto Rican pornographic actress; raised in New Jersey * Justina Machado actress, '' Six Feet Under'' *
Sonia Manzano Sonia Manzano (born 1950) is an American actress, screenwriter, author, singer and songwriter. She is best known for playing Maria on ''Sesame Street'' from 1971 to 2015. She received a Lifetime Achievement Daytime Emmy Award in 2016. Her mem ...
American actress and writer, ''
Sesame Street ''Sesame Street'' is an American educational children's television series that combines live-action, sketch comedy, animation and puppetry. It is produced by Sesame Workshop (known as the Children's Television Workshop until June 2000 ...
'' * Eddie Marrero American actor * Tony Martinez (1920–2002) Puerto Rican actor, singer, and
bandleader A bandleader is the leader of a music group such as a rock or pop band or jazz quartet. The term is most commonly used with a group that plays popular music as a small combo or a big band, such as one which plays jazz, blues, rhythm and blues o ...
; ''
The Real McCoys ''The Real McCoys'' is an American situation comedy starring Walter Brennan, Richard Crenna, and Kathleen Nolan. Co-produced by Danny Thomas's Marterto Productions in association with Walter Brennan and Irving Pincus's Westgate Compan ...
'' TV series; US resident *
Ricardo Medina, Jr. Ricardo Medina Jr. (often referred to as Rick Medina) is an American former actor. He is best known for his role as Cole Evans, the Red Wild Force Ranger on the TV series ''Power Rangers Wild Force'', and later as Deker, the half-human cursed Ni ...
American actor, ''
Power Rangers Wild Force ''Power Rangers Wild Force'' is a television series and the tenth season of Power Rangers. It is also the anniversary season of the ''Power Rangers'' franchise, based on the 25th Super Sentai series ''Hyakujuu Sentai Gaoranger'', which itself w ...
''; of Puerto Rican descent *
Jorge Merced Jorge B. Merced (born 1965) is a New York-based Puerto Rican actor, theatre director, and gay activist. He is associate artistic director of Pregones Theater, a bilingual (Spanish/English) Puerto Rican/ Latino theater company located near Host ...
New York-based Puerto Rican actor, theater director, and gay activist *
Lin-Manuel Miranda Lin-Manuel Miranda (; born January 16, 1980) is an American songwriter, actor, playwright and filmmaker. He is known for creating the Broadway musicals ''Hamilton'' (2015) and '' In the Heights'' (2005), and the soundtracks for the Disney animat ...
(born 1980) American actor, composer, lyricist, singer, rapper, actor, producer, and playwright, known by his roles in
Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...
musicals. He is of mostly Puerto Rican descent, but he also is a quarter Mexican. * Ruby Modine American actress to a Puerto Rican mother. *
Esai Morales Esai Manuel Morales Jr. (born October 1, 1962) is an American actor. He has had notable roles in the films '' Bad Boys'' with Sean Penn and '' La Bamba'' with Lou Diamond Phillips (1987). His television roles include the PBS 2002 drama series '' ...
American actor, '' La Bamba'' *
Rita Moreno Rita Moreno (born Rosa Dolores Alverío Marcano; December 11, 1931) is a Puerto Rican actress, dancer, and singer. Noted for her work across different areas of the entertainment industry, she has appeared in numerous film, television, and thea ...
Puerto Rican singer, dancer and actress; US resident *
Frankie Muniz Francisco Muniz IV (; born December 5, 1985) is an American actor. He is best known for playing the title character in the Fox sitcom ''Malcolm in the Middle'' (2000–2006), which earned him an Emmy Award nomination and two Golden Globe Award ...
American actor, ''
Malcolm in the Middle ''Malcolm in the Middle'' is an American family television sitcom created by Linwood Boomer for Fox. The series premiered on January 9, 2000, and ended on May 14, 2006, after seven seasons and 151 episodes. The series follows a dysfunction ...
''; father is Puerto Rican, mother is of Italian and Irish descent *
Christian Navarro Christian Lee Navarro (born August 21, 1991) is an American actor known for playing Tony Padilla in the Netflix series ''13 Reasons Why''. He also had a recurring role in the HBO series ''Vinyl'' as he works on other movie projects such as ''Ca ...
American actor of Puerto Rican descent ( 13 Reasons Why) * Taylor Negron American writer, actor, and stand-up comedian; of Puerto Rican descent * Micaela Nevárez Puerto Rican actress; has appeared in independent and European films; family immigrated to the US when she was 10 *
Amaury Nolasco Amaury Nolasco Garrido (born December 24, 1970) is a Puerto Rican actor and producer, best known for the role of Fernando Sucre on the Fox television series ''Prison Break'', and for his role in ''Transformers''. Early life Nolasco was born ...
Puerto Rican actor, television series ''
Prison Break ''Prison Break'' is an American serial drama television series created by Paul Scheuring for Fox. The series revolves around two brothers, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) and Michael Scofield ( Wentworth Miller); Burrows has been sentenced ...
'', film ''
Transformers ''Transformers'' is a media franchise produced by American toy company Hasbro and Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. It primarily follows the Autobots and the Decepticons, two alien robot factions at war that can transform into other forms, ...
'' * Miguel A. Núñez Jr. American actor of Puerto Rican and Dominican descentDominican Americans
/ref> *
Tony Oliver Tony Oliver is an American voice actor best known for voicing Rick Hunter from '' Robotech'', Lancer from ''Fate/stay night'', and Arsène Lupin III from '' Lupin the Third''. He helped produce the live action shows '' Mighty Morphin Power Ran ...
Puerto Rican born American voice actor (''
Robotech ''Robotech'' is a science fiction franchise that began with an 85-episode anime television series produced by Harmony Gold USA in association with Tatsunoko Production and first released in the United States in 1985. The show was adapted from ...
'', ''
Fate/stay night ''Fate/stay night'' is a Japanese visual novel developed by Type-Moon and originally released as an adult game for Windows on January 30, 2004. A version of ''Fate/stay night'' rated for ages 15 and up titled ''Fate/stay night Réalta ...
'', '' Lupin the Third''). *
Karen Olivo Karen Olivo (born August 7, 1976) is an American stage and television actor, theater educator, and singer. In 2008, Olivo originated the role of Vanessa in ''In the Heights'' on Broadway. The following year, they won the 2009 Tony Award for Best ...
American actress; of Dominican, Puerto Rican, Native American, and Chinese descent *
Ana Ortiz Ana Ortiz (born January 25, 1971) is an American actress and singer. Having pursued a career in ballet and singing from a young age, she eventually attended University of the Arts. Ortiz began her acting career in theatre, in early 2000s starred ...
American actress and singer; of Puerto Rican and Irish descent * John Ortiz American actor and artistic director/co-founder of LAByrinth Theater Company *
Ronnie Ortiz-Magro Ronald J. Ortiz-Magro Jr. (born December 4, 1985) is an American television personality, best known as one of the eight main cast members of the MTV reality series ''Jersey Shore''. Early life Ortiz-Magro was born in the Bronx in New York Cit ...
American television personality and actor; Italian-American father and Puerto Rican mother *
Lana Parrilla Lana Parrilla (born July 15, 1977) is an American actress. She was a regular cast member in the fifth season of the ABC sitcom ''Spin City'' (2000–2001) and in the fourth season of '' 24'' (2005), and starred in ''Boomtown'' (2002–2003), ' ...
American actress; Sicilian mother and Puerto Rican father *
Rosie Perez Rosa Perez (born September 6, 1964) is an American actress, choreographer, dancer, and activist. Her breakthrough came with her portrayal of Tina in the film ''Do the Right Thing'' (1989), followed by '' White Men Can't Jump'' (1992). Perez's per ...
American actress; Puerto Rican parents * Miguel Piñero (1946–1988) Puerto Rican playwright, actor, and co-founder of the
Nuyorican Poets Café The Nuyorican (Puerto Rican New Yorkers) Poets Cafe is a nonprofit organization in Alphabet City, on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. It is a bastion of the Nuyorican art movement in New York City, and has become a forum for poetry, music, hip ...
; a leading member of the Nuyorican literary movement; died in New York *
Aubrey Plaza Aubrey Christina Plaza (born June 26, 1984) is an American actress, comedian, and producer. She began her career performing improv and sketch comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater. She starred as April Ludgate on the NBC sitcom ''Pa ...
American actress, comedian and producer of Puerto Rican and English-Irish descent. *
Carlos Ponce Carlos Armando Ponce Freyre Jr. (born September 4, 1972) is a Puerto Rican actor, musician, model, and television personality. Ponce began his acting career by participating in Spanish language soap operas for Televisa and Telemundo. Ponce contin ...
Puerto Rican actor, singer, composer and television personality; lived in
Miami Miami ( ), officially the City of Miami, known as "the 305", "The Magic City", and "Gateway to the Americas", is a coastal metropolis and the county seat of Miami-Dade County in South Florida, United States. With a population of 442,241 at ...
,
Florida Florida is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States. Florida is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico, to the northwest by Alabama, to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean, and ...
* Freddie Prinze (1954–1977) American actor and comedian of Puerto Rican and German descent * Freddie Prinze Jr. American actor; son of Freddie Prinze *
Anthony Ramos Anthony Paul Ramos Martinez (born November 1, 1991) is an American actor and singer. In 2015, he originated the dual roles of John Laurens and Philip Hamilton in the Broadway musical ''Hamilton''. Ramos also appeared in the 2021 film version of ...
American actor of Puerto Rican descent. *
Luis Antonio Ramos Luis Antonio Ramos (born July 13, 1973) is an American actor who has been on and starred in various film and television shows such as ''Martin'', '' Early Edition'', ''New York Undercover'', '' In The House'', ''Friends'', ''The Shield'', '' CSI'' ...
Puerto Rican-born American actor, film and television *
Kamar de los Reyes Kamar de los Reyes (born November 8, 1967) is a Puerto Rican actor. He is best known for his portrayal of Antonio Vega on the ABC soap opera, ''One Life to Live'', and as Raul Menendez, the primary antagonist of the 2012 video game, '' Call of ...
Puerto Rican born and American raised *
Armando Riesco Armando Riesco (born December 5, 1977) is a Puerto Rican actor. Early life Riesco was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to Cuban immigrants who resettled there. He was raised in San Juan where he attended Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola. He the ...
Puerto Rican film and television actor and voice artist *
Chita Rivera Chita Rivera (born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson; January 23, 1933), is an American actress, singer and dancer best known for originating roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in ''West Side Story'', Velma Kelly in ''Chic ...
American actress, dancer, and singer best known for her roles in musical theatre. Her father was Puerto Rican. * Vanessa del Rio retired American pornographic actress; of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent *
Chita Rivera Chita Rivera (born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson; January 23, 1933), is an American actress, singer and dancer best known for originating roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in ''West Side Story'', Velma Kelly in ''Chic ...
American actress, dancer, and singer; known for her roles in musical theater; of Puerto Rican and of Scottish and Italian descent * José Rivera Puerto Rican playwright living in
Hollywood, California Hollywood is a neighborhood in the central region of Los Angeles, California. Its name has come to be a shorthand reference for the U.S. film industry and the people associated with it. Many notable film studios, such as Columbia Picture ...
*
Marquita Rivera Marquita Rivera (born María Heroína Rivera de Santiago; May 18, 1922 – October 21, 2002), a.k.a. "Queen of Latin Rhythm", was a Puerto Rican actress, singer and dancer.
(1922–2002) Puerto Rican actress, singer and dancer; dubbed the "Queen of La Conga," "Queen of Latin Rhythm," and "Latin Hurricane" *
Naya Rivera Naya Marie Rivera (; January 12, 1987July 8, 2020) was an American actress, singer, and model. Recognized for her work on the popular musical comedy-drama series '' Glee'', she received various awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and ...
American actress; of Puerto Rican, African American, and German descent *
Adam Rodriguez Adam Michael Rodriguez (born April 2, 1975)"Adam Rodriguez" (2006). ''Contemporary Theatre, Film and Television''. Vol. 71. Detroit: Gale. Accessed via ''Biography in Context'' database, August 7, 2016. is an American actor, screenwriter and ...
American actor, ''
CSI: Miami ''CSI: Miami'' (''Crime Scene Investigation: Miami'') is an American police procedural drama television series that ran from September 23, 2002 until April 8, 2012 on CBS. Featuring David Caruso as Lieutenant Horatio Caine, Emily Procter as Detec ...
''; of Puerto Rican and Cuban descentusaweekend.com - McLean - USA WEEKEND
/ref> * Elizabeth Rodriguez American actress of Puerto Rican parents * Freddy Rodriguez American actor; of Puerto Rican descent * Gina Rodriguez American actress of Puerto Rican parents (
Jane the Virgin ''Jane the Virgin'' is an American romantic comedy-drama and satirical telenovela developed by Jennie Snyder Urman. The series premiered October 13, 2014, on The CW and concluded on July 31, 2019. It is a loose adaptation of the Venezuelan t ...
) * Jai Rodríguez musician and actor, ''
Queer Eye for the Straight Guy ''Queer Eye'' is an American reality television series that premiered on the cable television network Bravo in July 2003. Originally ''Queer Eye for the Straight Guy'', the title was later shortened to broaden the overall scope. The series was cr ...
''; of Puerto Rican and Italian descent *
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Michaela Antonia Jaé Rodriguez (born January 7, 1991), formerly known as MJ Rodriguez, is an American actress and singer. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Rodriguez attended several performing arts schools in her youth before being cast in a theater ...
American actress and Singer. One of her grandparent was Puerto Rican. *
Michelle Rodríguez Mayte Michelle Rodriguez (born July 12, 1978) is an American actress. Rodriguez began her career in 2000, playing a troubled boxer in the independent sports drama film ''Girlfight'' (2000), where she won the Independent Spirit Award and Go ...
American actress, ''
Lost Lost may refer to getting lost, or to: Geography * Lost, Aberdeenshire, a hamlet in Scotland *Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, or LOST, a hiking and cycling trail in Florida, US History *Abbreviation of lost work, any work which is known to have bee ...
''; father is Puerto Rican, mother is Dominican * Ramón Rodríguez American actor of Puerto Rican descent * Zoe Saldaña American actress; Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother * Olga San Juan (1927–2009) American actress; of Puerto Rican descent *
Kiele Sanchez Kiele Michelle Sanchez ( ; born October 13, 1977) is an American actress who starred in the A&E Network drama '' The Glades''. Previously, she had starred as Anne Sorelli in The WB comedy-drama ''Related'' and as Nikki Fernandez on the main cast ...
American actress; of Puerto Rican and French descent *
Marcelino Sánchez Marcelino Sánchez (December 5, 1957 – November 21, 1986) was a Puerto Rican actor, known for playing the character Rembrandt in the 1979 film '' The Warriors''. Career Sánchez began acting in the late 1970s. His first major role was in the f ...
(1957–1986) Puerto Rican film and television actor *
Saundra Santiago Saundra Santiago (born April 13, 1957) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Det. Gina Calabrese in the NBC original crime drama series ''Miami Vice'' (1984–1990). She also played Carmen Santos on the CBS soap opera ''Guidin ...
American actress; 1980s television series ''
Miami Vice ''Miami Vice'' is an American crime drama television series created by Anthony Yerkovich and produced by Michael Mann (director), Michael Mann for NBC. The series stars Don Johnson as James "Sonny" Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo ...
''; of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent *
Ray Santiago Raymond "Ray" Santiago (born June 15, 1984 in South Bronx, New York) is an American actor of Puerto Rican descent. Early life Santiago graduated in 2002 from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School for the Arts in New York City. Career Raymond San ...
American actor * Renoly Santiago Puerto Rican-born and raised in
Union City, New Jersey Union City is a city in the northern part of Hudson County, New Jersey, United States. According to the 2020 United States Census the city had a total population of 68,589,Ruben Santiago-Hudson actor and playwright *
Jon Seda Jonathan Seda (born October 14, 1970) is a Puerto Rican actor. Seda was an amateur boxer who auditioned for and was given a role in the 1992 boxing film ''Gladiator''. He played the role of Chris Pérez alongside Jennifer Lopez in the movie '' ...
American actor; Puerto Rican parents * Josh Segarra (1986-) American actor of Puerto Rican descent (''
The Electric Company ''The Electric Company'' is an American educational children's television series produced by the Children's Television Workshop (CTW, now known as Sesame Workshop). It was co-created by Paul Dooley, Joan Ganz Cooney, and Lloyd Morrisett. The ...
'', '' Sirens'', and ''
Arrow An arrow is a fin-stabilized projectile launched by a bow. A typical arrow usually consists of a long, stiff, straight shaft with a weighty (and usually sharp and pointed) arrowhead attached to the front end, multiple fin-like stabilizers ...
'') * Gregory Sierra (1937–2021) American actor of Puerto Rican descent * Ebonie Smith Puerto Rican-born American former child actress, ''
The Jeffersons ''The Jeffersons'' is an American sitcom television series that was broadcast on CBS from January 18, 1975, to July 2, 1985, lasting 11 seasons and a total of 253 episodes. ''The Jeffersons'' is one of the longest-running sitcoms in history, ...
''; of African American and Dominican descent * Jimmy Smits American actor; of Puerto Rican and Surinamese descent *
Talisa Soto Miriam Talisa Soto (born March 27, 1967) is an American former actress and former model. She is known for portraying Bond girl Lupe Lamora in the 1989 James Bond film '' Licence to Kill'', and as Kitana in the 1995 fantasy action film ''Mortal K ...
American actress; Canadian father of Puerto Rican descent,
Italian Italian(s) may refer to: * Anything of, from, or related to the people of Italy over the centuries ** Italians, an ethnic group or simply a citizen of the Italian Republic or Italian Kingdom ** Italian language, a Romance language *** Regional Ita ...
mother *
Jeremy Suarez Jeremy Suarez (born July 6, 1990) is an American actor, best known for his role as Jordan Thomkins on '' The Bernie Mac Show'' (2001–2006), and as the voice of Koda in ''Brother Bear'' (2003) and ''Brother Bear 2'' (2006). Beginning his caree ...
American actor, film producer and director ( The Bernie Mac Show) * Rachel Ticotin American film and television actress; of Jewish and Puerto Rican descent *
Benicio del Toro Benicio Monserrate Rafael del Toro Sánchez (born February 19, 1967) is a Puerto Rican actor and producer. He has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, two Screen ...
Puerto Rican actor resident of
Pennsylvania Pennsylvania (; ( Pennsylvania Dutch: )), officially the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is a state spanning the Mid-Atlantic, Northeastern, Appalachian, and Great Lakes regions of the United States. It borders Delaware to its southeast, ...
Stated in interview on ''
Inside the Actors Studio ''Inside the Actors Studio'' is an American talk show that airs on Ovation. The series premiered in 1994 on Bravo where it aired for 22 seasons and was hosted by James Lipton from its premiere until 2018. It is taped at the Michael Schimmel C ...
'' * Liz Torres actress, singer, and American comedian; of Puerto Rican descent *
Rose Troche Rose Troche (born 1964) is an American film and television director, television producer, and screenwriter. Early life and education Troche was born to Puerto Rican parents and grew up on the north side of Chicago. In an interview she stated, " ...
(born 1964) film and television director, television producer, and screenwriter; ''
Go Fish Go Fish or Fish is a card game usually played by two to five players,
 although it can be played wi ...
''; '' Six Feet Under'', ''
The L Word ''The L Word'' is a television drama that aired on Showtime from January 18, 2004 to March 8, 2009. The series follows the lives of a group of lesbian and bisexual women who live in West Hollywood, California. The premise originated with Ile ...
''; of Puerto Rican descent * Alanna Ubach American actress; of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent * Nadine Velazquez American actress; of Puerto Rican descent * Desiree Marie Velez American actress * Eddie Velez (
The A-Team ''The A-Team'' is an American action-adventure television series that ran on NBC from January 1983 to March 1987 about former members of a fictitious United States Army Special Forces unit. The four members of the team were tried by court ma ...
) * Lauren Vélez American actress, ''
Dexter Dexter may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Dexter, the main character of the American animated series '' Dexter's Laboratory'' that aired from 1996 to 2003 * Dexter, a fictional character in the British web series ''Diary of a Bad Man'' * Dext ...
''; of Puerto Rican descent * Loraine Vélez American actress; Puerto Rican parents; sister of Lauren Vélez * Christina Vidal American actress; of Puerto Rican parents * Lisa Vidal American actress; of Puerto Rican descent *
Holly Woodlawn Holly Woodlawn (October 26, 1946 – December 6, 2015) was a transgender Puerto Rican actress and Warhol superstar who appeared in the films ''Trash'' (1970) and '' Women in Revolt'' (1971). She is also known as the Holly in Lou Reed's hit glam r ...
Puerto Rican-born transgender actress and former Warhol superstar * David Zayas American theatrical, film, and television actor, ''
Dexter Dexter may refer to: Arts and entertainment * Dexter, the main character of the American animated series '' Dexter's Laboratory'' that aired from 1996 to 2003 * Dexter, a fictional character in the British web series ''Diary of a Bad Man'' * Dext ...
''; Puerto Rican born and American raised


Directors, producer and screenwriters of films, theater and TV

*
Miguel Arteta Miguel Arteta (born 1965) is a Puerto Rican director of film and television, known for his independent film ''Chuck & Buck'' (2000), for which he received the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award, and for the films '' The Good Girl'' (2002 ...
Puerto Rican film and television director; film '' The Good Girl''; television series '' Six Feet Under'' *
Giannina Braschi Giannina Braschi (born February 5, 1953) is a Puerto Rican poet, novelist, dramatist, and scholar. Her notable works include ''Empire of Dreams'' (1988), ''Yo-Yo Boing!'' (1998) ''and United States of Banana'' (2011). Braschi writes cross-genr ...
author of experimental theater including
United States of Banana ''United States of Banana'' (2011) is a postmodern allegorical novel by the Puerto Rican author Giannina Braschi. It is a cross-genre work that blends experimental theatre, prose poetry, short story, and political philosophy with a manifesto on ...
* Ivonne Belén Puerto Rican documentary film director and producer *
Richard Peña Richard Peña (born 1953) is a Professor of Professional Practice at the Columbia University School of The Arts. He was formerly program director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center (organizers of the New York Film Festival and the New Direc ...
American film festival organizer,
New York Film Festival The New York Film Festival (NYFF) is a film festival held every fall in New York City, presented by Film at Lincoln Center (FLC). Founded in 1963 by Richard Roud and Amos Vogel with the support of Lincoln Center president William Schuman, i ...
; professor of film studies at
Columbia University Columbia University (also known as Columbia, and officially as Columbia University in the City of New York) is a private research university in New York City. Established in 1754 as King's College on the grounds of Trinity Church in Manhatt ...
*
Tony Taccone Tony Taccone (born July 4, 1951) is an American theater director, and the former Artistic Director of Berkeley Repertory Theatre in Berkeley, California. Early life Tony Taccone was born on July 4, 1951 in Queens, New York, to an Italian-Americ ...
American theater director; of Italian and a Puerto Rican descentHurwitt, Robert (July 5, 2006)
"Tony Taccone: Riding high on his recent successes, theater veteran has big plans for Berkeley Rep"
''Chronicle Theater Critic''. (accessed 2009-05-18) *
Joseph Vasquez Joseph is a common male given name, derived from the Hebrew Yosef (יוֹסֵף). "Joseph" is used, along with "Josef", mostly in English, French and partially German languages. This spelling is also found as a variant in the languages of the mo ...
(1962–1995) American independent filmmaker *
Fernando Allende Luis Fernando Allende Arenas (born November 10, 1952) is a Mexican singer, actor, painter, film producer, and film director. Early life Allende was born in Mexico. His father is Mexican, and his mother is from Cuba. Allende's grandfather on his f ...
singer, actor, painter, film producer, and film director


Singers and musicians


Alphabetized by surname

*
6ix9ine Daniel Hernandez (born May 8, 1996), known professionally as 6ix9ine (stylized 6IX9INE and pronounced "six nine") and also as Tekashi69, is an American rapper. His music has been marked by an aggressive style of rapping, while his controversia ...
American rapper of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent * Princess Nokia American rapper of Puerto Rican descent *
Agallah Angel Aguilar (born May 8, 1974), better known by his stage names Agallah, 8-Off, Brad Piff, Swagallah and Agallah Don Bishop, is an American rapper and producer. He was a member of The Diplomats-affiliated group Purple City and he is the CE ...
, aka "8-Off the Assassin" or "Don Bishop" Puerto Rican and Filipino-American rapper; former member of
The Diplomats The Diplomats (also known as Dipset) is an American hip hop collective formed in 1997 by childhood friends Cam'ron and Jim Jones in Harlem, New York. The group was originally composed of Cam'ron, Jim Jones and Freekey Zekey, all of whom gre ...
-affiliated group
Purple City Purple City Productions is a Harlem-based rap crew. The original members include Shiest Bub, Agallah, Un Kasa & E-Norm. In more recent years the roster has extended to include artists such as Smoke DZA, A-Mafia, Ben Bostaph, Streets da Block, ...
and the group Propain Campaign *
Johnny Albino Johnny Albino (December 9, 1919 – May 7, 2011) was a Puerto Rican bolero singer, born in Yauco, Puerto Rico but lived most of his life in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Biography Johnny Albino played and sang through his youth years. It was not un ...
(1919–2011) Puerto Rican bolero singer *
Fernando Allende Luis Fernando Allende Arenas (born November 10, 1952) is a Mexican singer, actor, painter, film producer, and film director. Early life Allende was born in Mexico. His father is Mexican, and his mother is from Cuba. Allende's grandfather on his f ...
(Mexican/Puerto Rican) With more than 100 songs recorded in 16 different projects in English and Spanish and having been the songwriter of many of these songs Fernando Allende is an icon named the ambassador to the mariachis for perpetuity in Mexico by its government. *
Tite Curet Alonso Catalino "Tite" Curet Alonso (February 26, 1926 – August 5, 2003) was a Puerto Rican composer of over 2,000 salsa songs. Early years Curet Alonso (birth name: Catalino Curet Alonso) was born in Guayama, a town located in the southern region ...
(1926–2003) composer of over 2,000 salsa songs * Melanie Amaro American-born
British Virgin Islands ) , anthem = "God Save the King" , song_type = Territorial song , song = "Oh, Beautiful Virgin Islands" , image_map = File:British Virgin Islands on the globe (Americas centered).svg , map_caption = , mapsize = 290px , image_map2 = Brit ...
singer; won the first season of '' The X Factor USA'' in 2011 *
Marc Anthony Marco Antonio Muñiz Rivera (born September 16, 1968), known professionally as Marc Anthony, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He is the top selling tropical salsa artist of all time. A three-time Grammy Award and six-time Latin Gr ...
American singer of Puerto Ricans parents *
Chucho Avellanet Chucho Avellanet, nicknamed "Chucho", is a Puerto Rican singer and comedic actor of Spanish-Català descent. External links Online Discography See also * List of Puerto Ricans {{DEFAULTSORT:Avellanet, Chucho Living people 20th-century P ...
Puerto Rican singer of ballads and pop music; son of Adolfo Avellanet *
Manolo Badrena Manolo Badrena (born March 17, 1952, in San Juan, Puerto Rico) is a percussionist most noted for his work with Weather Report from 1976 to 1977. He has made contributions to over 100 recordings that span jazz, world music, pop, and Latin music. B ...
Puerto Rican percussionist, known for his work with Weather Report from 1976 to 1977 *
Adrienne Bailon Adrienne Eliza Bailon-Houghton (née Bailon () ; born October 24, 1983) is an American television personality, singer, and actress. She is a former member of the girl groups 3LW and The Cheetah Girls. From 2013 to 2022, Bailon was a co-host of ...
American singer and actress; Puerto Rican mother, Ecuadorian father *
Lloyd Banks Christopher Charles Lloyd (born April 30, 1982), better known by his stage name Lloyd Banks, is an American rapper. He began his career as a member of East Coast hip hop group G-Unit, alongside childhood friends 50 Cent and Tony Yayo. After th ...
American rapper, member of G-Unit; of Puerto Rican and African American descent *
Ray Barretto Raymundo "Ray" Barretto Pagán (April 29, 1929 – February 17, 2006) was an American percussionist and bandleader of Puerto Rican descent. Throughout his career as a percussionist, he played a wide variety of Latin music styles, as well as La ...
(1929–2006) Puerto Rican jazz musician * Nessa Barrett – American singer of Puerto Rican descent * Samuel Beníquez Puerto Rican writer, composer, music producer, businessman, publicist, activist, and philanthropist * Eddie Benitez Puerto Rican guitarist * John Benitez, better known as "Jellybean Benitez" American drummer, guitarist, songwriter, DJ, remixer and music producer; of Puerto Rican descent *
Obie Bermúdez Obie Bermúdez (born January 10, 1981) is a Puerto Rican Latin pop, salsa singer and composer. Early years Bermúdez was born in Aibonito, Puerto Rico into a family who loved music. His father and grandfather were both musicians. He received ...
Puerto Rican-American R&B and salsa singer and composer * BIA American rapper *
Big Pun Christopher Lee Rios (November 10, 1971 – February 7, 2000), better known by his stage name Big Pun (short for Big Punisher), was an American rapper. Emerging from the underground hip hop scene in the Bronx borough of New York City in the e ...
(1971–2000) American rapper; of Puerto Rican descent *
Angela Bofill Angela Tomasa Bofill (born May 2, 1954) is an American singer-songwriter of Cuban- Puerto Rican origins. A New York native, Bofill began her professional career in the mid-1970s. Bofill is most known for singles such as, "This Time I'll Be Sweet ...
American R&B vocalist and songwriter; Cuban father, Puerto Rican mother *
Kid Buu , generally spelled Majin Boo in subtitles of the Japanese anime, and rendered as Djinn-Boo in the Viz Media manga, is the final antagonist in the ''Dragon Ball'' manga series created by Akira Toriyama, before the release of ''Dragon Ball Supe ...
American rapper of Puerto Rican and Sicilian descent * Tego Calderón Puerto Rican rapper and actor * Michael Camacho half of the short-lived 80s dance-pop duo
Sly Fox ''Sly Fox'' is a comedic play by Larry Gelbart, based on Ben Jonson's ''Volpone'' (''The Fox''), updating the setting from Renaissance Venice to 19th century San Francisco, and changing the tone from satire to farce. The play revolves around the ...
; born in
Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world ...
, of Puerto Rican descent * Bobby Capó (1922–1989) internationally known singer and songwriter from Puerto Rico; usually combined ballads with classical music *
Irene Cara Irene Cara Escalera (March 18, 1959 – November 25, 2022) was an American singer, songwriter and actress of Black, Puerto Rican and Cuban descent. Cara rose to prominence for her role as Coco Hernandez in the 1980 musical film '' Fame'', and f ...
American singer and actress; of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent * Kevin Ceballo singer of salsa music of Puerto Rican descent *
Chayanne Elmer Figueroa Arce (born June 28, 1968), better known under the stage name Chayanne, is a Puerto Rican Latin pop singer and actor. As a solo artist, Chayanne has released 21 albums and sold over 50 million records worldwide, making him one of ...
Puerto Rican singer; resident of
Miami Miami ( ), officially the City of Miami, known as "the 305", "The Magic City", and "Gateway to the Americas", is a coastal metropolis and the county seat of Miami-Dade County in South Florida, United States. With a population of 442,241 at ...
Chayanne: "Nada es Imposible" es un mensaje para estos tiempos difíciles (In Spanish: Chayanne: "Nothing is Impossible" is a message for these troubled times), published on 30 January 2010. Retrieved on July 20, 2011, to 0:58 pm.
/ref> * Chelo Puerto Rican hip-hop and pop singer, based in
Miami Beach, Florida Miami Beach is a coastal resort city in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It was incorporated on March 26, 1915. The municipality is located on natural and man-made barrier islands between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, the latter of which ...
* CJ American rapper *
Angel Clivillés Angel Clivilles is the stage name used by Louise Angel Sabater, a Latina dance music singer of Puerto Rican descent. She was born in the Bronx, New York, United States. Music career Louise "Angel" Mercado began her musical career in 1986, as a m ...
American singer founder and member of
The Cover Girls The Cover Girls are an all-female, New York city-based freestyle group that achieved most of its chart success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Among the group's best-known songs are " Show Me, " " Because of You," “ Don't Stop Now,” ...
*
Robert Clivillés Robert Manuel Clivillés (; born July 30, 1964
from
C + C Music Factory *
Javier Colon Javier Colon (stylized as Colón; born April 29, 1978) is an American acoustic singer-songwriter. He has referred to his style of music as being "acoustic soul." He was a member of EmcQ and The Derek Trucks Band, and worked with many musicians ...
American singer and songwriter; of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent * Willie Colón Nuyorican salsa musician * Federico A. Cordero Puerto Rican guitarist of classical music *
Corina Corina is a female given name of ancient Greek origin, derived from κόρη (''korē'') meaning "girl, maiden".Eric "Bobo" Correa of
Cypress Hill Cypress Hill is an American hip hop group from South Gate, California. They have sold over 20 million albums worldwide and have multi-platinum and platinum albums. They are considered to be among the main progenitors of West Coast and 1990 ...
, Cultura Londres Proyecto and
Sol Invicto Sol Invicto is an American music project operating as a private members association, founded by Richie Londres and Stephen Carpenter of Deftones, joined in the later years by UK drum and bass producer, Technical Itch. Music and merchandise i ...
*
Elvis Crespo Elvis Crespo Díaz (born July 30, 1971) is an Puerto Rican singer and songwriter of the Merengue genre. He has won multiple awards, including a Grammy and a Latin Grammy Award in merengue. Early years Crespo was born in New York City and was na ...
Puerto Rican singer; born in
New York City New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
; Puerto Rican parents; raised in Puerto Rico *
Joe Cuba Joe Cuba (April 22, 1931 – February 15, 2009), was an American conga drummer of Puerto Rican descent widely regarded as the "Father of Latin Boogaloo". Early years Joe Cuba (birth name: Gilberto Miguel Calderón) was born in Harlem, New York ...
(1931–2009)
Nuyorican Nuyorican is a portmanteau of the terms "New York" and "Puerto Rican" and refers to the members or culture of the Puerto Ricans located in or around New York City, or of their descendants (especially those raised or currently living in the N ...
musician; considered the "father of Latin Boogaloo"Stickball Hall of Fame
/ref> *
Daddy Yankee Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez (born February 3, 1976), known professionally as Daddy Yankee, is a Puerto Rican rapper, singer, composer, and actor. Known as the " King of Reggaetón" by music critics and fans alike, he is the artist who coined ...
Puerto Rican singer of reggaeton * Prince Markie Dee American rapper, songwriter, producer, and radio personality; member of the Fat Boys; of Puerto Rican descent * Carmen Delia Dipiní Puerto Rican singer of boleros *
Diamond Diamond is a solid form of the element carbon with its atoms arranged in a crystal structure called diamond cubic. Another solid form of carbon known as graphite is the chemically stable form of carbon at room temperature and pressure, b ...
American rapper of Puerto Rican and African-American descent from the rap group
Crime Mob Crime Mob is an American hip hop group from Atlanta consisting of six members: M.I.G., Cyco Black, Princess, Lil' Jay, Diamond, and Killa C. The group is best known for their songs " Knuck If You Buck" and " Rock Yo Hips". After an arrest in 2003 ...
* Howie Dorough American musician; oldest member of the
Backstreet Boys Backstreet Boys (often abbreviated as BSB) are an American vocal group consisting of Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, and cousins Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson. Lou Pearlman formed the group in 1993 in Orlando, Florida. The ...
; Puerto Rican mother *
Huey Dunbar Huey Dunbar (born Eustace Dunbar IV; May 15, 1974) is the former singer of Dark Latin Groove. Born in New York City, New York to a Puerto Rican mother and a Jamaican father, he was exposed to music since his earliest years due to his parents' mus ...
American former singer of Dark Latin Groove; of Jamaican and Puerto Rican descent *
Fat Joe Joseph Antonio Cartagena (born August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper from New York City. He began his music career as a member of hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.), then forged a sol ...
American rapper; parents of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent *
Cheo Feliciano Cheo Feliciano (3 July 1935 – 17 April 2014) was a Puerto Rican singer and composer of salsa and bolero music. Feliciano was the owner of a recording company called "Coche Records". He was the first tropical singer to perform at the "Amira de ...
Puerto Rican composer and singer of salsa and bolero music *
José Feliciano José Montserrate Feliciano García (born September 10, 1945) () is a Puerto Rican musician, singer and composer. He recorded many international hits, including his rendition of the Doors' "Light My Fire" and his self-penned Christmas song " F ...
Puerto Rican singer, virtuoso guitarist and composer known for many international hits; raised in New York * Pedro Flores Puerto Rican composer and bandleader * Héctor Fonseca house music DJ *
Luis Fonsi Luis Alfonso Rodríguez López-Cepero (born April 15, 1978), known by his stage name Luis Fonsi (), is a Puerto Rican singer. He is known for multiple songs, one of them being "Despacito" featuring rapper Daddy Yankee. Fonsi received his first ...
Puerto Rican singer of
pop Pop or POP may refer to: Arts, entertainment, and media Music * Pop music, a musical genre Artists * POP, a Japanese idol group now known as Gang Parade * Pop!, a UK pop group * Pop! featuring Angie Hart, an Australian band Albums * ''Pop'' ( ...
-
ballad A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music. Ballads derive from the medieval French ''chanson balladée'' or '' ballade'', which were originally "dance songs". Ballads were particularly characteristic of the popular poetry and ...
and pop- rock; resident of Florida * Angelo Garcia member of Puerto Rican boy band Menudo from 1988 to 1990 *
Mayte Garcia Mayte Jannell Garcia (; born November 12, 1973) is an American dancer, actress and singer. She was married to Prince for four years and has worked with various music artists. Early life Garcia was born on November 12, 1973, at Fort Rucker, Al ...
dancer and American singer; of Puerto Rican ancestry *
Sergio George Sergio George (born May 23, 1961) is an American pianist, arranger, and record producer, known for working with many famous performers of salsa music, although he has worked in other genres of the music industry as well. He has worked with some ...
pianist and American record producer, has worked with many famous performers of salsa music; parents are Puerto Rican *
Gisselle Gisselle Ortiz Cáceres, known simply as Gisselle (born March 28, 1969 in New York City, U.S.) is an American Merengue singer of Puerto Rican descent. Biography Musical career Gisselle was born in New York City to Puerto Rican parents. She ...
American Merengue singer; Puerto Rican parents * Jenilca Giusti Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and actress; lived in Florida since age 8 *
Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez Kenny "Dope" Gonzalez (born July 5, 1970), also sometimes known as K-Dope, is an American record producer and disc jockey. He is one half of the classic house music Masters at Work musical production team with Little Louie Vega; and also releas ...
American dance musician *
Hex Hector Hex Hector (born Héctor Ortiz on April 15, 1965) is an American music producer and remixer. He won a Grammy Award in 2001 for Best Remixer. He was born in Manhattan, New York, of a Puerto Rican mother and Cuban Cuban may refer to: * Something ...
American dance remixer; of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent *
Joseline Hernandez Joseline Hernandez (born November 3, 1986), also known as "The Puerto Rican Princess", is a Puerto Rican reality television personality, rapper, and actress. She came to prominence as a main cast member of the VH1 reality series '' Love & Hip ...
television personality and rapper from ''
Love & Hip Hop ''Love & Hip Hop'' is a media franchise that consists of several reality television series broadcast on VH1. The shows document the personal and professional lives of several hip hop and R&B musicians, performers, managers, and record producer ...
'' * Oscar Hernández Puerto Rican musicianGuernica Magazine Interview
 * Rafael Hernández Puerto Rican composer, musician and bandleader; considered by many the greatest Puerto Rican composer of popular music * Lee Holdridge Haitian-born American composer and orchestrator; of Puerto Rican and American descent *
La India Linda Viera Caballero (born March 9, 1969), better known as La India, is a Puerto Rican singer and songwriter of salsa, house music and Latin pop. La India has been nominated for both Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, winning the Latin Grammy Awa ...
Puerto Rican singer *
Nicky Jam Nick Rivera Caminero (born March 17, 1981), known professionally as Nicky Jam, is an American singer and actor. He is best known for hits such as " X", "Travesuras", "En la Cama", "Te Busco", " El Perdón", " Hasta el Amanecer", and " El Amante ...
reggaeton singer; Dominican mother, Puerto Rican father *
Jim Jones James Warren Jones (May 13, 1931 – November 18, 1978) was an American preacher, political activist and mass murderer. He led the Peoples Temple, a new religious movement, between 1955 and 1978. In what he called "revolutionary suicide ...
American rapper; of Puerto Rican and Aruban descent * Alexis Jordan American singer and actress; mother is of African American, American Indian, and European descent, father is Puerto Rican *
Big Daddy Kane Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American rapper who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and skilled MCs in ...
– American rapper of Puerto Rican and African American descent * Kelis American musical artist; father is African-American, mother is of half Puerto Rican descent * Tori Kelly – singer father is Puerto Rican and Jamaican descent * Kurious American hip hop artist; of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent * George Lamond American freestyle music singer, of Puerto Rican descent * Héctor Lavoe (1946–1993) Puerto Rican singer, resident of New York * Manny Lehman (disc jockey), Manny Lehman American house music DJ and producer * Lil Suzy half Italian, half Puerto Rican American Latin freestyle, pop- and dance-music singer * Toby Love Puerto Rican American singer-songwriter; Puerto Rican parents * Lumidee American singer-songwriter and rapper * Adrianne Leon, Adrianne León American singer-songwriter, chef, personal fitness trainer, model and actress; of Puerto Rican, Italian, and Canadian descent * Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Lisa Lisa part of the urban contemporary Cult Jam band * Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer López singer; Puerto Rican parents * Víctor Manuelle American salsa singer; of Puerto Rican descent * Bruno Mars American singer-songwriter and record producer; parents of Puerto Rican and Filipino origin * Ricky Martin Puerto Rican resident of
Los Angeles Los Angeles ( ; es, Los Ángeles, link=no , ), often referred to by its initials L.A., is the largest city in the state of California and the second most populous city in the United States after New York City, as well as one of the world ...
* Angie Martinez, Angie Martínez American radio personality, actress, and rapper * Paul Masvidal guitarist, singer, founding member of the progressive metal band Cynic; previously led the alternative rock band Æon Spoke * Maxwell (musician), Maxwell American R&B, funk and neo soul musician; Puerto Rican father * Scotty McCreery American country singer; father is Puerto Rican of American and Puerto Rican descent * Lisette Melendez, Lisette Meléndez American freestyle and Latin pop and dance-pop singer * Syesha Mercado American singer, songwriter, actress and model; of African-American and Puerto Rican descent * Julia Migenes American mezzo-soprano; of Greek, Irish and Puerto Rican descent *
Lin-Manuel Miranda Lin-Manuel Miranda (; born January 16, 1980) is an American songwriter, actor, playwright and filmmaker. He is known for creating the Broadway musicals ''Hamilton'' (2015) and '' In the Heights'' (2005), and the soundtracks for the Disney animat ...
Puerto Rican-American composer and lyricist and actor * David Morales house music DJ and American producer * Flor Morales Ramos better known as Ramito, an important singer and composer of música jíbara * Emcee N.I.C.E. American rapper, songwriter and producer; lead vocalist and rapper of KansasCali & The Rocturnals; has appeared on 28 records since 2000, including Tupac's ''Thugz Mansion'' and soundtrack of the Oscar-winning film ''Crash (2004 film), Crash''; of Puerto Rican descent * Rico Nasty – American rapper * Chuck Negron, Chuck Negrón American singer-songwriter; one of the three lead vocalists in the band (music), band Three Dog Night; Puerto Rican father, British mother * Joe Negroni (1940–1978) American rock and roll pioneer; founding member of the rock group Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers; a Nuyorican * Tito Nieves a leading salsa singer of the 1980s and early 1990s * Asia Nitollano American singer member of The Pussycat Dolls; She is half Mexican and Puerto Rican ancestryBuddy tv.com
"Asia Nitollano." Retrieved June 14, 2007. * N.O.R.E American hip hop recording artist; of Puerto Rican descent * Colby O'Donis American singer of Puerto Rican parent * Don Omar Puerto Rican reggaeton singer and rapper; resident of New Jersey * Tony Orlando American show business professional; lead singer of the group Tony Orlando and Dawn in the early 1970s; Greek father, Puerto Rican mother * Jeannie Ortega American singer of Puerto Rican descent * Claudette Ortiz American singer and model, member of R&B group City High * Joell Ortiz American rapper * Pedro Ortiz Dávila better known as Davilita, Puerto Rican singer of boleros, danzas and patriotic songs * Shalim Ortiz Puerto Rican singer; resident of Miami * Charlie Palmieri (1927–1988) bandleader and musical director of salsa music * Eddie Palmieri American pianist, bandleader and musician; born in New YorkMusic of Puerto Rico
/ref> *
Carlos Ponce Carlos Armando Ponce Freyre Jr. (born September 4, 1972) is a Puerto Rican actor, musician, model, and television personality. Ponce began his acting career by participating in Spanish language soap operas for Televisa and Telemundo. Ponce contin ...
Puerto Rican actor, singer, composer and television personality; lives in Miami * Miguel Poventud, aka "El Niño Prodigio de Guayama" and "Miguelito" (1942–1983) Puerto Rican musician, singer, actor and composer of boleros; lived in New York * Tito Puente (1923–2000) Puerto Rican singer and musician * Ivy Queen Puerto Rican, reggaeton composer and singer * Domingo Quiñones American singer of salsa music * Ismael Quintana singer and American composer of salsa music * Chamaco Ramirez, Chamaco Ramírez (1941–1983) Puerto Rican salsa singer and composer; died in New York * Val Ramos American; Puerto Rican parents * Richie Ray virtuoso pianist, singer, music arranger, composer and religious minister * Ray Reyes American born and Puerto Rican raised * Ron Reyes American musician; second singer for the group Black Flag (band), Black Flag; of Puerto Rican descent * Gabriel Ríos Puerto Rican pop singer * Graciela Rivera (1921–2011) first Puerto Rican to sing a lead role at the Metropolitan Opera in New York * Maso Rivera virtuoso cuatro player * Mon Rivera – singer, composer and bandleader who specialized in plans; known as Mr. Trabalenguas * Robb Rivera – drummer for heavy rock band Nonpoint; American born, father is Puerto Rican, lived on the island as a teenager. Father served in US Army in Korea and Vietnam * Robbie Rivera DJ producer * Chino Rodriguez, Chino Rodríguez (born 1954) music producer, band leader, musician, manager, booking agent, record company executive, business consultant, and American record label owner, specializing in Latin music (genre), Latin music, most notably Salsa music, salsa and Latin jazz; American-born, of Puerto Rican descent * Daniel Rodríguez (tenor) American operatic tenor from New York City * Tito Rodríguez (1923–1973) Puerto Rican singer and bandleader, known as "El inolvidable"Music of Puerto Rico
/ref> * Omar Rodríguez-López Puerto Rican singer and musician lead guitar for At the Drive-In and Mars Volta * Draco Rosa American musician, dancer, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and actor * Willie Rosario musician, composer and Puerto Rican bandleader of salsa music * Felipe Rose (born 1954) American founding member of disco group the Village People; mother is Puerto Rican, father is Native American * Frankie Ruiz (1958–1998) Puerto Rican salsa singer * Hilton Ruiz (1952–2006) Puerto Rican American jazz pianist in the Afro-Cuban jazz mold; resident of Teaneck, New Jersey * Sa-Fire American singer * Jimmy Sabater, Sr. (1936–2012) American Latin musician; parents were Puerto RicanThedeadrockstarsclub.com
accessed February 12, 2012 * Bobby Sanabria American drummer, percussionist, composer, arranger, bandleader, educator, producer, and writer specializing in Latin jazz; of Puerto Rican descent * Claudio Sanchez, Claudio Sánchez American writer and musician * Gilberto Santa Rosa American salsa singer; of Puerto Rican descent * Herman Santiago rock and roll pioneer and songwriter; claimed to have written the iconic hit "Why Do Fools Fall in Love (song), Why Do Fools Fall In Love"; Puerto Rican born and Nuyorucan raised * Daniel Santos (singer), Daniel Santos (1916–1992) Puerto Rican singer and composer of boleros and guarachas; died in Florida * Ray Santos American Latin Grammy award-winning musician * Romeo Santos American singer, featured composer and lead singer of the Bachata group Aventura (band), Aventura; of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent * Ray Sepúlveda Puerto Rican American salsa singer * Myrta Silva Puerto Rican singer and composer of guarachas as well as television hostess and producer * Brenda K. Starr American singer-songwriter; Jewish American father, Puerto Rican mother * Olga Tañon Puerto Rican singer; resident of Orlando, Florida * Juan Tizol (1900–1984) Puerto Rican trombonist and composer * Ray Toro guitarist of My Chemical Romance * Manoella Torres "the woman who was born to sing"; American singer and actress; of Puerto Rican descent; resident of Mexico * Tommy Torres Puerto Rican producer, singer, and songwriter * Tony Touch American hip hop break dancer, rapper, DJ, producer and actor; of Puerto Rican descent * Mario Vazquez, Mario Vázquez pop and R&B American singer; Puerto Rican parents * Alan Vega American vocalist * Little Louie Vega American musician; half of the Masters At Work musical production team * Jamila Velazquez, American singer and actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent * Veronica (singer), Veronica American dance music singer and theatrical actress; parents were Puerto Rican * Vico C Puerto Rican rapper and reggaeton artist; considered one of the founding fathers of reggaeton; influential in the development of Latin American hip hop; American of Puerto Rican descent and raised in Puerto Rico * Y-Love American hip-hop artist; Ethiopian father, Puerto Rican mother * Yomo Puerto Rican reggaeton recording artist


Groups

* Hoax (band), Hoax alternative rock band, including Frantz N. Cesar of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent * Kane & Abel (group), Kane & Abel rap duo of twin brothers Daniel and David Garcia; of African American and Puerto Rican descent * Nina Sky twin sister singers; American of Puerto Rican parentsArtists
 * Sweet Sensation (trio), Sweet Sensation Puerto Rican female freestyle-dance music trio of New York * TKA Latin freestyle trio, prominent in the 1980s and early 1990s * Wisin & Yandel Puerto Rican group


Models and dancers

* Arthur Aviles dancer and choreographer; of Puerto Rican descent * Denise Bidot plus-size model who is of Puerto Rican and Kuwaiti descent * Crazy Legs (dancer), Crazy Legs breakdancer, president of Rock Steady Crew * Susie Castillo former beauty queen; held the Miss USA title; competed in the Miss Teen USA and Miss Universe pageants; Dominican father, Puerto Rican motherCastillo, Susie, "My 'Mass.' Mania"
, ''New York Post'' June 6, 2007 * Carmella DeCesare American model; ''Playboy'' magazine's Miss April 2003 and Playmate of the Year 2004; of Italian and Puerto Rican descent * Michelle Font beauty queen; Miss Washington USA; competed in the 2008 Miss USA pageant; of Cuban and Puerto Rican descent * Jaslene Gonzalez Puerto Rican-American model, Puerto Rican born and American raised * Melanie Iglesias American model and actress; of Puerto Rican, Italian, and Filipino heritage * Danielle Polanco dancer and choreographer; Dominican-Puerto Rican American * Pam Rodriguez American glamour model; of Guatemalan and Puerto Rican descent * Jock Soto principal ballet dancer with the New York City Ballet * Madison Anderson born in the United States to an Anglo-American father and Puerto Rican mother. Model and Pageant Queen who placed First runner up at Miss Florida USA 2019 and later on represented Puerto Rico at Miss Universe 2019 and placed First runner up again


Sports

* Benjamin Agosto American figure skater; Puerto Rican father, American mother of Romanian and Russian descent * Eddie Alvarez American mixed martial artist; of Puerto Rican and Irish descent * Carmelo Anthony National Basketball Association, NBA player of basketball; American of Puerto Rican and African American descent * Carlos Arroyo professional basketball point guard, last played for the Boston Celtics * Harry Arroyo American former boxer * José Juan Barea National Basketball Association, NBA player; Puerto Rican resident of Miami * Wilfred Benítez American boxer * Héctor Camacho Puerto Rican professional boxer * Héctor Camacho, Jr. Puerto Rican boxer and son of Héctor * Eddie Casiano basketball player; American born and Puerto Rican raised; of Puerto Rican descent * Orlando Cepeda Puerto Rican born, American raised * Julie Chu American Olympic ice hockey player; plays forward on the US women's ice hockey team; Chinese and Puerto Rican * Roberto Clemente (1934–1972) Puerto Rican Major League Baseball right fielder; National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Hall of Fame * Alex Cora former infielder in Major League Baseball, currently general manager of the Boston Red Sox * Victor Cruz (American football), Victor Cruz wide receiver in the NFL * Guillermo Diaz (basketball), Guillermo Diaz Puerto Rican professional basketball player; National Basketball Association, NBA * Homicide (wrestler), Nelson Erazo American professional wrestler, better known by his ring name "Homicide"; of Puerto Rican descent * Justin Fargas American football running back; free agent in the NFL; son of
Antonio Fargas Antonio Juan Fargas (born August 14, 1946) is an American actor known for his roles in 1970s blaxploitation and comedy movies, as well as his portrayal as Huggy Bear in the 1970s TV series ''Starsky & Hutch''. Early life Fargas was born in New Y ...
* Sunny Garcia American professional surfer * Ernie Gonzalez American professional golfer of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent. * Herbert Lewis Hardwick, aka "Cocoa Kid" (1914–1966) boxer, inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2012; born in Puerto Rico; Puerto Rican mother, African American father * James Chico Hernandez, James "Chico" Hernandez American Sambo athlete; a seven-time member of the USA National Team * Oscar Hernández (musician), Oscar Hernandez musician, musical arranger and American producer; of Puerto Rican descent * Shawn Hernandez American professional wrestler, better known by his ring names "Hotstuff Hernandez" and "Hernandez"; of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent * Reggie Jackson nicknamed "Mr. October" for his clutch hitting in the postseason with the New York Yankees; former American Major League Baseball right fielder; father was Martinez Jackson, half Puerto Rican * Karrion Kross, Kevin Kesar American professional wrestler better known by his ring names "Killer Kross" and "Karrion Kross"; of Central American and Puerto Rican descent * Butch Lee National Basketball Association, NBA player; born in Puerto Rico, raised in New York * Michael Lowell Puerto Rican Major League Baseball third baseman for the Boston Red Sox; Puerto Rican born, American raised * Edgar Martínez nicknamed "Gar" and "Papi"; former Major League Baseball third baseman and designated hitter * Damian Priest, Luis Martínez American professional wrestler known by his ring names "Punishment Martinez", "Punisher Martinez", and "Damian Priest"; born in the Puerto Rican Diaspora of New York, raised in Dorado, Puerto Rico * Vanessa Martínez Puerto Rican swimmer, represented Puerto Rico at the 2003 Pan American Games * Denise Masino American professional female bodybuilder from the U.S. * Santana and Ortiz, Miguel Molina American professional wrestler known by his ring names "Angel Ortiz" and "Ortiz"; a Nuyorican; tag team partner of fellow Nuyorican professional wrestler Santana * Carlos Ortiz (boxer), Carlos Ortiz Puerto Rican three-time world boxing champion, twice in the lightweight division and once in the junior welterweights * Sam Parrilla (1943–1994) left fielder and pinch-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1970; played in the minor leagues 1963–1972; father of actress
Lana Parrilla Lana Parrilla (born July 15, 1977) is an American actress. She was a regular cast member in the fifth season of the ABC sitcom ''Spin City'' (2000–2001) and in the fourth season of '' 24'' (2005), and starred in ''Boomtown'' (2002–2003), ' ...
* Travis Pastrana American motorsports competitor and stunt performer * Orlando Perez American footballer of C.D. Chivas USA * Rico Ramos American super bantamweight boxer and current WBA world super bantamweight champion * Edwin Rios Puerto Rican baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, World Series Champions of 2020. * Ramón Rivas Puerto Rican professional basketball player; born in New York, of Puerto Rican descent * Jorge Rivera (fighter), Jorge Rivera American mixed martial artist; featured on ''The Ultimate Fighter 4''; of Puerto Rican descent; born in Massachusetts; lived in Puerto Rico for a short time as a child * Ron Rivera American football player and head coach * Chi Chi Rodriguez Puerto Rican professional golfer * John Ruiz former American professional boxer * Santana and Ortiz, Mike Sanchez American professional wrestler known by his ringnames "Mike Draztik" and "Santana"; a Nuyorican; tag team partner of fellow Nuyorican professional wrestler Ortiz * Daniel Santiago professional American basketball player; of Puerto Rican descent * Shakur Stevenson American professional boxer of half-Puerto Rican descent * Zelina Vega, Thea Trinidad American professional wrestler known by her ring names "Rosita" and "Zelina Vega"; of Puerto Rican descent; wife of Dutch professional wrestler Aleister Black * Lisa Marie Varon American professional wrestler, bodybuilder and fitness competitor; of Puerto Rican and Turkish descent


Criminals

* Salvador Agron, Salvador Agrón, aka "The Capeman" (1943–1986) Puerto Rican gang member who murdered two teenagers in a Hell's Kitchen park in 1959 * Ariel Castro former school bus driver who kidnapped, raped, and tortured three women in Cleveland, Ohio and held them captive for a decade * Raymond Márquez, aka "Spanish Raymond" reputed American gangster; parents are from Puerto Rico * José Padilla (prisoner), José Padilla, aka Abdullah al-Muhajir or Muhajir Abdullah American convicted of aiding terrorists


Diplomats

* Mari Carmen Aponte US Ambassador to El Salvador * Adrian A. Basora American diplomat, and former US Ambassador to the Czech Republic * César Benito Cabrera former US Ambassador to Mauritius and the Seychelles * Gabriel Guerra-Mondragón US Ambassador to Chile 1994–1998 * Luis Guinot former US Ambassador to Costa Rica * Hans Hertell former US Ambassador to the Dominican Republic * Victor Marrero former US Ambassador to the Organization of American States, OAS * Carmen Maria Martinez former US Ambassador to Zambia * Spencer Matthews King former US Ambassador to Guyana * Edward G. Miller, Jr. (1911–1968) lawyer; Assistant Secretary of State for Inter-American Affairs 1949–1952 * Teodoro Moscoso former US Ambassador to Venezuela and head of Alliance for Progress * Horacio Rivero Admiral (Ret.), former US Ambassador to Spain


Educators

* Joseph M. Acaba, Joseph M. Acabá educator, hydrogeologist, and NASA astronaut; American of Puerto Rican parentAstronomy PR
 * Edwin David Aponte educator, author, religious leader, scholar of Latino religions and cultures; born in Connecticut to Puerto Rican parents * Frank Bonilla (1925–2010) American academic of Puerto Rican descent who became a leading figure in Puerto Rican Studies. * Ramón E. López American space physicist and author; played an instrumental role in the implementation of a hands-on science program in elementary and middle grades Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland * Andres Ramos Mattei (1940–1987) Puerto Rican sugar industry historian; died in New Brunswick, New Jersey * Carlos Albizu Miranda (1920–1984) first Hispanic educator to have a North American University renamed in his honor; one of the first Hispanics to earn a Ph.D. in psychology in the US; Puerto Rican born and American raisedUniversia Puerto Rico
/ref> * Antonia Pantoja (1922–2002) educator, social worker, feminist, civil rights leader; founder of ASPIRA Association, ASPIRA, the Puerto Rican Forum, Boricua College and Producir * Ángel Ramos (educator), Ángel Ramos founder of the National Hispanic Council of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Superintendent of the Idaho School for the Deaf and the Blind; one of the few deaf people of Hispanic descent to earn a doctorate from Gallaudet University * Carlos E. Santiago Puerto Rican American labor economist; 7th chancellor of University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee * Ninfa Segarra last President of the Board of Education, New York City Board of Education


Journalists

* Veronica Cintron Award Winning primetime solo anchor * María Celeste Arrarás journalist and TV news presenter * Lynda Baquero American correspondent for WNBC news in New York City; of Puerto Rican ancestry * Marysol Castro American television journalist and weather anchor for ''The Early Show'' on CBS * Carmen Dominicci television journalist * Jackie Guerrido Puerto Rican television weather forecaster and journalist * Juan Gonzalez (journalist), Juan Gonzalez Puerto Rican born investigative journalist * Kimberly Guilfoyle American cable news personality; one of the rotating co-hosts on ''The Five'' on Fox News Channel; host of an Internet-only crime-related program for Fox News; Puerto Rican mother, Irish father * Alycia Lane American television journalist; of Puerto Rican and Welsh descent * Lynda López Emmy Award-winning Puerto Rican American journalist; youngest sister of actress and singer Jennifer Lopez * Natalie Morales (journalist), Natalie Morales television journalist * Denisse Oller Puerto Rican broadcaster, journalist, newspaper columnist; former cooking show host and news anchor at WXTV in New York City * Audrey Puente American meteorologist for WWOR-TV in New York City; daughter of Tito Puente * Carlos D. Ramirez (1946–1999) American publisher; purchased ''El Diario La Prensa'', the oldest Spanish-language newspaper in the US * Jorge L. Ramos Puerto Rican announcer of Telemundo's New York City affiliate; moved to
New York City New York, often called New York City or NYC, is the List of United States cities by population, most populous city in the United States. With a 2020 population of 8,804,190 distributed over , New York City is also the L ...
in 1976 * Craig Rivera American television journalist, producer, and correspondent for Fox News Channel; father was a Puerto Rican of Sephardic Jew descent * Geraldo Rivera American talk-show host, journalist; brother of Craig Rivera * Darlene Rodriguez American co-anchor of ''Today'' in New York; of Puerto Rican ancestry * Edna Schmidt American journalist; former news anchor for ''Noticiero Univision Edicion Nocturna'' * Ray Suarez television and radio journalist * Elizabeth Vargas television journalist; American of Puerto Rican descentElizabeth Vargas
/ref> * Jane Velez-Mitchell American award-winning television journalist and bestselling author; mother is Puerto Rican, father is Irish American


Judges and law enforcement

* Jose Baez (lawyer), Jose Báez criminal defense attorney; notable for his defense of accused child murderer Caylee Anthony, Casey Anthony * José A. Cabranes judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit; formerly a practicing lawyer, government official, and law teacher; first Puerto Rican appointed to a federal judgeship in the continental US * Albert Diaz (judge), Albert Díaz American judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; parents are Puerto Rican * Nicholas Estavillo first Puerto Rican and first Hispanic in the history of the NYPD to reach the three-star rank of Chief of PatrolNew York, NY - Veteran NYPD Chief Of Patrol To Retire
/ref> * Faith Evans (U.S. Marshal), Faith Evans Hawaiian-Puerto Rican; first woman to be named U.S. Marshal * Julio M. Fuentes Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; first Hispanic judge to serve the Third Circuit; Puerto Rican born, American raised * Juan Manuel García Passalacqua (1937–2010) political commentator, lawyer; Puerto Rican, died in Ohio * Dora Irizarry Puerto Rican federal judge in New York * Irma Lozada first female police officer to die in action in New YorkRecalling a Slain Officer, and the Equality of Peril
/ref> * José Meléndez-Pérez Puerto Rican-born U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspector at Orlando International Airport who became a key figure for the 9/11 Commission when he refused entry to an alleged terrorist prior to the September 11, 2001 attacks * Carmen Ortiz prosecutor attorney, Boston, Massachusetts; American born * Juan Pérez-Giménez Puerto Rican born, U.S. federal judge in senior status * Jaime Rios (judge) judge on the New York Supreme Court. * Roberto A. Rivera-Soto Associate Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court; American born, Puerto Rican raised * Vanessa Ruiz Puerto Rican associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the highest court for the District of Columbia * Benito Romano first American of Puerto Rican heritage to hold the US Attorney's post in New York on an interim basis * Joe Sánchez American highly decorated former New York City police officer; author whose books give an insight as to the corruption within the department; parents are Puerto Rican * Sonia Maria Sotomayor Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the U.S. since August 2009; the Court's 111th justice, its first Hispanic justice, and its third female justice * Edgardo Ramos United States District Judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York since 2011. * Edwin Torres (judge), Edwin Torres New York state supreme court judge and author; parents are Puerto Rican * Juan R. Torruella Puerto Rican jurist; currently a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit; first and to date only Hispanic to serve in that court


Military

* Joseph B. Aviles, Sr., Joseph B. Avilés (1897–1990) served in the U.S. Navy and later in the Coast Guard; in 1925, became the first Hispanic Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard; Puerto Rican, lived in Maryland * Rafael Celestino Benítez (1917–1999) highly decorated submarine commander who led the rescue effort of the crew members of the USS ''Cochino'' during the Cold War * José M. Cabanillas (1901–1979) Puerto Rican executive Officer of the USS ''Texas'', which participated in the invasions of North Africa and the Battle of Normandy (D-Day) during World War II; died in Virginia * Iván Castro U.S. Army officer who has continued serving on active duty in the Special Forces despite losing his eyesight; parents are Puerto Rican * Richard Carmona American physician and public health administrator * Carmen Contreras-Bozak (born 1919) first Hispanic to serve in the U.S. Women's Army Corps, where she served as an interpreter and in numerous administrative positions; Puerto Rican; lives in Tampa, FloridaYoung woman's life defined by service in Women's Army Corps
 * Linda Garcia Cubero, Linda García Cubero former U.S. Air Force officer; of Mexican-American-Puerto Rican descent * Ruben A. Cubero, Rubén A. Cubero highly decorated member of the U.S. Air Force; first Hispanic graduate of the US Air Force Academy to be named Dean of the Faculty of the academy; parents were Puerto RicanBrigadier General Ruben A. Cubero
, Retrieved August 15, 2011 * Alberto Díaz, Jr. first Hispanic Director of the San Diego Naval District and Balboa Naval Hospital; Puerto Rican born and raised * Rafael O'Ferrall United States Army officer; first Hispanic of Puerto Rican descent to become the Deputy Commanding General for the Joint Task Force at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba * Salvador E. Felices (1923–1987) first Puerto Rican to reach the rank of major general (two-star) in the U.S. Air Force; died in Florida * Diego E. Hernández retired U.S. Navy officer; first Hispanic to be named Vice Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command; Puerto Rican resident of Miami * Lester Martínez López, MD, MPH (born 1955) first Hispanic to head the Army Medical and Research Command at Fort Detrick, Maryland * Carlos Lozada (Medal of Honor), Carlos Lozada (1946–1967) member of the U.S. Army; one of five Puerto Ricans who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for their actions in combat; Puerto Rican born, raised in New York City * Angel Mendez, Ángel Méndez (1946–1967) U.S. Marine, posthumously awarded the Navy Cross * Virgil Rasmuss Miller (1900–1968) U.S. Army officer who served as Regimental Commander of the 442d Regimental Combat Team, a unit composed of "Nisei" (second generation Americans of Japanese descent), during World War II * Héctor Andrés Negroni Puerto Rican historian, senior aerospace defense executive, author; first Puerto Rican graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy; lives in Vienna, Virginia * Antonia Novello Puerto Rican physician and public health administrator; US Surgeon General * María Inés Ortiz (1967–2007) first American nurse to die in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom; first Army nurse to die in combat since the Vietnam War; parents were Puerto Rican * Hector E. Pagan, Héctor E. Pagán U.S. Army officer; first Hispanic of Puerto Rican descent to become Deputy Commanding General of the US Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina * José M. Portela retired officer of the U.S. Air Force; served in the position of Assistant Adjutant General for Air while also serving as commander of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard * Marion Frederic Ramirez de Arellano, Marion Frederic Ramírez de Arellano (1913–1980) submarine commander in the US Navy; first Hispanic submarine commanding officer * Frederick Lois Riefkohl (1889–1969) Puerto Rican officer in the U.S. Navy; first Puerto Rican to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy and to be awarded the Navy Cross; lived and died in Florida * Rudolph W. Riefkohl (1885–1950) U.S. Army officer; instrumental in helping the people of Poland overcome the 1919 typhus epidemic * Pedro N. Rivera retired Puerto Rican US Air Force officer; in 1994 became the first Hispanic medical commander in the Air Force; lives in Alexandria, Virginia * Elmelindo Rodrigues Smith (1935–1967) – U.S. Army soldier posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War; of Puerto Rican descent * Augusto Rodríguez (soldier), Augusto Rodríguez Puerto Rican officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War; immigrated to the US in the 1850s"The Puerto Rican Diaspora: historical perspectives"; By Carmen Teresa Whalen, Víctor Vázquez-Hernandez; page 176; Publisher: Temple University Press; ; * Pedro Rodríguez (soldier), Pedro Rodríguez (1912–1999) earned two Silver Stars within a seven-day period during the Korean War; Puerto Rican; died in Washington, D.C.Arlington National Cemetery
/ref> * Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas (1888–1932) Puerto Rican odontologist (dentist), scientist and a major in the US Army; discovered the bacteria which causes cavities; died in Washington, D.C. * Maritza Sáenz Ryan U.S. Army officer; head of the Department of Law at the US Military Academy; first woman and first Hispanic West Point graduate to serve as an academic department head; Puerto Rican father, Spanish motherPointer View
/ref> * Héctor Santiago-Colón (1942–1968) one of five Puerto Ricans posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the U.S.; Puerto Rican from New York * Frances M. Vega (1983–2003) first female soldier of Puerto Rican descent to die in a combat zone, in Operation Iraqi Freedom * Pedro del Valle (1893–1978) U.S. Marine Corps officer; first Hispanic to reach the rank of lieutenant general; in 1900 his family emigrated to the US and became US citizens * Humbert Roque Versace (1937–1965) – American U.S. Army officer of Puerto Rican-Italian descent; awarded the US' highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his heroic actions while a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War * Ramón Colón-López (1971- ) - Fourth Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, the most senior enlisted airman in the United States Military, from Ponce, Puerto Rico. On June 13, 2007, Colón-López became the first Hispanic, and one of the first six airmen, to be awarded the newly created Air Force Combat Action Medal.


Political

* Herman Badillo Puerto Rican-born US Representative; first Puerto Rican elected to the US Congress * Roberto Rexach Benítez Puerto Rican politician; former Senator and Representative * Adolfo Carrión, Jr. Democratic Party (United States), Democratic politician; of Puerto Rican descent, from City Island, New York * Ruth Noemí Colón Puerto Rican; 66th Secretary of State of New York * Pedro Cortés Puerto Rican former Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania * Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez 65th Secretary of State of New York, serving in the Cabinet of Governor David Paterson; of Puerto Rican and Dominican Republic, Dominican descent * Nelson Antonio Denis American former New York politician who represented East Harlem in the New York State Assembly; of Puerto Rican descent * Rubén Díaz, Sr. Puerto Rican born US politician; Democrat; represents the 32nd District in the New York State Senate * Rubén Díaz, Jr. Democratic Party politician from the Bronx in New York City; son of New York State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr. * Wilda Diaz, Wilda Díaz Mayor of Perth Amboy, New Jersey from 2008 to 2020 * Martin Malave Dilan, Martín Malavé Dilán member of the New York State Senate representing the 17th Senatorial District * Pedro Espada, Jr. Democratic member of the New York Senate for the 33rd Senate District; Puerto Rican born, American raised * Maurice Ferre, Maurice Ferré Puerto Rican former six-term Mayor of Miami * Bonnie Garcia, Bonnie García former representative of California's 80th Assembly District, serving eastern Riverside County and all of Imperial County * Robert Garcia (New York politician), Robert García former Democratic US Representative who represented New York's 21st district, 1978–1990 * Luis Gutiérrez US Representative; American of Puerto Rican descent * Raúl Labrador Puerto Rican born US Representative for Idaho's 1st congressional district * Margarita López openly lesbian former New York City Council Member who represented New York City Council's 2nd district from 1998 to 2005 * Evelyn Mantilla American politician from Connecticut who served from 1997 to 2007 as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives * Melissa Mark-Viverito elected Speaker of the New York City Council in January 2014 * Olga A. Méndez (1925–2009) first Puerto Rican woman elected to a state legislature in the US mainland * Rosie Mendez, Rosie Méndez American Democratic Party politician in New York * Tony Méndez first native-born Puerto Rican to become a district leader of a major political party in New York City * Hiram Monserrate former member of the New York State Senate * Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez American politician, currently (2019) representing New York's 14th congressional district * Félix Ortiz American politician, currently representing New York's 51st Assembly District * George Pabey former mayor of East Chicago, Indiana * Cesar A. Perales, César A. Perales American Secretary of State of New York; of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent * Eddie Perez (politician), Eddie Pérez politician; born in Puerto Rico and raised in the US * Adam Clayton Powell IV member of the New York State Assembly * Luis A. Quintana Puerto Rican-born who served as Mayor of Newark, New Jersey, from 2013 to 2014 * John Quiñones (politician), John Quiñones first Republican of Puerto Rican ancestry elected to the Florida House of Representatives * Charles B. Rangel US Representative for New York's 15th congressional district, since 1971; son of Puerto Rican father and African American mother * Samuel Rivera Democratic mayor of the U.S. city of Passaic, New Jersey (2001–2008) * Pedro Segarra politician and Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut; Puerto Rican born and American raised * José Enrique Serrano US Representative; Puerto Rican born, American raised * José M. Serrano American New York State Senator; son of José Enrique Serrano * Darren Soto Orlando-based attorney and Democratic politician who serves the member of the Florida House of Representatives for District 49 * Joey Torres elected mayor of Paterson, New Jersey, Paterson, New Jersey in 2014, where he had served two prior terms as mayor * Gloria Tristani served from 1997 to 2001 as the first Hispanic woman member of the Federal Communications Commission * Miguel del Valle American politician; former City Clerk of Chicago; Puerto Rican born, American raised * Nydia Velázquez Puerto Rican and US RepresentativeHispanic Americans in Congress
/ref> * Raúl G. Villaronga retired Puerto Rican US Army officer; first Puerto Rican mayor of a Texas city; elected Mayor of Killeen, Texas in 1992


Visual arts

* Olga Albizu (1924–2005) Puerto Rican abstract expressionist painter; emigrated to New York in 1948 *
Fernando Allende Luis Fernando Allende Arenas (born November 10, 1952) is a Mexican singer, actor, painter, film producer, and film director. Early life Allende was born in Mexico. His father is Mexican, and his mother is from Cuba. Allende's grandfather on his f ...
(Mexican/Puerto Rican) With major and successful art exhibits and the inclusion of his art in museums and private collections, Fernando Allende is considered a pioneer on dynamic art represented with the line in motion and connecting in harmony. Participating in the Florence biennial and summer at La Academia, confirms Allende's influence in contemporary abstract art. * Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988) visual artist; African-American of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent * David Blaine American illusionist, magician, and endurance artist; of Puerto Rican-Russian Jewish descent * Rafael Ferrer (artist), Rafael Ferrer Puerto Rican artist; 1993 recipient of a Pew Fellowship in the Arts; 2011 recipient of an Annalee and Barnett Newman Foundation Grant * Elizabeth Marrero Puerto Rican performance artist, comedian, known as Macha, the "papi chulo drag king", a character she created in 1999; lives in the US * Soraida Martinez, Soraida Martínez contemporary abstract expressionist artist who creates hard-edge paintings; American of Puerto Rican descent * Ralph Ortiz American artist, educator, and founder of El Museo del Barrio * Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Puerto Rican documentary photographer; lives in the US * Joe Shannon (artist), Joe Shannon – prolific artist with permanent exhibits in multiple museums in the United States * Filipo Tirado, aka "Pepe Locuaz" Puerto Rican puppeteer


Civil rights and activists

* Mathias Brugman (1811–1868) leader in Puerto Rico's independence revolution against Spain known as Grito de Lares, El Grito de Lares (The Cry of Lares); father was Pierre Brugman from Curaçao of Netherlands, Dutch-Jewish ancestry, mother was from Puerto Rico * Oscar Collazo (1914–1994) one of two Puerto Ricans who attempted to assassinate US President Harry S. Truman * Angelo Falcón political scientist; President and founder of National Institute for Latino Policy; Puerto Rican born and American raised * Inez García, Inéz García cause celebre of the feminist movement; of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent * Olga Viscal Garriga (1929–1995) public orator, political activist; descendant of a former governor of Puerto Rico; advocate for Puerto Rican independence * Isabel González (1882–1971) Puerto Rican activist who helped pave the way for Puerto Ricans to be given US citizenship; lived in New York and New Jersey * Sonia Gutierrez Puerto Rican-born American educator and Hispanic rights activist. * Marie Haydée Beltrán Torres nationalist * Óscar López Rivera nationalist pardoned by President Barack Obama * Rosa Martínez and Eliana Martínez, Eliana Martínez young AIDS activist in notable Florida court case regarding the rights of HIV+ children in public schools* Sylvia Mendez, Sylvia Méndez American civil rights activist; of Mexican-Puerto Rican heritage * Eugene Nelson American labor leader * Manuel Olivieri Sanchez, Manuel Olivieri Sánchez (born 1888) Puerto Rican court interpreter and civil rights activist; led the legal battle which recognized US citizenship for Puerto Ricans living in Hawaii * Carmen Pola Puerto Rican long-time politician and community activist in Boston, Massachusetts; first Latina to run for statewide office; first Director of the Office of Constituent Services * Ron Rivera (public health), Ronald Rivera (1948–2008) American activist best known for developing an inexpensive ceramic water filter used to treat gray water in impoverished communities, and for establishing community-based factories to produce the filters around the world * Sylvia Rae Rivera (1951–2002) American transgender activism, transgender activist; founding member of the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance; helped found STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries); of Puerto Rican and Venezuelan descentGan, Jessi
"'Still at the Back of the Bus': Sylvia Rivera's Struggle".
''CENTRO: Journal of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies'' 19.1 (Spring 2007): 124-139. * Helen Rodriguez-Trias, Helen Rodríguez-Trías (1929–2001) American pediatrician, educator and women's rights activistChanging the Face of Medicine
/ref> * Anthony Romero American executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union * Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (1874–1938) Puerto Rican historian, writer, and activist in the US who raised awareness of the social contributions made by Afro-Latin Americans and Afro-Americans; died in New York"Arturo Alfonso Schomburg: Pionero en la historia afronorteamericana"
, ''Nuestro Mondo/People's Weekly World'', accessed 2 Feb 2009 * Yolanda Serrano (-1993) Puerto Rican-born New Yorker HIV/AIDS activist and a ''Ms.'' magazine woman of the year * Alejandrina Torres nationalist * Griselio Torresola (1925–1950) one of two Puerto Rican Nationalists who attempted to assassinate US President Harry Truman; Puerto Rico born


Physicians and scientists

* Joseph M. Acaba, Joseph M. Acabá American educator, hydrogeologist, and NASA astronaut; parents are Puerto Rican * Oxiris Barbot, Commissioner of Health of the City of New York * Víctor Manuel Blanco, PhD (1918–2011) Puerto Rican astronomer; in 1959 discovered "Blanco 1," a galactic cluster; died in Florida * Rafael L. Bras, Rafael L. Brás American civil engineer; Provost to the Georgia Institute of Technology; Puerto Rican-born * Neil deGrasse Tyson American astrophysics, astrophysicist, author, and science communication, science communicator. His mother is of Puerto Rican ancestry. * Enectalí Figueroa-Feliciano, PhD, aka "Tali" astrophysicist and researcher with NASA Goddard Space Flight Center; pioneered the development of position-sensitive detectors * Gerónimo Lluberas (1956–2003) Puerto Rican physician, humanitarian, writer and composer * Ramón E. López space physicist and author * Lissette Martinez, Lissette Martínez lead electrical engineer for the Space Experiment Module program at the Wallops Flight Facility * Joseph O. Prewitt Díaz, PhD retired psychologist; specialized in psychosocial theory; first Puerto Rican recipient of the American Psychological Association; 2008 International Humanitarian Award * Pedro Rodriguez (NASA), Pedro Rodríguez, PhD Director of a test laboratory at NASA; inventor of a portable, battery-operated lift seat for people suffering from knee arthritis * Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas, DDS (1888–1932) odontologist (dentist), scientist and a major in the US Army who discovered the bacteria which causes cavities * Gualberto Ruaño, MD, PhD pioneer in the field of personalized medicine; inventor of molecular diagnostic systems used worldwide for the management of viral diseases


Religious

* Nicky Cruz (born 1938) Christian evangelist; founder of Nicky Cruz Outreach, an evangelistic Christian ministry * Alberto Cutié Puerto Rican Episcopal cleric better known as Padre Alberto; ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1995; became an internationally recognizable name by hosting television and radio programs * José Luis de Jesús founder and leader of Creciendo en Gracia's Christian ministry (Growing In Grace International Ministry, Inc.), based in Miami, Florida * Bavi Edna Rivera, aka "Nedi" American suffragan bishop and Episcopal priest; daughter of the late bishop Victor Manuel Rivera and an Anglo mother * Victor Manuel Rivera, Víctor Manuel Rivera (1916–2005) Puerto Rican born American Episcopalian priest and bishop


Writers

* Jack Agüeros community activist, poet, writer, and translator * Quiara Alegría Hudes American playwright and author, known for writing the book for the Tony Award-winning musical ''In the Heights''; of Jewish and Puerto Rican descent * Miguel Algarín Puerto Rican poet, writer, co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Café * Rane Arroyo (1954–2010) American poet, playwright, and scholar; of Puerto Rican descent * Pura Belpré (1899 or 1903–1982) author; first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City *
Giannina Braschi Giannina Braschi (born February 5, 1953) is a Puerto Rican poet, novelist, dramatist, and scholar. Her notable works include ''Empire of Dreams'' (1988), ''Yo-Yo Boing!'' (1998) ''and United States of Banana'' (2011). Braschi writes cross-genr ...
Puerto Rican poet and novelist; lives in New York * Julia de Burgos (1914–1953) considered by many as the greatest Puerto Rican poet and one of the greatest female poets of Latin America; died in New York * Judith Ortiz Cofer (born 1952) author; Puerto Rican-born and American raised * Jesús Colón (1901–1974) Puerto Rican writer, known as the "father of the Nuyorican movement"Jesus Colon
 * Victor Hernández Cruz, Víctor Hernández Cruz Puerto Rican poet; New York residentPoets.org - Poetry, Poems, Bios & More - Victor Hernández Cruz
/ref> * Nicholas Dante (1941–1991) American dancer and writer; Puerto Rican parents * Nelson Denis (born 1954) Author of ''War Against All Puerto Ricans,'' film director, and former New York State Assemblyman * Sandra María Esteves American poet, playwright, and graphic artist; of Puerto Rican, Dominican and African American descent * Lawrence La Fountain-Stokes Puerto Rican author, scholar, and performer; lives in Michigan * Pedro J. Labarthe (1905–1966) Puerto Rican poet, journalist, essayist, and novelist * Tato Laviera Nuyorican poet; born in Puerto Rico; moved to New York City with his family in 1960 * Muna Lee (writer), Muna Lee (1895–1965) American author and poet; known for her writings that promoted Pan-Americanism and feminism * Erika Lopez, Érika López American cartoonist, novelist, and performance artist; of Puerto Rican and German American descent * Caridad de la Luz, aka "La Bruja" (The "Good" Witch) poet, actress and activist; parents are Puerto RicanEl Diario/La Prensa - Caridad de la Luz
 * Nemir Matos-Cintrón Puerto Rican author; lives in Florida * John Melendez, John Meléndez, aka "Stuttering John" American television writer and former radio personality * Nicholasa Mohr one of the best known Nuyorican writers * Micol Ostow American author, editor and educator; Jewish-American father, Puerto Rican motherLive Journal
/ref> * George Pérez Puerto Rican-American writer and illustrator of comic books; his family moved from Caguas, Puerto Rico, Caguas to the New York metropolitan area, New York area in the 1940s * Pedro Pietri (1944–2004) Nuyorican poet and playwright; co-founded the Nuyorican Poets Cafe; Puerto Rican born and American raisedMonthly Review
/ref> * Carmen M. Pursifull former New York City Latin dance and Latin American music figure of the 1950s, and since 1970 in Illinois; English-language free verse poet; of Puerto Rican and Spanish descent * Marie Teresa Ríos (1917–1999) American author of a book which was the basis for the 1960s television sitcom ''The Flying Nun''; of Puerto Rican and Irish descent * Ángel Rivero Méndez wrote , which is considered one of the most complete works written in regard to that military action * Esmeralda Santiago Puerto Rican author and former actress known for her novels and memoirs * Tony Santiago Puerto Rican military historian * Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, aka Arthur Schomburg (1874–1938) Puerto Rican historian, writer, and activist in the US who raised awareness of the social contributions made by Afro-Latin Americans and Afro-Americans; died in New York; immigrated to New York in 1891Robert Knight, "Arthur Alfonso 'Afroborinqueño' Schomburg"
, History Notes, Global African Community, accessed 2 Feb 2009 * Piri Thomas (1928–2011) writer and American poet; memoir ''Down These Mean Streets'' became a best-seller; Puerto Rican mother, Cuban father * Edwin Torres (poet), Edwin Torres Nuyorican poet * Ed Vega (1936–2008) Puerto Rican novelist and short story writerWeber, Bruce (September 9, 2008)
Edgardo Vega Yunqué, Novelist of the Puerto Rican Experience in New York, Dies at 72.
''New York Times'' * Irene Vilar editor, literary agent, author of books dealing with national and generational trauma and women's reproductive rights * William Carlos Williams (1883–1963) American poet, closely associated with modernism and Imagism; of English and Puerto Rican descent


Others

* Aída Álvarez first Hispanic woman and Puerto Rican to hold a US Cabinet-level position; grew up in New York * Nixzmary Brown (1998–2006) seven-year-old abused child and murder victim from the Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn section of New York City; of Puerto Rican and Pakistanian descent * Marta Casals Istomin former president of the Manhattan School of Music; Puerto Rican bornPuerto Rico Herald
/ref> * Carmen Carrera American reality television personality * Chris Kubecka (full name Christina Kubecka de Medina, Computer Science, Cyberwar) established international business operations for Saudi Aramco after the world's most devastating Shamoon cyberwarfare attacks. Kubecka helped halt the second wave of July 2009 cyberattacks cyberwar attacks against South Korea. * Angie Martinez, Angie Martínez American radio personality * Samuel A. Ramirez, Sr., Samuel A. Ramírez, Sr. first Hispanic to launch a successful investment banking firm; parents are Puerto Ricans * Félix Rigau Carrera (1894–1954) first Puerto Rican pilot * José Rodríguez (intelligence) head of CIA division (2004–2008)


See also

{{Portal, Puerto Rico * List of Hispanic and Latino Americans * List of Puerto Ricans * List of Spanish Americans * Puerto Rican migration to New York * Puerto Rican citizenship * Outline of Puerto Rico * Cultural diversity in Puerto Rico ** Corsican immigration to Puerto Rico ** Chinese immigration to Puerto Rico ** French immigration to Puerto Rico ** Crypto-Judaism ** German immigration to Puerto Rico ** Irish immigration to Puerto Rico ** Royal Decree of Graces of 1815 * Index of Puerto Rico-related articles * History of women in Puerto Rico * Military history of Puerto Rico * National Register of Historic Places listings in Puerto Rico * Piragua (food) * 51st state, 51-star flag


References


External links


US Puerto Ricans.org Re/envisioning the Diaspora
American people of Puerto Rican descent, * Lists of American people by ethnic or national origin, Puerto Ricans, List Of Stateside Lists of people by ethnicity, Puerto Rican