List of Puerto Ricans

This is a List of famous Puerto Ricans (including people of Puerto Rican descent) in alphabetical order by last names, where applicable. This would include persons who are known to a large number of people and is not based on the extent of their popularity. Neither is the list viewed from the context of the present. Their fame could be brief, what matters is that they were well-known during the peak of their popularity.

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Actors, actresses, and comedians

Kirk Acevedo, actor, (T.V. series Oz)
Jose Miguel Agrelot, "Don Cholito", comedian
Jorge Alberti, actor
Miguel Ángel Álvarez "El Men", comedian
Axel Anderson, actor/director
Victor Argo, actor (King of New York)
Raymond Arrieta, comedian
Rick Aviles, actor/comedian (Ghost)
Charlotte Ayanna, actress
Adrienne Bailon, member of Platnium R&B group 3LW, Actress
Alba Raquel Barros, comedian/actress
Ivonne Belen, documentary director and producer
Rosa Blasi, theatrical actress
Lucy Boscana, actress, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
Giselle Blondet, actress/TV host
Norma Candal, comedian
Irene Cara, singer/actress (Fame)
Desiree Casado, actress "Gaby" on Sesame Street, film I Like It Like That
Myrna de Casenave, actress/comedian, pioneer of Puerto Rican television
Jorge Castro, soap opera actor
Raquel Castro, American actress (Puerto Rican father)
Braulio Castillo, soap opera actor
Braulio Castillo, hijo, soap opera actor
Melwin Cedeño, comedian
Ivonne Coll, actress (The Godfather II)
Miriam Colon, actress (Scarface)
Paquito Cordero, TV producer/comedian
Kevin Corrigan, actor
Mapita Cortes, actress, niece of Mapy Cortes
Mapy Cortes, actress
Mara Croatto, soap opera actress
Alexis Cruz, actor ("Stargate", TV series "Stargate SG1", "Touched By An Angel")
Wilson Cruz actor (TV series My So-Called Life; film Party Monster)
Blanca de Castejon, international actress
Henry Darrow, actor, "Manolito" (TV series The High Chaparral)
Raul Davila , actor, (TV series All My Children)
Rosario Dawson, actress (Men In Black,The Rundown)
Myrna de Casenave, actress
Michael DeLorenzo, actor (TV series New York Undercover, Head of the Class)
Sully Diaz, soap opera actress
Lydia Echevarria, soap opera actress
Hector Elizondo, actor (Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries)
Erik Estrada, actor (TV series CHiPs, Sealab 2021)
Antonio Fargas, actor (television series Starsky and Hutch)
José Ferrer, actor (Cyrano de Bergerac), first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award
Miguel Ferrer, (RoboCop, The Manchurian Candidate)
Franky G, actor (The Italian Job (2003 film), Saw II)
Gloria Garayua, actress ([[Fun_with_Dick_and_Jane_%282005_film%29|Fun with Dick and Jane

]])

Luis Gatica, actor (son of Mapita Cortes)
Ian Gomez, actor ( television series The Drew Carey Show)
Reagan Gomez-Preston, actress
Rick Gonzalez, actor (The Rookie, Coach Carter)
Bruce Gray, actor, S.W.A.T (born and raised in Puerto Rico)
Luis Guzman, actor (Carlito's Way, Traffic, The Count of Monte Cristo)
Juano Hernandez, actor, the first Puerto Rican star in the Negro Film Industry
Lillian Hurst, comedian/actress (Dharma and Greg)
Vincent Irizarry, actor on ABC Soap Opera (All My Children)
Raúl Juliá, actor (Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Addams Family)
Eva LaRue, actress of Puerto Rican descent (All My Children)
John Leguizamo, actor (Moulin Rouge!, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar) (Puerto Rican on Father's side)
Adamari Lopez, actress of soap operas
Anibal Lopez, professional bodybuilder
Jennifer López, actress (Selena, The Cell)
Sunshine Logroño, comedian
Justina Machado, actress (T.V. series Six Feet Under;films Final Destination 2,Torque)
Sonia Manzano, actress, "Maria" on Sesame Street
Eddie Marrero, actor (Navy Seals: Untold Stories)
Javier Grillo-Marxuach, television and film producer
Claribel Medina, actress soap operas
John Melendez, "Stuttering John" ("Howard Stern Show" and "The Tonight Show")
Angela Meyer, actress, comedian and producer
Ari Meyers, actress (TV series Kate & Allie)
Eddie Miro, T.V. Host
Esai Morales, actor (La Bamba)
Jacobo Morales, actor (Bananas)
Alicia Moreda, soap opera actress
Rita Moreno, actress, winner of an Oscar, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award
Coati Mundi, composer/musician and actor (film Who's That Girl)
Frankie Muniz, actor (TV series Malcolm in the Middle) films Agent Cody Banks,Big Fat Liar (Puerto Rican on father's side)
Rafo Muñiz, comedian
Tommy Muñiz, T.V. producer/comedian
Michael J. Narvaez, actor/director, film I Believe in America
Micaela Nevárez, actress, film Princesas, first Puerto Rican to win a Goya Award
Jimmy Nieves, comedian, Radio and TV host
Amaury Nolasco, actor, film 2 Fast 2 Furious, television series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Prison Break)
Marian Pabon, actress
Rosie Perez, actress (White Men Can't Jump, Fearless)
Joaquin Phoenix, actor (Signs, Gladiator) (born in Puerto Rico)
Freddie Prinze, comedian/actor (TV series Chico and the Man) (Puerto Rican mother)
Freddie Prinze, Jr., actor (Scooby-Doo) (Puerto Rican grandmother)
Carmen Belen Richardson, comedian/actress
Armando Riesco, actor, films ( World Trade Center, Garden State, Fever Pitch)
Chita Rivera, "Broadway Legend", winner of 2 Tony Awards
Luis Antonio Rivera, "Yoyo Boing" comedian
Ramón (Diplo) Rivero, comedian
Adalberto Rodríguez, "Machuchal" comedian
Adam Rodriguez actor (T.V. series " Miami "Roswell" "Resurrection Blvd.")
Freddie Rodríquez, actor (T.V. series Six Feet Under)
Gladys Rodríguez, comedian/soap opera actress
Michelle Rodríquez, actress (The Fast and the Furious)
Esther Sandoval, actress
Antonio Sanchez, comedian/television host
Marcelino Sanchez, actor ("The Warriors","The Bloodhound Gang"
Roselyn Sanchez, actress (Rush Hour 2)
Jose Vega Santana, "Remi" the Clown, (also see: Cartoonists)
Jon Seda, actor (Selena)
Henry Silva, actor (The Manchurian Candidate, Dick Tracy (film))
Jimmy Smits, actor (TV series L.A. Law, The West Wing, and NYPD Blue; movie Revenge of the Sith)
Talisa Soto, actress/model, (Licence to Kill,Mortal Kombat)
Miguel Ángel Suárez, actor (Stir Crazy, Under Suspicion)
Rachel Ticotin, actress (Total Recall, Con Air)
Benicio del Toro, actor (Traffic), Academy award winner
Liz Torres, actress (T.V. series Gilmore Girls)
Alanna Ubach, actress (Meet The Fockers (mother is Puerto Rican)
Nadine Velazquez, actress (T.V. series My Name is Earl)
Lauren and Loraine Velez, actress's, (T.V. series "New York Undercover", "Oz")
Christina Vidal,actress, (TV series Taina)
Lisa Vidal, actress (Night in the City), (TV series ER)
Luis Vigoreaux, TV host
Luisito Vigoreaux, TV host
Sylvia Del Villard, actress, dancer and choregrapher
Otilio Warrington, "Bizcocho" comedian
Sandra Zaiter, TV host of children shows
Raul Julia, actor, movies ("Street Fighter The Movie","The Addams Family")

Authors, playwrights and poets

Abelardo Diaz Alfaro, writer
Miguel Algarín, poet,writer and co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Dr. Manuel A. Alonso, poet and author
Alejandrina Benitez de Gautier, poet
Maria Bibiana Benitez, playwright and Puerto Rico's "first" poets
Tomas Blanco, writer and historian
Dr. Salvador Brau, historian
Julia de Burgos, poet
Mayra Calvani, writer
Nemesio Canales, essayist and poet
Judith Ortiz Cofer, poet, writer and essayist
Dr. Cayetano Coll y Toste, historian and writer
Jesús Colón, writer, father of "Nuyorican" movement
Juan Antonio Corretjer, poet
Dr. José Antonio Dávila, poet
Virgilio Dávila, poet
Caridad de la Luz "La Bruja", poet, writer/actor of "Boogie Rican Blvd"
Mayra Santos Febres, poet
Dr. Rosario Ferré, writer
Jose Gautier Benitez, poet
Migene Gonzalez-Wippler, new-age author, prominent Santeria expert
Enrique A. Laguerre, writer, nominated for Nobel Prize in literature
Georgina Lázaro, children's poet
Luis Palés Matos, poet of Afro-Caribbean themes
René Marqués, playwright
Dr. Concha Melendez, poet, writer
Manuel Mendez Ballester, writer
Mercedes Negron Muñoz, "Clara Lair", poet
Dr. Antonio S. Pedreira, writer and educator
Pedro Pietri, poet,playwright, co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Miguel Piñero, playwright, writer, co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
Luis Rafael Sanchez,playwright
Dr. Wilfredo Santa Gomez,self help books author
Esmeralda Santiago, author
Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, writer and poet, "The Father of Puerto Rican Literature"
José Rivera, playwright, first Puerto Rican nominated for an "Oscar" in "Best Adopted Screenplay" category
Dr. Juan M. Rivera, poet, essayist
Lola Rodríguez de Tió, poet, wrote lyrics to the revolutionary "Borinqueña"
Salvador Tió, (Poet, Humorist, Writer and inventor of the word "Espanglish")
Elsa Tió, (Poet)
Piri Thomas, writer, poet
Edwin Torres, "Nuyorican Movement" poet
Judge Edwin Torres, writer (Carlito's Way), New York Supreme Court Justice
Luis Llorens Torres, poet
Clemente Soto Vélez, poet and activist
William Carlos Williams (Puerto Rican on his mother's side), Modernist poet.
Dr. Manuel Zeno Gandía, wrote "La Charca", the first Puerto Rican novel

Beauty queens and supermodels

Deborah Carthy-Deu, Miss Universe 1985
Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003 (mother is Puerto Rican)
Stella Diaz, Top Fashion Model, Sports Illustrated Model Search Finalist, 2005
Marisol Malaret, first Puerto Rican Miss Universe, 1970
Marisol Maldonado, fashion model
Wilnelia Merced, Miss World, 1975
Astrid Muñoz, supermodel
Cynthia Olavarria, Miss Puerto Rico 2005
Denise Quiñones, Miss Universe 2001
Chay Santini, supermodel
Taina, model
Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993
Gloria Velez, supermodel

Business People and industrialists

Carlota Alfaro, fashion
Aida Alvarez, first Hispanic woman and the first Puerto Rican to hold a position in a President's Cabinet
Luis Antonio, fashion
Antonio Muñoz Bermudez, philanthropist and sports promoter, responsible for MLB and World Baseball Classic games in Puerto Rico
Luisa Capetillo, labor leader
Richard Carrion, Chairman of the Board Banco Popular, chairman International Olympic Committee's Finance Committee
Ramiro L. Colon, first administrator of Cooperativa de Cafeteros de Puerto Rico, Café Rico (official coffee of the Vatican)
Atilano Cordero Badillo, Supermercados Grande
Maria Vizcarrondo-De Soto, first Puerto Rican President and CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson*
Sergio Luna ,Industrialist, founder of Pinturas Luna.
Oscar de la Renta, fashion designer (Father was Puerto Rican)
Fernando Fernandez, "Ron del Barrilito" and "Alcoholado Santa Ana"
Luis A. Ferré, Ponce Cement (see also Governors)
José Juan García, "CheJuan", founder of Hogares Crea
Ramon Lopez Irizarry, inventor of Coco Lopez
Gildo Massó, founder of Massó Enterprises and Casa's Massó
Sandra Miranda, founder of Miranda Salon, Inc. & Miranda the Style Lounge
Angel Munoz, founder of the Cyberathlete Professional League - widely regarded as the father of esports
Lisette Nieves, founder of "ATREVETE"
Lisa Quiroz, founding publisher of People en Espanol magazine, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Responsibility for Time Warner
Samuel A. Ramirez, Sr., President and founder of "Ramirez & Co.", the largest Hispanic investment banking firm in Wall Street
Angel Ramos, founder of Telemundo television network
Miguel Ruíz, founder of Café Yaucono'
Herb Scannell, Former Chairman of MTV Networks and president of Nickelodeon Networks
Juan Serralles, founder of "Don Q" rum
Joseph A. Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods, son of founder
Salvador Vassallo, founder of Vassallo Industries Inc. (Industrias Vassallo Inc.), Vassallo Distribution Center, and Vassallo Molding Corp.

Cartoonists

David Alvarez, creator of "Yenny", illustrator and storyboard artist for DC Comics Looney Tunes series
Ricardo Alvarez Rivon, creator of "Turey"
Vanesa Littlecrow, comic creator
George Perez, "Marvel" and DC Comics comic book artist
John Rivas, creator of "Bonzzo"
Jose Vega Santana, creator of "Remi, The Clown" (see also Actors and Actress)
Wilfred Santiago, "Fantagraphics Books" Graphic Novel artist
Mario Ruiz, "Valor Comics, Metron Press" Graphic Novel artist, Samson, Judge of Israel

Composers, musicians and singers

Juan F. Acosta, composer of folklore music
Johnny Albino, singer
Natalie and Nicole Albino, "Nina Sky" R&B
Rafael Alers, danza composer, "first" Puerto Rican to compose a Hollywood musical score
Tite Curet Alonso, salsa composer El Periódico de Ayer and Las Caras Lindas
Marc Anthony, singer
Chucho Avellanet, singer
Lloyd Banks, (Puerto Rican on his mother's side), rapper
Ray Barretto, salsa singer, jazz and salsa musician
Eddie Benitez, Guitarist, song writer, Considered the Most sensual guitarist
John Benitez, "Jellybean Benitez", music producer and remixer
Lucecita Benítez, singer
Obie Bermudez,singer
Americo Boschetti, singer and composer
Roy Brown, folklore singer, composer
Antonio Caban Vale "El Topo", folklore singer, composer
Tego Calderón, reggaeton singer
Juan Morel Campos, composer of Danzas
Bobby Capo, singer, composer
Vicente Carattini, singer and composer of Puerto Rican Christmas themes
Nydia Caro, singer
Pablo Casals, (Puerto Rican on his mother's side), cellist and composer
Kevin Ceballo, salsa singer
Rafael Cepeda, composer, "The Patriarch of the Bomba and Plena"
Iris Chacón, singer and vedette
Chayanne, singer
Jose Miguel Class, "El Gallito de Manati", singer
Elvis Crespo, merengue singer
Tony Croatto, singer/composer of Puerto Rican folk songs
Bobby Cruz,salsa singer
Willie Colón, salsa singer
Braulio Dueño Colón, composer of "Canciones Escolares"
Cesar Concepcion, salsa singer
Federico A. Cordero, composer and classical guitarist
Millie Corretjer,singer
Rafael Cortijo,salsa singer
Joe Cuba,bandleader, considered to be "The Father of the Boogaloo"
Daddy Yankee, reggaeton singer
Pedro Ortiz Davila, "Davilita", bolero singer
Justino Díaz, opera singer
Dr. Rafael Jose Diaz, "Rafael Jose", singer and television host
Carmen Delia Dipini, singer
Howie Dorough, singer, member of the Backstreet Boys
Johnathan Dwayne, singer, composer
Jesús Sánchez Erazo , "El Chuito de Bayamon", singer
Rafi Escudero, salsa singer
Noel Estrada, composer of "En Mi Viejo San Juan"
Cano Estremera,singer, composer and poet
Fat Joe, rapper
Rene Farrait, former member of "Menudo"
Cheo Feliciano,singer
José Feliciano, singer, composed "Feliz Navidad"
Ruth Fernandez, singer
Narciso Figueroa, "Father of the Modern Danza"
Pedro Flores, composer
Luis Fonsi, singer
Angelo Garcia,former member of "Menudo"
Odilio Gonzalez, singer
Oscar Hernandez, salsa musician (composer of Sex and the City theme song)
Rafael Hernandez, Composer of "Preciosa" and "Lamento Borincano"
Giovanni Hidalgo, percussionist
Marta Casals Istomin, cellist, former President of Manhattan School of Music, widow of musicians Pablo Casals and Eugene Istomin
Rafael Ithier, founder of "El Gran Combo" orchestra
La India,salsa singer, known as the "Princess of Salsa"
Carmita Jimenez, singer (known also as "La Dama de la Canción")
George Lamond , pop/salsa singer
Tito Lara, singer
Héctor Lavoe, salsa singer
Raphy Leavitt, composer, director and founder of "La Selecta"
Jennifer López, singer and actress
Johnny Lozada, former member of "Menudo"
Papo Lucca, Lead Pianist of "La Sonora Ponceña"
Lunna, singer
Victor Manuelle, singer
Ricky Martin, singer former member of "Menudo"
Angie Martinez, Radio personality/rapper
Charlie Masso, former member of "Menudo"
Maxwell (musician), R&B/Neo-Soul singer (father was Puerto Rican)
Lisette Melendez, freestyle/latin-pop singer
Ricky Melendez, former member of "Menudo"
Luis Miguel,singer born in Puerto Rico
Ismael Miranda, "El Niño Bonito de la Salsa", singer and composer
Angel Mislan, composer of Danzas
Yolandita Monge, singer
Andy Montañez, salsa singer
Glenn Monroig,composer, singer, sang the "first" rap song in Spanish
Gilberto Monroig, bolero singer
David Morales, deejay/composer/music producer
Florencio Morales Ramos, "Ramito", folklore singer
Ednita Nazario, singer
Joe Negroni, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, member of the Teenagers
Tito Nieves, salsa singer
Tommy Olivencia, salsa singer
Don Omar reggaeton singer
Tony Orlando (Puerto Rican on mother's side), singer
Choco Orta, female,salsa, singer
Jeannie Ortega, R&B/reggaeton singer
Luis "Perico" Ortiz, salsa singer, musician, composer, musical arranger and producer
Shalim Ortiz, singer
Eddie Palmieri, bandleader (won 7 Grammy Awards)
Charlie Palmieri, pianist, bandleader
Antonio Paolí, opera singer, first person in history to record an entire opera
Chavo Pederast aka Ron Reyes, second singer for LA hardcore punk band Black Flag
José Enrique Pedreira, Danza composer
Angel "Cuco" Peña, musician, composer and producer
Carlos Ponce, singer
Tito Puente, musician, composer and producer
Ivy Queen, rapper, known as "The Queen of Reggaeton"
Luciano Quiñones, danza composer
Ismael Quintana, salsa singer
Jose Ignacio Quinton, pianist/composer of danzas
Richie Ray, singer, composer, known as "The King of Salsa"
Ron Reyes aka Chavo Pederast, second singer for LA hardcore punk band Black Flag
Sylvia Rexach, singer, composer
Danny Rivera, singer
Jerry Rivera, salsa singer
Dr. Graciela Rivera, opera singer
Ismael Rivera, "El Sonero Mayor", salsa singer
Roberto Roena, Band Leader of Apollo Sound Orchestra, Bongoes and percussion, dancer
Felipe Rodriguez, "La Voz", bolero singer
Julito Rodriguez, singer
Omar Rodriguez-Lopez, guitarist from The Mars Volta
Pellin Rodriguez, salsa singer
Tito Rodriguez, singer
Kelis Rogers, (mother is Chinese Puerto Rican), singer and television host
Tito Rojas, "El Gallo"
Robby Rosa, former member of "Menudo"
Willie Rosario, composer, bandleader
Felipe Rose, the Indian from The Village People, singer
Julita Ross, singer of Danzas
Roy Rossello, former member of "Menudo"
Frankie Ruiz, salsa singer
Hilton Ruiz, jazz composer/musician
Fernando and Nefty Sallaberry, former members of "Menudo"
Claudio Sanchez, lead singer, lyricist and guitarist of Coheed and Cambria
Jesús María Sanromá, the first person ever to be named official pianist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
Gilberto Santa Rosa, salsa singer
Eddie Santiago, salsa singer
Herman Santiago, rock n roll singer, composed song "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
Marvin Santiago, salsa singer
Dr. Zoraida Santiago, singer and composer
Daniel Santos, composer, singer of boleros
Nino Segarra, salsa singer
Xavier Serbia, former member of "Menudo"
Banchy Serrano, singer, member of "Grupo Mania"
Myrta Silva, singer, composer
Arturo Somohano,composer, Symphony orchestra conductor
Brenda K. Starr,singer (Puerto Rican on mother's side)
Michael Stuart, singer
Olga Tañon, singer, composer, (4 Grammys)
Manuel Gregorio Tavarez, composer known as "The Father of the Puerto Rican Danzas"
Gerardo Teissonniere, classical pianist and teacher
Roberto Tirado, Spanish Harlem vocalist
Ray Toro, Lead guitarist for My Chemical Romance
Yolanda Vadiz, gospel singer
Bobby Valentin,musician/bandleader
Mario Vasquez, singer
Alan Vega, rock singer, of Suicide
Tony Vega, Salsa singer
Lisa Velez, singer, of Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam
Vico C, rapper
Wilkins, singer and composer
Eric West, singer, actor

Criminals and Outlaws

Salvador Agron, criminal and poet
Antonio Correa Cotto, infamous outlaw
Antonio Garcia Lopez "Toño Bicicleta", infamous outlaw
Isabel la Negra, madam of a notorious brothel
Filiberto Ojeda Ríos, slain leader of the underground Boricua Popular Army, "Macheteros"
Heriberto Seda, New York copycat Zodiac Killer
Tony Tursi, member of the Mafia

Diplomats

Cesar Benito Cabrera, U.S. Ambassador-designate to Mauritius and the Seychelles
Gabriel Guerra-Mondragon, former U.S. Ambassador to Chile
Luis Guinot, former U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica
Hans Hertell, U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
Teodoro Moscoso, former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela (see also politicians)
Admiral Horacio Rivero, former U.S. Ambassador to Spain (see also military)

Educators and scientists

Joseph M. Acaba, educator, first Puerto Rican astronaut
Dr. Ricardo Alegria, anthropologist, archaeologist, educator
Dr. Pilar Barbosa, UPR prof, author and first modern-day Official Historian of Puerto Rico
Dr. Jaime Benitez, fmr Resident Commissioner, longest serving chancellor and president of the University of Puerto Rico
Dr. Rafael L. Bras, former chair of Civil Engineering at MIT and one of the world's leading experts in hydrometeorology and global warming.
Anthony M. Busquets, electronic engineer, aero-space technologist
Judge José A. Cabranes,educator, first Puerto Rican to serve as a U.S. Circuit Court judge in the federal court in the continental United States.
Dr. María Cadilla, educator, Women rights activist
Dr. Jose Ferrer Canales, educator, writer and activist
Dr. Pedro Valle Carlo, educator, environmentalist
Miguel Alvarez Chico, electronic engineer, aero-space technologist
Dr. Nitza Margarita Cintron,scientist, Chief of NASA's (JSC) Space and Health Care Systems Office
Rafael Cordero,educator beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II
Juan R. Correa-Pérez, Ph.D.,scientist, clinical andrologist and embryologist
Dr. Orlando Figueroa, mechanical engineer, Director of Mars Exploration in NASA
Nilita Vientos Gaston, educator, defended the use of Spanish in the courts of Puerto Rico
Olga D. Gonzalez, NASA engineer, Member of Ohio's Women Hall of Fame
Dr. Sixto Gonzalez, scientist, first Puerto Rican Director of the Arecibo Observatory
Lucas G. Hortas, aero-space engineer, aero-space technologist
Dr. Carlos A. Liceaga, electronic engineer, aero-space technologist
Dr. Norman Maldonado, physician and fmr UPR president
Debbie Martinez, computer engineer, aero-space technologist
Lissette Martinez, electronic engineer, rocket scientist
Dr. Concha Melendez, educator, writer poet
Ana G. Mendez, educator, founder of the Ana G. Mendez University System
Eugenio Maria de Hostos (see also Politicians)
Ana María O'Neill, educator and women's rights advocate
Dr. Carlos Ortiz Longo, mechanical engineer, Chief of Crew Health Care Systems and Exercise Countermeasures in NASA
Lourdes Pamela Pop,educator
Dr. Antonia Pantoja, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Efrén Pérez Rivera, educator, environmentalist and founder of Caborrojeños Pro Salud y Ambiente.
Maria Luisa Penne, educator, painter
Dr. Angel Ramos, Superintendent of the Sequoia Schools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Miguel Rodríguez, mechanical engineer, Chief of the Integration Office of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez, inventor, mechanical engineer
Monserrate Roman, scientist, microbiologist
Ana Roque, educator and suffragist
Dr. Agustin Stahl, scientist
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, pioneer in black history
Dr. Felix Soto Toro, electrical engineer, astronaut applicant
Dr. Fernando E. Rodriguez Vargas, dentist, scientist, discovered the bacteria which causes dental cavity
Dr. Margot Arce de Vázquez, educator, founder of the Department of Hispanic Studies in the University of Puerto Rico

Governors

Aníbal Acevedo Vila, 8th elected governor of Puerto Rico
Sila María Calderón, first female and 7th elected governor of Puerto Rico
Luis A. Ferré, 3rd elected governor of Puerto Rico (see also Industrialists)
Rafael Hernández Colón, 4th elected governor of Puerto Rico
Luis Muñoz Marín, 1st elected governor of Puerto Rico
Jesus T. Piñero, first Puerto Rican to be named Governor by the U.S.
Juan Ponce de León II, first Puerto Rican to be temporary governor
Carlos Romero Barceló, 5th elected governor of Puerto Rico
Dr. Pedro Rosselló, 6th elected governor of Puerto Rico
Roberto Sánchez Vilella, 2nd elected governor of Puerto Rico

Journalists

Jose Julian Acosta, journalist
María Celeste Arraras, anchor for "Al Rojo Vivo"
Barbara Bermudo, journalist, co-host of Univisions "Primer Impacto"
Rafael Bracero, newscaster for "Noticentro 4"
Alicia Colon, Columnist for The New York Sun
Christopher Crommett, Atlanta-based Exec VP CNN en Español
Tomas De Jesus Mangual, journalist for "El Vocero"
Carmen Dominicci, journalist, co-host of Univisions "Primer Impacto"
Manuel Fernandez Juncos, journalist, wrote lyrics to "La Borinqueña"
Jackie Guerrido, journalist and meteorologist for Univisions "Despierta America"
Anibal Gonzalez Irizarry, former newscaster for "Telenoticias en accion"
Kimberly Guilfoyle, Court TV Journalist and former first-lady of San Francisco (Puerto Rican mother)
Carmen Jovet, journalist, first Puerto Rican woman named news anchor in Puerto Rico
Michele LaFountain, anchor for the Spanish version of ESPN Sports Center
Lynda Lopez, anchor for "WCBS" Ch2.
Luis Francisco Ojeda, journalist, political critic for "WAPA T.V."
Denisse Oller, Emmy-award winning New York City television news anchor
Jorge L. Ramos, Emmy-award winning New York City television news anchor
Geraldo Rivera, journalist
Edna Schmidt, anchor for "Telefutura"
Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent on the "News Hour with Jim Leher", former host of NPR's "Talk Of The Nation"
Guillermo José Torres, newscaster for "Noticentro 4"
Elizabeth Vargas, former co-anchor ABC World News Tonight
Luz Nereida Velez, newscaster for "Noticentro 4"

Military

PFC Domingo Arroyo, USMC, first Puerto Rican and U.S. serviceman to die during the Somalian Civil War
Vice Admiral, Dr.Richard Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General under President George W. Bush
Brigadier General Antonio Rodriguez Balinas, U.S. Army
Brigadier General Antonio Valero de Bernabe, fought alongside Simón Bolívar
Staff Sgt. Modesto Cartagena, U.S. Army, most decorated Hispanic in history
Brigadier General Juan César Cordero Dávila, highly decorated officer and Cabinet-level official who died in aircraft accident
Lieutenant General Pedro Del Valle, U.S. Marine Corps, first Hispanic three-star Marine general
Rear Admiral Dr. Alberto Diaz, Jr., U.S. Navy, first Hispanic Director of the San Diego Naval Medical District
1 Lt. Carmen Durnier, WAC's, one of the first Puerto Rican women Army officers
Capt. Miguel Enriquez, captain Spanish Navy, defeated the British in Vieques
Major General Luis R. Esteves, U.S. Army, organized the Puerto Rican National Guard
Major General Salvador E. Felices, U.S. Air Force, first Puerto Rican general in the U.S. Air Force
CWO3 Rose Franco, USMC, first Hispanic woman Chief Warrant Officer in the Marine Corps
PFC Fernando Luis Garcia, USMC, first Puerto Rican awarded the Medal Of Honor
Major General Orlando Llenza, U.S. Air Force
PFC Carlos Lozada, U.S. Army, awarded Medal of Honor
Lt. Francisco Gonzalo Marin, Cuban Liberation Army, fought alongside José Martí
Col. Teofilo Marxuach, U.S. Army, fired the first shot in World War I on behalf of the United States
Capt. Angel Rivero Mendez, Spanish Army, fired the first shot against the Americans in the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico, invented the "Kola Champagne"
Major General William A. Navas, Jr., U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican named Assistant Secretary of the Navy
Brigadier General Luis Padial, Spanish Army, played an essential role in the abolishment of slavery in Puerto Rico
Admiral Ramon Power y Giralt, Spanish Navy
Col. Carlos Betances Ramirez, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican to command a battalion in the Korean War
Capt.Antonio de los Reyes Correa, Spanish Army, defeated the British in Arecibo
Major Fernando L. Ribas-Dominicci, U.S. Air Force, perished in Operation El Dorado Canyon
Rear Admiral Frederick Lois Riefkohl, U.S. Navy
General Juan Rius Rivera, Commander-in-Chief of the Cuban Liberation Army
Capt. Manuel Rivera, USMC, First Puerto Rican and U.S. servicemen to die in Operation Desert Shield
Admiral Horacio Rivero, U.S. Navy, first Hispanic four-star admiral
SPC Lizbeth Robles, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican female soldier born in Puerto Rico to die in Iraq
Master Sgt. Pedro Rodriguez, U.S. Army, awarded two Silver Stars in one week
Captain Euripides Rubio, U.S. Army, awarded Medal of Honor
Sp4c Hector Santiago-Colon, U.S. Army, awarded Medal of Honor
MGySgt. Frankie Segarra, USMC, First Hispanic to reach the grade of Master Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps
SPC Frances M. Vega, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican female soldier born in the U.S. to die in a war
Captain Humbert Roque Versace,U.S. Army, first Army P.O.W. to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in captivity.
2Lt. Juan Alonso Zayas, Spanish Army, fought in the Battle of Baler, Philippines
LCDR Sammy Cuevas, U.S. Navy, first and only Hispanic to Command the U.S. Naval Security Group Activity, Sabana Seca, P.R. before its closure in Jan 2003.

SGM Jesus Reyes, U.S Army, first and only puertorican to spend his last assignment in the "DAMN" Desert (NTC).....

LTC Daniel Vazquez-Rosa, First 92d Separate Infantry Brigade Operations Officer (S3) to mobilize the Brigade in "Operation Guardian Mariner" 2003.

Painters and sculptors

Alfonso Arana, painter, founder of the Fundación Alfonso Arana.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, painter (Puerto Rican mother)
Tomas Batista, sculptor of "El Jibaro Puertorriqueño" monument
Angel Botello, painter and sculptor
Jose Buscaglia Guillermety, sculptor
José Campeche, first renowned Puerto Rican artist
Gerry Ruiz Cirino ,Puerto Rican contemporary artist/painter
James De La Vega, mural artist
Jan D'Esopo, painter and sculptor
Elizam Escobar, painter and activist
Obed Gomez, contemporary artist known as the "Puerto Rican Picasso"
Lorenzo Homar, graphic artist
Antonio Martorell, painter
Francisco Oller, painter, the only Latin American painter to play a role in the development of Impressionism.
Antonio Broccoli Porto, painter and sculptor from San Juan
Julio Rosado del Valle, abstract expressionist
Alberto Vadi, sculptor from Aguadilla

Politicians

Ernesto Ramos Antonini, former president of the Camara of Representatives of Puerto Rico
Carmen E. Arroyo first Puerto Rican woman elected to any state assembly in the United States
Herman Badillo, first Puerto Rican to serve in U.S. Congress
Joaquín Balaguer, president of Dominican Republic (Puerto Rican on his father's side)
Dr. José Celso Barbosa, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Statehood Movement"
Antonio R. Barcelo, founder of the Puerto Rican Liberal Party
Angel O. Berrios, former mayor of Caguas
Ruben Berrios-Martinez, president of the Puerto Rican Independence Party
Dr.Ramon Emeterio Betances, main leader of the Grito de Lares revolution
Juan Bosch, president of Dominican Republic (Puerto Rican on his mother's side)
Mariana Bracetti, leader of the Lares Revolutionary Council
Juan Marí Bras, founder of the Puerto Rican Socialist Party
Mathias Brugman, leader of the Grito de Lares
Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos, founder of the Nationalist Party
Blanca Canales, nationalist who led the Jayuya revolt
Adolfo Carrión Jr., present Bronx borough president (2001-present)
Roman Baldorioty de Castro, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Autonomy"
Segundo Ruiz Belvis, leader of the Grito de Lares revolt
Adam Clayton Powell IV, son of civil rights leader Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. and New York state assembly member
Oscar Collazo, one of two nationalists who attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman
Jose Coll y Cuchi, founder of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party
Dr. Gilberto Concepcion de Gracia, founder of the Puerto Rican Independence Party
Rafael "Churumba" Cordero Santiago, former mayor of Ponce
Federico Degetau, the first resident commissioner to the United States
Dr. Jose de Diego, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Independence Movement"
Dr. Antonio Fernós-Isern, first Puerto Rican cardiologist and Resident Commissioner.
Maurice Ferre, former mayor of Miami, Florida
Fernando Ferrer, Bronx (New York City) borough president
Luis Fortuño, current Resident Commissioner
Dr. Olga Viscal Garriga, nationalist
Miguel Hernandez Agosto, former Senate President, chair PDP Status Education Committee
Eugenio Maria de Hostos, (see also Educators)
Santiago Iglesias, labor activist and Resident Commissioner to Washington
Tito Kayak, activist
Lolita Lebron, nationalist
Margarita Lopez, New York City councilwoman/activist
José María Marxuach Mayor of San Juan c. 1900
Olga A. Mendez, first Puerto Rican New York State Senator
Ines Mendoza, first lady of Puerto Rico
Francisco Ramirez Medina, President of the Republic of Puerto Rico (September 28, 1868), during "El Grito de Lares" revolt
Kenneth McClintock, President of the Puerto Rico Senate
Teodoro Moscoso Jr., architect of Operation Bootstrap, former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela (1961-1964)
Luis Muñoz Rivera, Resident Commissioner in Washington,D.C.
Dr. Antonia Novello, U.S. Surgeon General under President George H. W. Bush
Hernan Padilla, forner Mayor of San Juan, founder Puerto Rican Renewal Party
Eddie Perez, Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut
Roberto Prats, former senator, Democratic state chair
Francisco Mariano Quiñones, the first president of Puerto Rico's Cabinet
Roberto Rexach Benitez, former Senate President, educator, current columnist for El Vocero newspaper
Ramon Luis Rivera, former mayor of Bayamón
Manuel Rojas, leader of the "Grito de Lares"
Felisa Rincón de Gautier, first woman to be elected mayor of an American capital city.
Manuela Santiago Collazo, former mayor of Vieques (1985-2000)
Maria de Lourdes Santiago, first female "PIP" member to be elected into the Puerto Rican Senate
Jose Serrano, most senior Puerto Rican congressman
Griselio Torresola, one of two nationalists who attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman
Nydia Velazquez, first Puerto Rican congresswoman
Roberto Vigoreaux, former show host, former senator

Puppeteers

Antulio Kobo Santarrosa, "La Chachara", "La Condesa", "La Comay"
Filipo Tirado, "Pepe LoCuaz"

Religion

Bishop David Andres Alvarez, Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico
Luis Cardinal Aponte Martínez,first Puerto Rican to become a cardinal
Father Francisco Ayerra de Santa Maria, Puerto Rico's first poet
Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi, first Puerto Rican to become a bishop
Rev. Yiye Avila, pentecostal leader
Rev. Nicky Cruz, former gangster turned minister
Sister Maria Dominguez, beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II
Sor Isolina Ferre, Catholic nun awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
Juanita García Peraza, "Mita", founder of "Mita" religion
Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves, Catholic Diocese of San Juan
Rev. Jorge Raschke, outspoken evangelist
Carlos Manuel Rodríguez a.k.a. "St.Charlie", beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001
Teofilo Vargas Sein, "Aaron", leader of "Mita" religion
Father Diego de Torres Vargas, first to write about the history of Puerto Rico.

Sports

Benjamin Agosto, Ice dancer and Olympic medalist, figure skating
Roberto Alomar, baseball player
Sandy Alomar, Jr., baseball player
Carmelo Anthony, basketball player, Denver Nuggets (Puerto Rican on his father's side)
Carlos Arroyo, basketball player, Orlando Magic
Jeremy Figueroa, Football player, New England Patriots
Wilfred Benitez, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
Dr. David "Kike" Bernier, fencing, member of Puerto Rican National Fencing Team
Hiram Bithorn, baseball player, first Puerto Rican in Major League Baseball
Kristina Brandi, tennis player
Ricardo Busquets, Olympic swimmer & coach
Ivan Calderon, baseball player
Ivan Calderon, boxer
Fernando J. Canales, swimmer, first Puerto Rican to reach the final Championships
Hector 'Macho' Camacho, boxer
Orlando 'Peruchin' Cepeda, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame
Roberto Clemente, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame
Abdiel Colberg, Only Hispanic pro-rollerblader
Dr. Rebekah Colberg, "The Mother of Puerto Rican Women's Sports"
Carlitos Colon, professional wrestler
Carly Colon (Carlitos Colon Jr.), professional wrestler
Angel Cordero Jr., jockey, member of Jockey Hall of Fame
Maritza Correia, first black Puerto Rican woman in U.S. Olympic Swmming Team
Joe Cortez, boxing referee
José Miguel Cotto, boxer
Miguel Cotto, boxer
Eva Cruz, volleyball player
Jose "Cheo" Cruz, baseball player
Christian Dalmau, BSN basketball player
Raymond Dalmau, basketball player
Esteban De Jesus, boxer
Carlos "Sugar" De Leon, first boxer in history to win cruiserweight title twice
Carlos Delgado, baseball player, New York Mets
Ivelisse Echevarria, inducted into the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame (2003)
Alfredo Escalera, boxer
Sixto Escobar, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
Angel "Cholo" Espada, boxer, fmr. champ
Justin Fargas, Football player, Oakland Raiders,(son of actor Antonio Fargas)
Gigi Fernández, tennis player
Lisa Fernandez, softball, Olympic gold medalist
Enrique Figueroa, sailing
Germán Figueroa (Apolo), professional wrestler
Bold Forbes, thoroughbred champion
Ruben Gomez, first Puerto Rican to pitch and win a World Series game.
Wilfredo Gomez, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
Jorge "Peco" Gonzalez, marathon runner
Juan "Igor" Gonzalez, baseball player
Ivonne Harrison, track and field athlete
Reggie Jackson, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame (Puerto Rican on father's side)
Butch Lee, basketball player, first Puerto Rican to play in the NBA
Angelita Lind, track and field athlete
Laura Daniela Lloreda, member of Mexican National Volleyball Team
Javy Lopez, baseball player, Baltimore Orioles
Mike Lowell, baseball player, Florida Marlins
Felix Magath, first Puerto Rican (mother is German) to play in World Cup soccer for Germany
Glenn Martinez, football player
Edgar Martinez, baseball player
Alberto Mercado, Olympian boxer, the only American citizen in the 1980 Olympics
Jerome Mincy, basketball player
John John Molina, boxer
Pedro Montañez, boxer
Mario "Quijote" Morales, BSN basketball player
Pedro Morales, wrestler, member of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame
Jonny Moseley, skier, first Puerto Rican to belong to the U.S. Ski Team
Emilio "Millito" Navarro, first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues
Luis Olmo, first Puerto Rican to hit a home run in a World Series
Carlos Ortiz, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
Jose Ortiz, basketball player
Luis Ortiz, boxer, first Puerto Rican to win an Olympic medal in boxing
Raul Papaleo, Puerto Rican National Volleyball Team
Ernesto Pastor, bullfighter
Victor Pellot, a.k.a. "Vic Power", baseball player, second black Puerto Rican in Major League Baseball
Jorge Posada, baseball player, New York Yankees
Peter John Ramos, basketball player
Ramon Ramos, basketball player
German Rieckehoff, former president of Puerto Rican Olympic Committee
Ramon Rivas, NBA and International basketball player
Marco Rivera, football player, first Puerto Rican selected to Pro Bowl
Ron Rivera, football player, first Puerto Rican in the National Football League
Ivan "Pudge" Rodríguez, baseball player, Detroit Tigers
Juan "Chi-Chi" Rodríguez, golfer, member of Golf Hall of Fame
Ruben Rodríguez, basketball player
Jose "King" Roman, boxer, first Puerto Rican to fight for the world heavyweight title
Edwin "El Chapo" Rosario, member of International Boxing Hall of Fame (2006)
John Ruíz, first Hispanic heavyweight boxing champion
Alex Sanchez, boxer
Daniel Santiago, basketball player
O.J. Santiago, football player
Samuel Serrano, boxer
Julio Toro, basketball coach
Georgie Torres, holds BSN scoring record
José "Chegui" Torres, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
Félix "Tito" Trinidad, boxer
Jesse Vassallo, swimmer, member of International Swimming Hall of Fame
Wilfredo Vazquez, boxer
Savio Vega, former WWE wrestler
Juan Evangelista Venegas, the first Puerto Rican to win an Olympic medal
Ada Velez, the first Puerto Rican female boxer, to win a championship
Juan "Pachin" Vicens, basketball player, led the Ponce Lions team to six championships.
Mark Watring, equestrian
Bernie Williams, baseball player, New York Yankees

Taínos

Agüeybaná, Taíno chief, "supreme cacique"
Agüeybaná II, brother of Agueybaná
Arasibo, cacique, area of Arecibo
Caguax, cacique, area of Caguas
Hayuya, cacique, area of Jayuya
Jumacao, cacique, area of Humacao
Orocobix, cacique, area of Orocovis
Urayoán, cacique, area that presently spans between Añasco and Mayagüez, orders the drowning of Diego Salcedo

Others

Mari Carmen Aponte, former head of the PRFAA, former nominee for post of U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
Miguel Arteta, film/television director The Good Girl, TV series Six Feet Under
Yiye Avila, Mr. Universe (see also religion)
Wilo Benet, celebrity chef, owner of Payá and Pikayo restaurants.
Clara Benitez, matriarch of the Benitez boxing family and socialite
Félix Benítez, engineer who designed the Normandie Hotel.
Felipe Birriel, "El Gigante de Carolina", was the tallest Puerto Rican
David Blaine, illusionist/magician (Puerto Rican father)
Rebecca Canchani, Prima Ballerina of the National Ballet Theater of Puerto Rico
Will Castro, Owner of Unique Autosports/ SPEEDTV Reality TV show "Unique Whips"
Roberto Cofresí, Puerto Rico's most famous pirate
Jose R. Coleman-Davis Pagán, Architect
Crazy Legs, breakdancer, president of Rock Steady Crew
Edgardo Diaz, founder of Menudo
Faith Evans, Hawaiian-Puerto Rican-first woman to be named U.S. Marshal.
Funky Joe, famous island radio personality
Ana García, ballerina, founder of Ballets de San Juan
Juan Manuel García Passalacqua, political commentator, lawyer
Victor Manuel Gerena, allegedly stole $7 million from Wells Fargo
Alejandro Gonzalez Malave, controversial undercover policeman
Irma Gonzalez de Rieckehoff, Public Interest member of the PR Olympic Committee (died May 3, 2006) and driving force behind PR Olympic Training Center
Alfred D. Herger, television Host, psychologist
Maria Elena Holly, widow of rock legend Buddy Holly
Daisy Martinez, actress/television host of PBS network show "Daisy Cooks!"
Walter Mercado, astrologer
Nicole Muniz, murdered teenager, famous after death
José Padilla, alleged al-Qaeda terrorist
Silverio Perez, show host, musician and author
Jai Rodriguez, of TV show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
Anthony Romero First Hispanic and gay Executive Director of the ACLU
David Sanes, whose death eventually led to the U.S. military leaving Vieques
Sonia Sotomayor, first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a U.S. Circuit Court judge
Pedro Toledo, Retired FBI senior agent and two times police superintendent
Juan R. Torruella, first Puerto Rican to serve as Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeals
Ramona Trinidad Iglesias, was world's oldest woman
Carmen Consuelo Vargas-Cerezo, first female Puerto Rican federal judge
Alani Vasquez, "Lala Vazquez" Host MTV
Holly Woodlawn, actress/1960's avant-garde artist

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