Mexican
Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.
Mexico conjures up a spectacular imagery of colonial grandiose, mind-boggling celebrations, jaw-dropping culture and finger-licking good food. While it is easy to stereotype Mexico with its food, fireworks and fiesta, there are many more fascinating things about the land that will equally make your jaws hang down in awe and admiration. If there is one more thing for which Mexico deserves all kudos, it is its diverse lot of talented men and women who have earned the country a coveted spot under the sun. And by that, we do not mean the ordinary people, but those extraordinary nationals with exemplary deeds and feats whom the country deems as its prized treasure. Anthony Quinn, Frida Kahlo, Lupita Nyong’o, Carlos Santana, Salma Hayek, Octavio Paz, Mario Molina and more — Mexico has been a hotbed of talent for forever. Dig into the lives of famous Mexicans in the biographies below and get ready to blow your minds as you lap up interesting trivia and facts in their timelines here.
Vote For Your Favourite Mexican Personality
1
Frida Kahlo(Mexican Painter Known for Her Brilliantly Coloured Self-Portraits)
Birthdate: July 6, 1907
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Coyoacán, Mexico City, Mexico
Died: July 13, 1954
Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, was known for her many portraits and self-portraits. Her work is said to have been inspired by the nature, artifacts and popular culture of Mexico. Her work was not much known until the late 1970s, when it was rediscovered by art historians and political activists. By early 1990s, she became a recognized figure in art history.
Birthdate: July 18, 1990
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Named the world’s best active boxer by BoxRec and other sports organizations, Mexican welterweight Canelo Álvarez is a skilled counterpuncher. He won a silver at the Mexican National Championship at 15 and has earned the WBC, WBA, and Ring Magazine light middleweight titles. He is known for his knockout wins.
3
Guillermo del Toro(Film Director Best Known For Movies 'Pan's Labyrinth' & 'The Shape of Water')
Birthdate: October 9, 1964
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Guillermo del Toro is one of the most popular Mexican filmmakers of all time. Along with Alejandro Iñárritu and Alfonso Cuarón, he is known as one of the Three Amigos of Cinema. He also played a major role as a former special effects makeup artist. In 2018, he was named in Time's 100 most influential people in the world list.
4
Carlos Slim(Mexican Businessman and Owner of the Global Conglomerate Company 'Grupo Carso')
Birthdate: January 28, 1940
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican business tycoon Carlos Slim owns the conglomerate Grupo Carso and has served as the CEO of América Móvil and Telmex. He was the world’s richest person from 2010 to 2013 and the fifth-richest in 2020, according to Forbes. He also owns three charity organizations focusing on Mexico City.
5
Anthony Quinn(Best Known for His Roles in the films 'Viva Zapata!' and 'Lust for Life')
Birthdate: April 21, 1915
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Chihuahua, Mexico
Died: June 3, 2001
Mexican-American actor Anthony Quinn is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning roles in Viva Zapata! and Lust for Life. He also delivered stellar performances in the films Zorba the Greek, Wild Is the Wind, and The Guns of Navarone. He had exhibited his artwork and also written two memoirs.
6
Julio Cesar Chavez(Mexican Former Professional Boxer and Multiple-Time World Champion in Three Weight Divisions)
Birthdate: July 4, 1962
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Ciudad Obregón, Mexico
Julio Cesar Chavez is a Mexican former boxer who won several world championships in three different weight divisions. He also holds several records, such as the most successful world title defenses and most title fights. He has been named in ESPN's 50 Greatest Boxers of All Time list and was made an inductee of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
7
Salma Hayek(The First Mexican Actress to be Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress)
Birthdate: September 2, 1966
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Coatzacoalcos, Mexico
Hailing from Mexico, Salma Hayek moved to Hollywood and attained fame with films like Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, Wild Wild West, Dogma, Tale of Tales, Grown Ups, and Grown Ups 2. Her breakthrough role was the film Frida in 2002 for which she received critical appreciation. She works to raise awareness about violence against women and discrimination against immigrants.
8
Lupita Nyong'o(Named One of Africa’s “50 Most Powerful Women” by Forbes in 2020)
Birthdate: March 1, 1983
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Lupita Nyong'o is one of the most popular black actresses of all time. The first Kenyan-Mexican actress to receive the prestigious Academy Award, Lupita Nyong'o has often been named in lists, such as the world's most beautiful woman. In 2020, she was named by Forbes magazine as one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful Women.
9
Diego Rivera(Mexican Painter Whose Large Frescoes Helped Establish the Mural Movement in Mexican and International Art )
Birthdate: December 13, 1886
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Guanajuato, Mexico
Died: November 25, 1957
Mexican painter Diego Rivera is best remembered for his association with the mural movement and had created masterpieces such as The History of Mexico and the Detroit Industry Murals. He was inspired by cubism and post-impressionism. He had married, divorced, and remarried Frida Kahlo, the third of his four wives.
10
Sergio Pérez
(Mexican Formula One Driver)
Birthdate: January 26, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Starting racing at age 6, Mexican racing driver Sergio Pérez, nicknamed Checo, scripted history by scoring more points than any Mexican in Formula One history. The winner of titles such as the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix and the 2021 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, he is now associated with Red Bull Racing.
Birthdate: August 15, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican filmmaker, Alejandro Gonzalez Inãrittu, is known internationally for his films about the human condition. Beginning his entertainment career as a radio host, he started composing music and producing films as the years went by. The recipient of many prestigious awards, he is the first Mexican filmmaker to win an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
Birthdate: June 1, 1988
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Javier Hernández is a professional football player and the first Mexican to represent the popular football club Manchester United. An important player for his national team, Hernández is the all-time leading goal-scorer for Mexico. He has represented Mexico at important tournaments like 2010, 2014, and 2018 FIFA World Cups. Hernández also serves as an inspiration to many aspiring Mexican footballers.
13
Eiza González(Actress and Singer Known for Her Role in the TV Series ‘From Dusk till Dawn: The Series’)
Birthdate: 1990
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican actor Eiza González, best known for her role as Santanico Pandemonium in From Dusk till Dawn, had dropped out of school to be part of the telenovela Lola, érase una vez. She has released a chart-topping album, Contracorriente, and has spoken about her struggle with depression and compulsive overeating.
14
Anahí
(Mexican Actress, Singer and Former Member of the Popular Group ‘RBD')
Birthdate: May 14, 1983
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican singer-actor Anahi began her entertainment career with the show Chiquilladas as a toddler. She later soared to fame as Mia Colucci from the popular telenovela Rebelde and was also part of the hit pop group RBD. She is best known for her Billboard-topping track Rumba.
15
Sara Ramirez(Actress and Singer Known for Her Role as ‘Dr. Callie Torres’ in the TV Series ‘Grey's Anatomy’)
Birthdate: August 31, 1975
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Mazatlán, Mexico
Mexican American actor, singer, and songwriter Sara Ramirez is the recipient of several awards, including a Tony Award. Born in Mexico, they moved to America as a child. They became interested in acting in their teens and acted in school plays before taking up roles in theater plays. Soon, they ventured into TV and films as well.
16
Diego Luna
(Actor Known for His Role in the Films 'Y tu mamá también', 'Rudo y Cursi' and 'Milk')
Birthdate: December 29, 1979
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Toluca, Mexico
Diego Luna is a Mexican actor, singer, producer, and director. The son of a popular set designer, he was exposed to show business as a young boy. He started acting when he was just seven and appeared in many telenovelas. He then moved to films and has appeared in many hit films, including Open Range and The Terminal.
17
Luis Miguel(Youngest Artist Ever to Win a Grammy at the Age of 14)
Birthdate: April 19, 1970
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Luis Miguel is a Mexican singer. Having performed in a wide range of styles like pop and jazz, Miguel is considered the most successful artist in the history of Latin America. One of the best-selling Latin musicians ever, Miguel is credited with popularizing the bolero genre. Thanks to his popularity, he has been referred to as the Latin Frank Sinatra.
Birthdate: June 5, 1878
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: La Coyotada, Mexico
Died: July 20, 1923
Military leader Pancho Villa was a significant figure of the Mexican Revolution. He supported the ouster of dictator Porfirio Diaz and later fought to remove Victoriano Huerta from power. He also allied with Emiliano Zapata and fought against Venustiano Carranza. He remains immortalized in many films and novels.
19
Thalía(Famous as 'Queen of Latin Pop')
Birthdate: August 26, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Four-time Latin Billboard Award-winning artist Thalia, known as the “Queen of Latin Pop,” was part of the band Timbiriche before venturing into a solo career. She has also been a successful telenovela actor, owns a fashion brand, has her own radio show, and has written four books, including a memoir.
20
Alfonso Cuarón
(Mexican Filmmaker Known for Directing Films in a Variety of Genres)
Birthdate: November 28, 1961
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Alfonso Cuarón is a Mexican filmmaker who works in a wide range of genres. He has multiple romantic, action, drama, and fantasy movies to his credit. The son of a doctor and a biochemist, he chose an unconventional profession for himself. After completing his studies, he began working as a director. He has received four Academy Awards.
21
Gael García Bernal
(Mexican Actor Known for His Work in Films That Portrayed Men and Women in Taboo or Nonconformist Relationships)
Birthdate: November 30, 1978
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico
Being the son of actor Patricia Bernal and director José Ángel García, Gael García Bernal was no stranger to entertainment as a kid. The Mexican actor-director is known for dealing with taboo relationships in his films and for his Golden Globe-winning role in the series Mozart in the Jungle.
Birthdate: May 25, 1977
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: San Luis Potosí, Mexico
José Alberto Rodríguez Chucuan is better known by his WWE ring name, Alberto Del Rio, and his Impact Wrestling ring name, Alberto El Patron. He became the first Mexico-born WWE world champion. He gained fame as an MMA fighter in Mexico and Japan earlier, using the name Dos Caras Jr.
Birthdate: October 23, 1972
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Kate del Castillo is a Mexican-American actress. One of the most popular actresses in the world of telenovela, del Castillo was named in People en Español magazine's Stars of the Year list in 2007. Also a humanitarian, Kate del Castillo helped launch an international anti-trafficking program called the Blue Heart Campaign to fight human trafficking.
24
Ricardo Montalbán
(Mexican Actor Best Known for His Role of 'Mr. Roarke' on the Television Series 'Fantasy Island')
Birthdate: November 25, 1920
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Died: January 14, 2009
Ricardo Montalbán was a Mexican actor who achieved immense popularity in Hollywood during his illustrious career that spanned 70 years! He was the recipient of several prestigious awards including an Emmy Award and Screen Actors Guild's Lifetime Achievement Award. Ricardo Montalbán is credited with establishing the Nosotros Foundation where he served as the first president.
25
Eugenio Derbez
(Mexican Actor and Comedian Best Known for His Films: 'Instructions Not Included' and 'CODA')
Birthdate: September 2, 1961
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Villa Milpa Alta, Mexico
Eugenio Derbez is a Mexican actor and filmmaker best known for co-creating and starring in the family sitcom La familia P. Luche. After establishing himself in the Mexican film industry, he ventured into American films and TV series as well. His feature film Instructions Not Included became the most successful Spanish-language film in US.
Birthdate: November 13, 1953
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Tepetitán, Tabasco, Mexico
Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been serving as Mexico’s 58th president since December 2018. He led the Party of the Democratic Revolution from 1996 to 1999 and was elected Head of Government of Mexico City. He established the National Regeneration Movement in 2014 and led it till 2017.
27
Vicente Fernández
(Singer, actor, and movie producer whose career has spanned more than fifty years and resulted in seven Latin Grammy Awards.)
Birthdate: February 17, 1940
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Died: December 12, 2021
One of Mexico’s best-known cultural icons, singer-actor Vicente Fernández gained nicknames such as The King of Ranchera Music. Known for his signature oversized sombrero and eye-catching costumes, he sold more than 50 million albums throughout his career and won 3 Grammys and 9 Latin Grammys. He also produced Mexican films.
28
Guillermo Ochoa
(Mexican Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Goalkeeper)
Birthdate: July 13, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa is a Mexican professional footballer. He currently plays as a goalkeeper for Liga MX club América and the Mexico national team. He made his senior-level professional debut in 2004 and won his first league title in 2005. He has been a part of many FIFA World Cup squads. He is married to Mexican model Karla Mora.
29
Dolores del Río
(Mexican Actress Who is Regarded as the First Major Female Latin American Crossover Star in Hollywood)
Birthdate: August 3, 1904
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Durango, Mexico
Died: April 11, 1983
Birthdate: January 7, 1950
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Parácuaro, Michoacán, Mexico
Died: August 28, 2016
Regarded by many as Mexico’s Elvis Presley, singer Juan Gabriel sold more than 60 million records, while his songs have been translated to languages such as Japanese and French. Though never married, he had six children, two of them with his domestic employees. Interestingly, some tabloids suggested he was gay.
Birthdate: July 3, 1989
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Emma Coronel Aispuro is a former teenage beauty queen who took part in the Coffee and Guava Festival beauty pageant in 2007. She started hogging the limelight when it was reported that she had married Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, popularly known as El Chapo, who was once regarded as one of the world's most powerful drug trafficker.
Birthdate: March 21, 1806
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: San Pablo Guelatao, Mexico
Died: July 18, 1872
Benito Juarez was a Mexican lawyer and politician. He served as the 26th president of Mexico from 1858 to 1872, becoming the first president of Mexico who was of indigenous origin. He died of a heart attack in 1872. To date, he is revered as "a preeminent symbol of Mexican nationalism and resistance to foreign intervention."
Birthdate: August 8, 1879
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Anenecuilco, Mexico
Died: April 10, 1919
Emiliano Zapata was a key figure in the Mexican Revolution of 1910–1920 and led the agrarian movement known as Zapatismo. As the leader of the Liberation Army of the South, he contributed to the fall of Mexican dictator Porfirio Díaz and later fought against Venustiano Carranza.
Birthdate: March 8, 1982
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Montemorelos, Mexico
Tattoo artist Kat Von D gained fame after being featured on the reality shows LA Ink and Miami Ink. She has partnered with Sephora to launch a make-up line and has written a bestselling book. She has launched a tattoo festival and has also headed the brand KVD Vegan Beauty.
35
Karla Souza
(Mexican-American Actress Known for Her TV Series: 'How to Get Away With Murder' and 'Home Economics')
Birthdate: December 11, 1985
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Karla Souza is a Mexican-American actress best known for her portrayal of Laurel Castillo in the popular legal thriller television series, How to Get Away with Murder. An acclaimed and prominent actress in the Mexican film industry, Karla Souza is the recipient of the Premios Luminus, ACE Award, and Pantalla de Cristal Film Festival Award.
36
Carlos Vela(Mexican Professional Football Player Who Plays as a Forward, Winger and Attacking Midfielder)
Birthdate: March 1, 1989
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Cancún, Mexico
Carlos Vela is a Mexican football player who currently plays for and captains the Los Angeles Football Club of the Major League Soccer (MLS). A versatile player, Vela can play as an attacking midfielder, winger, and forward. He is also known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability. Carlos Vela is also an important player for the Mexico national team.
Birthdate: July 30, 1995
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Hirving Lozano is a Mexican football player. An important member of the Mexico national team, he represented his nation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Lozano was adjudged CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year in 2018.
38
Chalino Sanchez
(He specialized in Regional Mexican music)
Birthdate: August 30, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: El Guayabo, Sinaloa, Mexico
Died: May 16, 1992
39
Raúl Jiménez(Mexican Professional Footballer Who Plays as a Forward)
Birthdate: May 5, 1991
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Tepeji, Hidalgo, Mexico
Mexican footballer Raúl Jiménez is a promising forward of the Premier League team Wolverhampton Wanderers. He won a gold as part of the Mexican team at the 2012 London Olympics. Starting with Club América's youth team, he has also played for Atlético Madrid and Benfica, winning the Liga NOS twice.
40
Cantinflas(One of the Most Popular Entertainers in the History of Latin-American Cinema)
Birthdate: August 12, 1911
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Died: April 20, 1993
Cantinflas was a Mexican actor, comedian, and filmmaker. Dubbed the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico, Cantinflas is best remembered for playing Passepartout in Around the World in 80 Days, for which he won a Golden Globe Award. Regarded as one of the most popular Mexican comedians of all time, Cantinflas is celebrated as a popular icon throughout Spain and Latin America.
Birthdate: July 4, 1988
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Saint-Claude, France
French-Mexican actor Angelique Boyer is best known for her appearances in telenovelas such as Corazón Salvaje and Rebelde. She was previously part of the band Rabanitos Verdes. She has won awards such as the Premios Juventud and the Premios TVyNovelas. She has also been part of the film J-ok'el.
42
Mario Van Peebles(Director and Actor Best Known for His Films: ‘New Jack City’ and ‘USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage’)
Birthdate: January 15, 1957
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Mexico
Mexican-born American director and actor Mario Van Peebles gained fame with films such as USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage and New Jack City, both of which he directed and appeared in. He is the son of director Melvin Van Peebles and portrayed him in his biopic Baadasssss!
Birthdate: July 20, 1966
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Atlacomulco de Fabela
Mexican politician Enrique Peña Nieto served as the 64th President of Mexico from 2012 to 2018. He was previously the Governor of the State of Mexico. He joined politics in the mid-1980s as a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI). He was a controversial president and his tenure saw a rise in drug trade and corruption.
Birthdate: 1466 AD
Birthplace: Tenochtitlan, Mexico
Died: June 29, 1520
45
Maite Perroni(Mexican Singer-Songwriter and Actress Known for Her Multiple Roles in TV Series)
Birthdate: March 9, 1983
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Mexican actor Maite Perroni, known as The New Queen of The Telenovelas, soared to fame as Guadalupe "Lupita" Fernández in the Mexican telenovela Rebelde and as Alma Solares in the Netflix series Dark Desire. She became an international sensation with the Latin Grammy-nominated pop group RBD and later went solo.
Birthdate: December 5, 1981
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico
Adan Canto is best known as Sunspot from the film X-Men: Days of Future Past and as Paul Torres in the series The Following. He played real-life politician Rodrigo Lara Bonilla in the Netflix series Narcos. He also directed the award-winning short film The Shot through his own production house.
47
Jaime Camil
(Mexican Actor Best Known for Playing 'Rogelio de la Vega' on the CW Series 'Jane the Virgin')
Birthdate: July 22, 1973
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Mexico City, Mexico
Jaime Camil is a Mexican singer, actor, and TV personality best known for his portrayal of Rogelio de la Vega in the popular American romantic comedy-drama telenovela Jane the Virgin. His performance in the telenovela earned him a couple of nominations at the Critics' Choice Television Awards. He also won three successive Teen Choice Awards starting from 2017.
48
Rafael Márquez
(Mexican Former Professional Footballer and Current Head Coach of Spanish Team 'Barcelona Atlètic')
Birthdate: February 13, 1979
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Zamora, Mexico
One of the most decorated Mexican footballers, Rafael Márquez, nicknamed El Káiser, was a star defender in his time. Starting his career with Atlas at age 17, he later played for teams such as Barcelona and the New York Red Bulls. His achievements include 4 La Liga and 2 UEFA Champions League titles.
49
Demián Bichir
(Mexican Actor Best Known for His Film 'A Better Life')
Birthdate: August 1, 1963
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
Demián Bichir is a Mexican actor who was once nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor. The son of two popular acting professionals, he developed an early interest in acting. He attended the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute before beginning his film career. He is also an American Civil Liberties Union Ambassador for Immigration Rights.
Birthdate: October 24, 1989
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Los Angeles, United States
Best known for his performance as Diego Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy, David Castañeda is an American-born actor who was raised in Mexico. While initially aspiring to be a civil engineer, he later switched to studying film production. He has also been part of films such as El Chicano and The Guilty.