10 Famous People You Probably Didn't Know Were Puerto Rican
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Famous People You Probably Didn't Know Were Puerto Rican

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month

11284
10 Famous People You Probably Didn't Know Were Puerto Rican
Seriously Travel

It is currently National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15th-Oct.15th), a time to recognize the great contributions that have been made by the Latin community. I myself am Hispanic, where my ethnic background consists of being Puerto Rican and Mexican. Being able to embrace and share my culture with others has always made me proud of who I am and the identity that I present to the rest of the world. While a majority of Americans are familiar with the extremely large Hispanic population in the United States, not very many people know about the Puerto Rican population that have such a big representation, especially when it comes to music and entertainment.

1. Jennifer Lopez (a.k.a JLo)


Born in The Bronx, New York, this actress, dancer, and singer was born to full Puerto Rican parents. Mostly known for her musical career and dancing, JLo has become one of the best entertainers in the music industry.

2. Lin Manuel-Miranda

Also known as the creator of the hit Broadway musical 'Hamilton.' Miranda was born to Puerto Rican parents and grew up in the Latino neighborhood of Inwood in Manhattan, New York.

3. Victoria Justice

This Nickelodeon actress and singer is best known for her role as Lola on the hit TV show 'Zoey 101' and as Tori on 'Victorious.' Although Justice's father is of German, Irish, and English descent, her mother has Puerto Rican background within her ancestry.

4. Ricky Martin

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico singer and actor Ricky Martin, most commonly known for his hit song "Livin' La Vida Loca," a song that gained him enormous success with the English-speaking community, has also remained an iconic entertainer to the Latin community.

5. Marc Anthony

Born in New York City, New York to Puerto Rican parents, Marc Anthony is one of the most successful Salsa artists of all time.

6. Bruno Mars

Known for his chart-topping pop hits, Bruno Mars, born as Peter Gene Hernandez to a half Puerto Rican father and a mother of half Jewish descent, has gained massive success within the music industry.

7. Rosario Dawson

Best known for her role as Mimi in the movie musical 'Rent,' Dawson was born to a mother of Puerto Rican and Cuban Ancestry.

8. Freddie Prinze Jr.

Best known for his movie roles in the slasher thriller 'I know What You Did Last Summer' and the live-action version of 'Scooby Doo,' Prinze's Hispanic background mostly comes from his paternal grandmother, of whom was Puerto Rican.

9. Adrienne Bailon

The singer-songwriter and actress was born to a Puerto Rican mother and Ecuadorian father. She became famously known from her role as one of 'The Cheetah Girls,' an all girl group created by Disney that had appeared in an original Disney Channel movie of the same name.

10. Sonia Sotomayor

Also known as the first Hispanic woman to have a position as an associate justice of the U.S Supreme Court, Sotomayor was born in The Bronx to Puerto Rican-born parents. She attended Princeton University and Yale Law School and was appointed as a supreme justice back in 2009.

The Puerto Rican population has made a remarkable impression on both the entertainment industry and even politics. Having this type of diversity and representation in the Latin community emphasizes how talented Latinos of all ethnic backgrounds really are. Being able to see the success that Puerto Ricans are able to achieve has demonstrated to me that we are capable of doing anything we put our minds to. I am definitely proud to call myself Puerto Rican.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

104033
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments