Top 50 Most Popular Cuban Actors Of All Time

Roberto Sanchez Gallinat made his television debut in 1983, appearing in an episode of the series The Metropolitan Opera Presents.

Before establishing himself in entertainment, Sanchez played in Europe’s Pro-Basketball League while serving in the Navy. Over the years, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, participating in more than 100 television and film projects.

Sanchez gained significant recognition when he starred alongside Paul Walker, Tyrese Gibson, Vin Diesel, and Eva Mendes in the second film of the Fast & Furious franchise.

Following his performance in the action blockbuster, Sanchez solidified his reputation as a dependable and adaptable actor, capably embracing a wide range of roles on screen.

Jordi Alejandro Vilasuso is a talented Cuban-American actor best known for originating the role of Tony Santos on the CBS soap opera Guiding Light.

His outstanding performance as Tony Santos earned him the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Younger Actor in a Drama Series in 2003.

Beyond Guiding Light, Vilasuso has appeared in several popular television series, including All My Children, Days of Our Lives, and The Young and the Restless.

He has been happily married to actress Kaitlin Riley since August 2012, and together they have two daughters.

Andy Garcia, a talented actor and film director, first gained widespread recognition for his impactful role in Brian De Palma’s classic film, The Untouchables.

Garcia’s career reached new heights when he earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his memorable performance in The Godfather Part III.

Entering the new millennium, Garcia both produced and starred in the acclaimed HBO film For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award nomination for his exceptional portrayal.

Dedicated to supporting Cuban arts, Garcia produced the album Ahora Sí by Cuban artist Cachao, which won the Latin Grammy for Best Traditional Tropical Latin Album.

In 2022, Garcia continued to showcase his versatility by starring in the comedy Big Gold Brick and appearing alongside Gloria Estefan in the HBO Max romantic comedy Father of the Bride.

Jorge Perugorría Rodríguez is a Cuban actor, film director, and painter, widely recognized for his acclaimed portrayal of Diego in the iconic film "Strawberry and Chocolate."

Recently, Perugorría has appeared alongside Benicio del Toro in Steven Soderbergh's film "Che" and starred in the Netflix original series "Four Seasons in Havana." His performances continue to captivate both Cuban and international audiences.

Jorge studied both theater and civil engineering, showcasing his diverse talents. Additionally, he played a significant role in founding Havana’s Public Theatre in the early 1990s, contributing to the city’s vibrant cultural scene.

Steven Bauer has been a notable presence in the entertainment industry since the late 1970s, capturing audiences with his dynamic performances.

He is most renowned for his role as Cuban drug lord Manny Ribera in the iconic 1983 crime drama Scarface, a performance that earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Bauer also gained recognition for portraying the menacing drug cartel leader Eladio Vuente in popular TV series like Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.

More recently, he starred as ex-Mossad agent turned private investigator Avi in Showtime's acclaimed series, Ray Donovan.

Additionally, Bauer has made appearances in the American adaptation of Queen of the South, further cementing his status as a talented and versatile actor.

Oscar Nunez is best recognized for his role as Oscar Martinez, the meticulous accountant at Dunder Mifflin, in the beloved television series The Office. His journey into television began in 2000, when he made his debut appearance in Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Beyond The Office, Nunez co-created and co-starred in the Comedy Central series Halfway Home. He also gained popularity for his appearances in a well-received series of State Farm commercials.

Nunez launched his comedy career in New York, where he performed in over 300 shows with the acclaimed "The Shock of the Funny" theater company. His diverse talents have established him as a versatile figure in the world of television comedy.

Desi Arnaz was a multifaceted entertainer, known as an actor, bandleader, and producer who began his career in film and television during the 1940s.

He rose to widespread fame for his iconic role as Ricky Ricardo on the classic American sitcom "I Love Lucy." Arnaz also appeared in several notable feature films throughout the 1940s.

His performance as a lively California National Guardsman in the film "Bataan," alongside Robert Taylor, received critical acclaim and further established his versatility as an actor.

Arnaz's musical journey began after high school, when he formed his own band. His talent quickly gained recognition in Miami's vibrant music scene.

After launching his career as a bandleader, Arnaz was invited on several tours, one of which brought him to the United States. His orchestra soon became a sensation in New York City's dynamic club scene, cementing his status as an influential performer.

Tony Plana is a renowned Cuban-American actor and director, celebrated for his memorable portrayal of Ignacio Suarez, Betty Suarez's father, on the hit television series Ugly Betty.

While widely recognized for his work in film and television, Plana is also highly respected for his remarkable acting and directing performances on stage. His dynamic presence has earned him admiration from both audiences and critics alike.

Over the years, Plana has appeared in notable feature films such as An Officer and a Gentleman, Three Amigos, Goal!, and Lone Star, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile talent in the entertainment industry.

Jorge Garcia, born to Cuban and Chilean parents, began his acting career with his debut in the film Raven's Ridge in 1997.

He first gained attention for his role as Hector Lopez on the television series Becker. However, Garcia achieved widespread fame for his portrayal of Hugo "Hurley" Reyes in the acclaimed TV series Lost.

A talented performer, Garcia also tried wrestling in high school and earned the nickname "Baby-Faced Killer." His versatility is evident in his appearances on popular shows like Once Upon a Time, Alcatraz, and Hawaii Five-0.

Tomas Milian captivated audiences with his remarkable emotional depth and wit across a diverse range of European genre films. His unique style was shaped by his rigorous training under Lee Strasberg, having studied Method acting at the renowned Actors Studio in New York City.

In his early career, Milian took on supporting roles in dramatic films during the late 1950s and early 1960s. However, he truly reinvented himself as a charismatic leading man in a series of iconic Spaghetti Westerns throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Many film enthusiasts may be surprised to learn that Milian honed his craft alongside other future stars at the Actors Studio, an institution celebrated for nurturing some of cinema's most talented performers.

Peter Bergman, born in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is a talented actor renowned for his roles in beloved soap operas such as The Young and the Restless, All My Children, and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Bergman is married to Mariellen Bergman, and together, they have two children. He initially auditioned for the role of Dr. Jeff Martin on All My Children but ultimately found success portraying Dr. Cliff Warner instead.

His outstanding performances have earned him three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, solidifying his status as a leading figure in daytime television.

Georg Stanford Brown is widely recognized as an accomplished American actor and filmmaker, yet his roots trace back to Havana, Cuba, where he was born.

He began his career with several uncredited roles in major films before gaining prominence as Officer Terry Webster on the popular ABC police series, The Rookies.

Brown's talents extend beyond acting—his precise direction of the season five finale episode, "Parting Shots," for Cagney & Lacey earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.

Carlos Lacámara is a Cuban-born American actor and playwright whose film career began in the early 1980s. Since then, he has become a reliable and familiar presence on television, consistently delivering memorable performances.

At only two years old, Lacámara left Cuba with his parents during the Cuban Revolution. The family eventually made California their home, where he continues to live and work today.

Although he started his career with a series of minor television roles, Lacámara’s perseverance paid off when he landed a significant part in the acclaimed series "Nurses," helping him gain wider recognition.

Yotuel Omar Manzanares Romero, widely recognized simply as Yotuel, is a multi-talented Cuban singer, composer, and actor. He is well known for his roles in hit films such as The Fast and the Furious, The Fate of the Furious, and Bad Boys II.

Currently, Yotuel serves as both the lead singer and co-writer for Orishas, a rap group whose 2003 album won the Latin Grammy Award and achieved platinum status.

In addition to his film work, Romero has appeared in three television series and several feature films. He began performing rap music early in his career, showcasing his passion from a young age.

César Évora began his acting career in Cuba, appearing in over ten films before relocating to Mexico in the 1990s. His early work laid a strong foundation for his future success in the entertainment industry.

Évora and his wife, Vivian, have three children: Rafael, Mariana, and Carla. Although originally from Cuba, the family has embraced life in Mexico and feels quite at home there.

He landed his first leading role in 1995, starring alongside Daniela Romo in "Si Dios Me Quita La Vida." This opportunity marked a turning point in his career and showcased his talent to a wider audience.

Évora went on to command major roles in projects like "Luz Clarita," "Gente Bien," and "El Privilegio de Amar," securing his reputation as one of the most dependable leading men in Cuban entertainment.

He became a Mexican citizen in 1999, further solidifying his status in both Cuban and Mexican acting circles.

Francisco Gattorno began his acting career in the mid-1980s and quickly gained recognition for his talent and versatility. He is particularly renowned for his roles in notable productions such as Italian Bride, Ca f1averal de Pasiones, and Desert Lovers.

Gattorno is married to Belmaris Gonz e1lez Suazo, and together they have two children. Previously, this Cuban-Mexican star was married to fellow actress Cynthia Klitbo, further highlighting his connection to the entertainment industry.

Cesar Romero, born in New York City to Cuban parents, was a prominent figure in film, radio, and television. Known as "The Latin Lover" and recognized for his trademark mustache, Romero enjoyed a remarkable career that spanned nearly six decades.

He is best remembered for his legendary portrayal of the Joker on the Batman television series. Throughout his career, Romero excelled in diverse roles—from suave Latin lovers and historical figures in elaborate costume dramas to lighthearted characters in domestic comedies.

Outside of acting, Romero was politically active and openly participated as a registered Republican in the 1964 U.S. Senate race in California.

Otto Sirgo is a distinguished Cuban actor and director, renowned for his contributions to Mexican telenovelas and theater. The son of esteemed Cuban actor Otto Sirgo and Mexican actress Magda Haller, he was married to fellow actor Maleni Morales until her passing in 2020.

Sirgo has earned recognition for his roles in productions such as "Recien Cazado," where he starred alongside Jaime Camil and Gabriela Vargas. His notable works also include "Quiero amarte," "With You, Without You," "Niña... amada mía," and "Dust to Dust," among many others.

Although born in Cuba, Otto Sirgo is widely celebrated as a prominent figure in the Mexican entertainment industry, where his talent and experience have earned him a respected reputation.

Eddie Cibrian has made his mark in the entertainment industry since the early 1990s, building a lasting career in television.

Born in Burbank, California, to Cuban parents, Cibrian is celebrated for his prominent roles on some of television's most popular series.

He is particularly recognized for his standout performances in shows like Sunset Beach, Third Watch, Invasion, and CSI: Miami.

Beyond acting, Cibrian showcased his musical talent as a member of the soul-pop boy band 3Deep, performing with the group from 1998 to 2001.

Faizon Andre Love began his entertainment career with a television appearance on L.A. Friday in 1989. Born in Cuba, Love is a talented American actor and comedian who has gained recognition for his roles in several popular comedic films.

He is best known for appearing in hits like The Meteor Man, Don't Be a Menace, Friday, B*A*P*S, Elf, The Replacements, Made, and Couples Retreat. Audiences also know him as the voice of Sean "Sweet" Johnson in the iconic video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.

Love launched his career as a stand-up comedian at just 15 years old and later made his film debut in Bebe's Kids. His dynamic presence and comedic talent have made him a memorable figure in both film and television.

This well-regarded Cuban character actor was best known for making numerous film and television appearances throughout his successful screen career. He is remembered for his character play in the children's television show The Electric Company from 1971-1977.

The actor's Broadway credits include projects such as Narrow Road to the Deep North, The Good Woman of Setzuan, Beggar on Horseback, and Camino Real. Ávalos also marked his presence in sitcoms such as Highcliffe Manor, Condo, E/R, and Barney Miller.

Sergio Corrieri was a Cuban screen performer who was best known for his work in features such as Memories of Underdevelopment, The Man from Maisinicu, and Soy Cuba.

For his adroit performance in The Man from Maisinicu, he won a well-deserved award for Best Actor at the 8th Moscow International Film Festival.

A member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba from 1980, Corrieri was also majorly involved with the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC) since its foundation in 1959.

Alexis Valdés is a multi-faceted personality. Besides being an actor, he is also known to be a comedian, monologist, film producer, playwright, poet, singer, and screenwriter.

Born in Havana, Cuba, he holds a degree in thermal engineering from Havana's Polytechnic José Antonio Echeverría. He gained fame after having portrayed Bandurria in the Cuban TV series Los pequeños fugitivos (The Little Fugitives).

After having worked in Cuba for over 10 years, he decided to move to Spain. There, he became a well-known performer courtesy of his performance in programs like El Club De La Comedia (The Comedy Club).

This Cuban actor may have started his professional acting career by playing a handful of uncredited roles but he soon established himself as a prolific screen performer.

Orestes Matacena started his career at a very young age. He is known to have played the antagonist in Hollywood Studio features such as The Mask and Diggstown.

A true film auteur, he worked incredibly hard to produce and direct a feature film from a screenplay that he had penned, titled Tainted.

Ruben Rabasa is an actor and writer who made his acting debut in a motion picture, titled Bla, Bla, Bla, in 1978.

He is best known for his work in credits such as Amigos, I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson, and Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach.

Even though he may not have been recognized as the main lead in his career, he has been seen playing significant supporting characters in some of his better feature films.

Millard Fillmore Mitchell is a Cuban actor who was born to American parents. He was seen playing a handful of uncredited roles in the movies at the beginning of his career.

A popular stage and radio actor in the 1930s in New York, he was seen playing sharp characters in his projects following the culmination of the Second World War.

The actor won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture for his performance in the movie My Six Convicts.

Millard was known to be a heavy smoker; a habit that eventually ended up costing him his life at the age of 50.

Before turning to acting, Carlos Leon used to serve as a personal trainer of celebrities. He made his acting debut on the television show Nash Bridges in 1996.

It is said that the actor was considered for the role of Captain David Aceveda on The Shield. He has appeared on Broadway, including "Aunt Dan and Lemon."

Leon can also be seen making his presence felt in film and television projects such as Clinton Road, Blue Bloods, Person of Interest, and Ugly Betty.

Raúl Esparza was first seen making his presence felt on the television show South Beach, in 1993. He is the only member of his family who wasn't born in Cuba.

However, he does consider himself to be Cuban-American and is truly proud of his heritage. A stage, screen, and voice actor, Esparza has also tried his hands at singing.

He is best known for his character projection of the New York Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Rafael Barba in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

For his performance as Bobby in the 2006 Broadway revival of Company, he was nominated for a Tony Award.

William Levy made his professional acting debut in the television show Olvidarte Jamás in 2006. He is an actor and former model who sudied business administration on a baseball scholarship at St. Thomas University for two years.

Soon after, he traveled to Los Angeles to study acting and continued his acting studies in Miami and Mexico City. After having worked as a model for some time, he participated in a couple of reality shows and plays.

The year 2008 saw Levy making his motion picture debut in the Viviana Cordero directorial venture, Retazos de Vida.

David Fumero made his feature film debut in 2007's Greetings from the Shore. However, he had featured in a couple of short films and a Mariah Carey music video prior to making his big screen debut.

The actor and former fashion model is best known for portraying Cristian Vega in One Life to Live. By the end of 2007, Fumero married his One Life to Live co-star Melissa Fumero, who was seen playing the character of Adriana Cramer on the show.

This Cuban actor and model made his acting debut in a television series Protagonistas de novela in 2002.

Moreno lives in Miami with his wife and 3 children and has been seen in telenovelas such as Amor Descarado, La Mujer en el espejo, and La viuda de blanco.

Of late, the actor could seen playing the lead male character of Billy Flynn in the Mexican version of the hit Broadway musical Chicago.

Aside from motion pictures and television shows, Pedro has strived to make his presence felt in theater as well.

Yul Vazquez is a Cuban-American actor, producer, and musician who commenced his acting career during the first half of the 1990s.

Known for having co-starred on Broadway with Chris Rock in The Motherf**ker With the Hat, he is best known for his work in popular motion pictures such as Runaway Bride, Bad Boys II, War of the Worlds, American Gangster, The A-Team, and Captain Phillips.

When it comes to television shows, Vazquez can be seen playing a part in The Good Wife, Severance, and Russian Doll.

Orlando Miguel made his professional acting debut in 1995 in a series Lazos de amor.

Starring alongside Lucero in the aforementioned show, he was seen playing the character of Osvaldo Larrea in the same.

Miguel is primarily known to be a television and theatre actor who made his presence felt in quite a few television series and telenovelas ever since his small-screen debut in the mid-1990s.

Those who hail from Cuba know Jencarlos Canela rather well. This is because, besides being a screen performer, he is also a well-known singer and composer.

Best known for his work in features such as The Man from Toronto, A Chance to Love, and Telenovela, he received the Artist of the Year Award at the 2013 awards show Premios Juventud.

The actor made his English-language television debut by appearing in Eva Longoria's NBC show Telenovela. In 2020, he was seen playing the character of Uncle Victor in a Netflix series The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia.

Cuban actor Rene Lavan made his debut on Broadway in 2005 when he performed in the critically acclaimed play "Latinologues". It was essentially a satirical comedy about everyday life in the United States of America.

He is best known to the American audience for having portrayed Javier on One Life to Live for the ABC network.

While working in the series, he was offered to play the sensational main lead in Leon Ichaso's critically acclaimed motion picture Bitter Sugar.

The actor became a household name in Spanish-speaking homes after his work in telenovelas such as Morelia, Maria Belen, and Enamorada.

Alberto Guerra commenced his acting career in Telemundo's Vale Todo. Of late, he was seen working on the Netflix original series Crime Diaries: The Candidate.

Also known for starring in titles such as El Señor de los Cielos, Ladrón de Corazones, and Ingobernable, the actor has been married to Zuria Vega since the November of 2014.

He has received one nomination for Favorite Lead Actor at the Your World Awards in 2017.

Dan Ades made his acting debut on the television show 12 O'Clock High in 1966. He was born in Havana, Cuba.

He was best known for his work as an actor in credits such as Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Real Genius, and Tequila Sunrise.

Throughout his career, Ades participated in more than 30 television and film projects. The actor passed away on May 30, 1992, in Los Angeles, California, United States of America.

This Cuban-American actor and comedian was first seen on the television show Gabriel's Fire in 1990. He attended the Academy Of Dramatic Arts in New York City and is recognized for being one of the members of the recurring cast of comedians on the sketch comedy series MADtv.

Nelson is also known for playing the role of Flavius in the smash-hit The Hunger Games franchise of feature films.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Emiliano Díez made his acting debut in a television show, titled The 100 Lives of Black Jack Savage, in 1991.

Best known for his performances in projects such as Elena of Avalor, George Lopez, and Gang Related, the actor is also known to have appeared in television commercials, radio, and soap operas.

Later in his career, he started doing American movies and television shows and could be seen participating in projects such as Everybody Loves Raymond, SeaQuest DSV, Fortune Hunter, Sins of the City, Nostromo, Gang Related, and Bates Motel.

Anibal de Mar was a Cuban actor who was best known for playing the part of El Tremendo Juez in the radio show La Tremenda Corte.

The show continues to be broadcast by several Latino-American radio stations. He is known to have formed a formidable team with another iconic comedian, Leopoldo Fernández.

The two joined hands to transform into the popular musical-comedy duo of Pototo and Filomeno. Anibal commenced his artistic career in 1934 and made his feature film debut with La serpiente roja in 1937.

Luis Oquendo was a Cuban-American actor who was recognized for being an active radio performer before he shifted his focus to television and film.

Even though he did not make a lot of screen appearances throughout his career, he did reach the pinnacle of popularity when he played grandfather Antonio in the PBS series ¿Que Pasa USA? during the second half of the 1970s.

Born in Havana, Cuba, he decided to permanently immigrate to Florida in 1965.

Pedro Sicard made his feature film debut in 1985's Una Novia para David. He moved to Mexico in the early 1990s and wasn't too keen on continuing his studies.

Instead, it is said that he spent most of his hours during the day playing computer games like the Grand Theft Auto (GTA).

Sometime later in his career, he is reported to have signed a contract with TV Azteca in order to feature as one of the main characters in their telenovela "La duda".

Joey "CoCo" Diaz is a talented Cuban-American stand-up comedian, actor, and podcaster who has been a part of show business since the tender age of 10.

Known for his gravelly voice, he started pursuing stand-up comedy full-time with the dawn of the  1990s. However, he started making regular appearances in feature films and television shows after having moved to Los Angeles in 1995.

Diaz can be seen participating in mainstream projects such as My Name Is Earl, The Longest Yard, Spider-Man 2, Grudge Match, and The Many Saints of Newark.

Leopoldo Fernández was a Cuban actor, composer, and comedian who was best known for his work in projects such as ¡Olé... Cuba!, Fantasmas del Caribe, and Las virgenes de la nueva ola.

Born Leopoldo Augusto Fernández Salgado, he did not work in a lot of motion pictures or television shows. However, he was the creator and performer of the radio and TV program La Tremenda Corte.

The popularity of the aforementioned program was such that it continues to be presented on radio and offered on CD, VHS, and DVD.

Jorge Luis Pila is an actor whose mother hails from the Czech Republic and father from Cuba. He is known for his work on projects such as Missing, The Return, and Falling Angel.

The actor made his debut in Al norte del corazón and has been seen performing in Telenovelas such as La Patrona and Yacaranday.

While Jorge started his career as a model in Cuba, he soon moved to Mexíco where he not only continued to work as a model but also became a professional dancer.

Soon after, he was seen going on tours with Mexícan singer Yuri for her many concerts for over two solid years.

Mario Cimarro is a Cuban actor who made his acting debut on the television show Acapulco, cuerpo y alma in 1995.

The actor has traveled to nations such as the United States of America, Argentina, Venezuela, and Colombia. He is known to have worked with some of the well-known actors, directors, and producers of those countries.

Cimarro made his big screen debut in the Baz Luhrmann directorial venture Romeo & Juliet, in which he was seen sharing the screen with actors Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes.

He is also known to have featured in quite a few Latin-American cultural iconic series over the years.

Born in Sancti Spíritus, Cuba, Victor Rivers made his feature film debut in 1984's Fear City. He is best known for starring in projects such as The Mask of Zorro, The Air I Breathe, and Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.

The tall and dynamic Hispanic hunk has been married to Mim Eichler Rivas with one child. He is listed as a Distinguished and Notable Alumnus of Florida State University.

Rivers can be seen making an appearance in shows and films such as Better Call Saul, Modern Family, Law & Order: LA, and Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, among others.

Eduardo de Ceano-Vivas y Sabau, who was known within the Cuban entertainment industry as Eduardo Vivas, was the son of Spanish army personnel.

Even though his family moved to Madrid after the independence of Cuba, the actor returned to his native land after he had already become a well-known stage performer.

Vivas participated in the creation of the first Sindicato de Actores, "Actors' Guild" of Spain. He made over 30 feature films with several Mexican movie production companies.

A member of SAG-AFTRA and an alumnus of the Stella Adler Academy of Acting & Theater, Carlo Arrechea is a Cuban-born bilingual actor who is pretty much on the rise at the moment.

While the actor was most recently seen making his U.S. primetime debut in the hit television series S.W.A.T., he also participated in the successful Nickelodeon Latin America series Grachi for three seasons.

Arrechea began his acting career in his native country before immigrating to the United States of America in search of better opportunities.

He has featured in several television commercials, theatrical presentations, and short and full-length feature films, thus far.

Born in Havana, Cuba, Javier Valcárcel made his acting debut by featuring in the 1990 play Las Criadas by Jean Genet.

After having participated in the television series Divina Obsesión in 1992, he was seen making his presence on other shows such as The Forgiveness of Sins, Sin of Love, Target Women, All Woman, and Little Women.

Also, he has participated in several plays so far in his acting career.