27 Famous Mexican People You Should Be Obsessed With
LOOKING FOR A LIST OF THE MOST FAMOUS PEOPLE IN MEXICO?
You’re in the right place. This is the ultimate list of famous Mexican people you must Google and learn more about.
As someone who’s been living in Mexico since 2018, I’ve seen firsthand the country’s profound cultural richness and diversity, and I want to share it with you — hence this list!
It celebrates the artists, leaders, and entertainers who have shaped Mexico’s cultural identity and made significant marks on the world stage.
They are all here, from famous Mexican heroes to celebrities to world leaders.
Ready to dive into the stories of famous Mexican celebrities? Ready to discover the impact of each famous person from Mexico, and the global influence of Mexican famous people?
¡Vamanos! (or, Let’s get to it already!)
27 Famous Mexican People You Need to Know About
1. Frida Kahlo, Mexican Painter
Frida Kahlo, born July 6, 1907, in Coyoacán, a suburb of Mexico City, remains one of the most iconic and famous Mexican artists of all time.
Despite facing numerous health challenges, including polio as a child and a severe bus accident at the age of 18 that led to numerous medical issues throughout her life, Kahlo turned to painting as a form of expression and recovery.
Frida mostly painted herself, as she was bedridden for much of her life. Her work is famous for its raw, vivid depiction of the female experience and form, blending surrealism, folk art, and symbolism.
Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?
—Frida Kahlo (see more famous Mexican quotes)
Kahlo’s art is deeply personal, often featuring self-portraits incorporating symbolic portrayals of physical and psychological wounds. She was an active Communist, influencing her art and public persona.
🎨 Frida Kahlo Museum
Her famous Blue House (La Casa Azul) in Coyoacán, Mexico City, now serves as the Frida Kahlo Museum.
It is dedicated to preserving her legacy and offering insights into her life, struggles, and the spaces where she created some of her most famous works — and one of the most-visited and best museums in Mexico City.
Kahlo’s fame only grew after her death on July 13, 1954.
Her life and art continue to inspire books, movies, and fashion — making her an enduring symbol of resilience, creativity, and Mexican cultural identity.
Famous Mexican People
2. Diego Rivera, Mexican Artist
Diego Rivera, born on December 8, 1886, in Guanajuato, Mexico, was one of the most prominent Mexican painters and muralists of the 20th Century.
The house he grew up in has become the Diego Rivera Museum, and is one of the best things to do in Guanajuato City. His name is also immortalized in the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum in Mexico City.
Famed for everything from paintings to sculptures to mosaics, Rivera’s Marxist beliefs profoundly influenced his art.
His large-scale murals in public buildings, like the Palacio Nacional (National Palace) in Downtown Mexico City, depict the lives of the Mexican working class and native peoples.
He sought to make art accessible to the masses, believing in the power of art to effect social change.
Diego Rivera was also Frida Kahlo’s husband. Kahlo’s marriage to the famed muralist was tumultuous yet artistically fruitful, with both artists influencing each other’s work and ideologies.
🎨 Diego Rivera Murals
Rivera’s tumultuous relationship with fellow artist Frida Kahlo is well-documented and has become almost as famous as his art. However, it’s his art’s messages that standout at the end of the day.
His murals in Mexico City, San Francisco, Detroit, and New York City are celebrated for their vibrant colors, intricate detail, and social and political messages.
He was a leading Mexicanidad Movement member. This movement, also called Mexicanity, honors Mexico’s pre-Columbian heritage and indigenous culture by reviving indigenous religion, philosophy, and traditions.
Famous Mexican People
3. Salma Hayek, Mexican Actress
Looking for famous Mexican women? Look no further than Salma Hayek Pinault — one of the most famous Mexican actresses of all time.
Born on September 2, 1966, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, she is a trailblazing actress and producer who has significantly contributed to the Mexican and Hollywood film industries.
Hayek’s ascent to stardom began in Mexico with the telenovela Teresa before moving to Hollywood, where she faced the challenge of overcoming Mexican stereotypes all along the way.
Selma Hayak’s Acting Career
Her breakthrough role in Desperado (1995) showcased her talent and versatility, leading to a series of successful films. 🎥 Fun Fact: Desperado comes from famed Mexican-American film director Robert Rodriguez.
Hayek’s portrayal of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in Frida (2002) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, highlighting her ability to tackle complex and influential roles.
Though she’s arguably most famous for playing Frida Kahlo, Hayek has also starred in movies and TV shows including: Once Upon A Time in Mexico, From Dusk Till Dawn, Traffic, Black Mirror, Ugly Betty, Spy Kids 3 and Dogma.
Beyond her acting career, Hayek is a passionate advocate for women’s rights and co-founder of Chime for Change, a global campaign to empower women and girls.
Her production company, Ventanarosa, produces projects highlighting Latinx stories — including El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba, based on the Gabriel García Márquez novel, and In the Time of the Butterflies, based on the Julia Alvarez novel.
Famous Mexican People
4. Pedro Infante, Mexican Singer & Actor
A titan of Mexican cinema and music, Pedro Infante’s legacy as a cultural icon endures, captivating fans across generations.
Born in Mazatlán, Sinaloa, on November 18, 1917, Infante became synonymous with The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema in the 1940s and 1950s.
His career was marked by more than 60 films and about 350 recorded songs, showcasing his versatility as both an actor and a singer.
Classics like Nosotros Los Pobres and Pepe El Toro highlight his ability to connect with the common person, embodying the struggles and joys of everyday life.
Infante’s tragic death in a plane crash on April 15, 1957 near Mérida, Mexico, plunged the nation into mourning.
Yet, his music and films remain as vibrant and beloved as ever, a testament to his enduring appeal and the indelible mark he left on Mexican cultural heritage.
Infante is certainly among the most famous Mexican singers in history, but there are many others, like Vicente Fernández, José José and Juan Gabriel.
Along with Infante, these are some of the famous Mexican male singers of all time.
Speaking of even more famous singers from Mexico, Infante was also one third of the famous Los Tres Gallos Mexicanos (The Three Mexican Roosters), along with Jorge Negrete and Javier Solís.
Famous Mexican People
5. Guillermo del Toro, Mexican Film Director
Guillermo del Toro, born on October 9, 1964, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is a visionary filmmaker known for his fascination with the fantastical and the macabre.
Del Toro’s films are celebrated for their imaginative storytelling, detailed production design, and sympathetic portrayal of monsters.
His career began in Mexico, where he created Cronos (1993), a unique horror film that garnered international attention.
🏆 Award-Winning Works by Guillermo del Toro
Moving between Spanish-language and English-language cinema, del Toro has directed critically acclaimed films such as Pan’s Labyrinth (2006), which won three Academy Awards in 2007.
Perhaps his most famous is The Shape of Water (2017). It won four Oscars in 2018 — including the Best Film Director Oscar and Best Picture Oscar, which is considered the biggest accolade a film can receive.
One of the most famous celebrities from Mexico, he is an avid collector of books, art, and movie memorabilia.
Famous Mexican People
6. Benito Juarez, Former Mexican President
Benito Pablo Juarez Garcia was born on March 21, 1806 in the town of San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca. He is not only among the famous Mexicans, but one of the most famous people from Oaxaca Mexico (if not the most).
Juarez originally wanted to join the priesthood, but studied law and science at the Oaxaca Institute of Arts and Science instead. After graduation, he dedicated his life to politics, and he eventually became governor of Oaxaca state.
In 1857, a civil war broke out between Mexico’s conservatives and liberals. Named the Guerra de Reforma (Reform War AKA Three Years’ War), Juarez led the liberal forces to victory.
Among individuals, as among nations, respect for the rights of others is peace.
—Benito Juárez (see more famous Mexican quotes)
In March 1961, elections were held, and Benito Juarez was elected president of Mexico. He was then re-elected in 1867, and again in 1871. At the time, he was also the first indigenous president of Mexico.
Juarez is considered one of the best Mexican presidents of all time, and among the most beloved by his people. He is remembered for several things that helped shape Mexico, including:
- His fight against foreign occupation in defense of national sovereignty.
- His belief in equal rights for the Mexican indigenous people.
- His influence in separating church and state through the implementation of the Reform Laws of 1859.
Famous Mexican People
7. Gael García Bernal, Mexican Actor
Gael Garcia Bernal, born November 30, 1978, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, is an internationally acclaimed actor and director known for his work in Mexican cinema and Hollywood.
Garcia Bernal’s career began in soap operas before making a significant impact with his role in Amores Perros (2000).
He further cemented his status with performances in Y Tu Mamá También (2001) and The Motorcycle Diaries (2004), where he portrayed a young Che Guevara.
Garcia Bernal is celebrated for his acting prowess, directorial work, and commitment to social and political causes.
His versatility and dedication have made him a symbol of the rich talent emerging from Mexico, and he’s one of the most famous Mexican actors working today.
Some other famous Mexican actresses and actors include: Diego Luna, Cecilia Suárez, Eva Longoria, Yalitza Aparicio, Verónica Falcón and Danny Trejo (⚠️ Note: Some of these are Mexican-American actors).
Famous Mexican People
8. Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda (AKA Thalía), Mexican Pop Star/Actress
Have you heard of the Mexican Queen of Latin Pop? Ariadna Thalia Sodi Miranda, usually known as simply Thalía, is a multifaceted talent whose impact spans music, acting, and beyond.
Born in Mexico City on August 26, 1971, she rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the pop group Timbiriche. She later launched a solo career that would make her an international sensation.
Thalia is perhaps best known for her roles in telenovelas like Marimar and María la del Barrio. These have been broadcast in more than 180 countries, and helped make her a household name worldwide.
This famous Mexican female singers music career is marked by hits like “Amor a la Mexicana” and “No Me Enseñaste.”
These showcase her ability to blend pop, rock, and Latin rhythms, earning her the Queen of Latin Pop title, and solidifying her status among Mexican celebs.
Though her native language is Spanish, impressively, Thalia has recorded songs in several other languages, including English, French, Portuguese and Tagalog. This is similar to another famous Mexican singer, Lucero Hogaza León.
Famous Mexican People
9. Carlos Slim Helú, Mexican Businessman
Wondering, Who’s the richest Mexican?
It is widely considered to be Carlos Slim Helú (usually just called Carlos Slim). In fact, Slim was ranked as the richest person in the world by Forbes Magazine from 2010-2013.
Born on January 28, 1940, in Mexico City, Mexico, Slim is one of the world’s wealthiest men, and a prominent figure in the global business community.
His vast business empire, Grupo Carso, spans telecommunications, retail, construction, and finance, significantly impacting Mexico’s economy and beyond.
His acquisition of Telmex in the 1990s transformed him into a telecommunications tycoon, with América Móvil becoming a dominant player in Latin America.
Despite his wealth, Slim is known for his modest lifestyle and deep commitment to revitalizing Mexico City’s historic downtown, reflecting his dedication to his country’s cultural heritage and economic development.
Famous Mexican People
10. Carlos Santana, Mexican Musician
When it comes to famous Mexican musicians, Santana is in a class all his own.
He first rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s with his band, Santana, which debuted at the Woodstock Festival in 1969. Years later, he recorded as a solo artist, and had some of the biggest hits of his decades-long career.
Carlos Santana, born on July 20, 1947, in Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, Mexico, is a legendary guitarist known for his unique fusion of rock, Latin American, and jazz music.
Santana’s guitar playing is characterized by its melodic, blues-based lines set against Latin and African rhythms.
His biggest hits include songs like “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va,” and “Smooth.”
Throughout the decades, Santana has won numerous awards — including 10 Grammy Awards and three Latin Grammy Awards.
His best selling album is 1999’s Supernatural, which sold an estimated 30 million copies.
Famous Mexican People
11. Mario Moreno (AKA Cantinflas), Mexican Actor
Renowned for his role in Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema, Mario Cantinflas Moreno captured hearts worldwide with his comedic genius. He also did pantomime, so you might hear him referred to as the “Mexican Charlie Chaplin.”
Originating from Mexico City, where he was born on August 12, 1911, Cantinflas became a symbol of the Mexican pelado. Through intricate wordplay and satire, the pelado is a character that represents Mexico’s urban poor.
His international fame soared with the film Around the World in 80 Days (1956), showcasing his talent on a global stage.
Moreno’s legacy extends beyond entertainment; he was a philanthropist and a key figure in the labor movement within the Mexican film industry.
His death on April 20, 1993, marked the end of an era. However, his influence persists, immortalized in the laughter and joy he brought to audiences worldwide.
Famous Mexican People
12. Octavio Paz, Mexican Nobel Laureate
Curious about famous Mexican writers? Among the most famous is Octavio Paz.
Paz was a Nobel Prize-winning poet and essayist born on March 31, 1914, in Mexico City, Mexico. To date, he is Mexico’s only recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature — though Mario Molina did win for chemistry.
One of the most influential literary figures of the 20th Century, Paz is known for his rich exploration of the human condition, politics, and culture.
Among the most famous Mexican authors of all time, his work is characterized by a deep intellectual curiosity and a profound understanding of history. It seamlessly blends poetic imagination with analytical insight.
Paz’s most famous work, The Labyrinth of Solitude, delves into the identity and psyche of the Mexican people, exploring themes of isolation and search for identity.
The Labyrinth of Solitude is a collection of essays, and it includes many of the most-acclaimed works by Octavio Paz. These include “The Pachuco and Other Extremes,” “Mexican Masks,” and “The Day of the Dead.”
Awarded the 1990 Nobel Prize in Literature, Paz was recognized for his “impassioned writing with wide horizons, characterized by sensuous intelligence and humanistic integrity.”
Throughout his career, Paz served as a Mexican diplomat and founded several literary magazines and journals, including Plural (1970) and Vuelta (1975). He died on April 19, 1998 in his hometown of Mexico City.
Famous Mexican People
13. Julieta Venegas, Mexican Singer
One of the most famous Mexican singers, Julieta Venegas has etched her name into the fabric of Latin music with her distinctive blend of pop, rock, and traditional Mexican sounds.
Hailing from Tijuana, Baja California, where she was born on November 24, 1970, Venegas demonstrates remarkable talent as a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who plays the guitar, accordion and keyboard.
Her music, often introspective and laced with lyrical depth, speaks to themes of love, life, and social issues, resonating with a wide audience.
Albums like Sí and Limón y Sal have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Famous Mexican People
14. Alfonso Cuarón, Mexican Film Director
Alfonso Cuaron, born on November 28, 1961, in Mexico City, Mexico, is an acclaimed filmmaker known for his versatility and innovative storytelling techniques.
Cuaron has directed films including Y Tu Mamá También (2001), the dystopian thriller Children of Men (2006), and the space drama Gravity (2013), which earned him Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Editing.
His 2018 film, Roma, a deeply personal project that draws on his own childhood experiences, won critical acclaim and several Oscars, including Best Director.
It takes place in the Roma neighborhood of Mexico City, where Cuaron grew up. It is available on Netflix, and with such wide-distribution, has become one of the most famous Mexican movies within the U.S. market.
Cuaron’s work is characterized by its narrative depth, technical innovation, and social commentary. It often focuses on human emotions and personal relationships against larger social and political themes.
Famous Mexican People
15. Elena Poniatowska, Mexican Journalist & Author
Elena Poniatowska, born on May 19, 1932, in Paris, France, is a distinguished Mexican journalist and author.
She is known for her works that often focus on social and political issues affecting the underprivileged in Mexico.
Despite her birth in Europe, Poniatowska’s family moved to Mexico following World War II, where she became deeply involved in the country’s social issues.
Her writing is characterized by its use of testimonial narrative. This is seen in her most famous work, La Noche de Tlatelolco (1971), which documents the tragic 1968 Tlatelolco Massacre in Mexico City through eyewitness accounts.
Poniatowska’s contributions to Mexican literature and journalism have earned her numerous awards, including the prestigious Cervantes Prize in 2013. She is recognized as a leading voice in Spanish-language literature.
Famous Mexican People
16. Luis Barragán, Mexican Architect
Curious about famous Mexican architects? Cue Luis Barragan Morfín.
He was born on March 9, 1902, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and widely-known as one of the most influential Mexican architects of the 20th Century.
Barragan’s work is celebrated for its innovative use of color, light, shadow, form, and texture, which blends modernist styles with traditional Mexican architectural elements.
His architectural philosophy emphasized tranquility and introspection, creating serene spaces harmonizing with nature. He died in Mexico City on November 22, 1988.
Luis Barragan House and Studio Mexico City
Among his most famous works is the Luis Barragan House and Studio in Mexico City, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a prime example of his unique style.
He also has other buildings in the city, like Casa Gilardi, Casa Barragan, Casa Prieto Lopez, and the Torres de Satélite (Satélite Towers) — which represent some of the most famous Mexican architecture creations.
Barragán was awarded the Pritzker Prize in 1980, architecture’s highest honor, acknowledging his profound impact on the international architectural community.
Famous Mexican People
17. Francisco Villa (AKA Pancho Villa), Mexican War Hero
Francisco Pancho Villa was born José Doroteo Arango Arámbula on June 5, 1878, in San Juan del Río, Durango, Mexico. He is one of the most prominent figures of the Mexican Revolution.
As a revolutionary general, Villa commanded the Division of the North, becoming a hero to the poor for his efforts to distribute land among the peasants.
His bold tactics and charismatic leadership made him a central figure in the fight against the dictatorial regime of Porfirio Díaz and later against Victoriano Huerta’s government.
Villa’s exploits were legendary, including the 1916 Battle of Columbus in New Mexico. This prompted the U.S. military expedition into Mexico in an unsuccessful attempt to capture him.
Despite his controversial life and the eventual decline of his political and military influence, Villa was assassinated on July 20, 1923, in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico.
His legacy as a folk hero and a symbol of resistance against oppression endures in Mexican popular culture. He is buried in Mexico City at Monumento a la Revolución (Revolution Monument), located near downtown.
Famous Mexican People
18. Alondra de la Parra, Mexican Music Conductor
Alondra de la Parra, born on October 31, 1980, in New York City to Mexican parents, is an internationally acclaimed Mexican conductor.
She is renowned for her vibrant, dynamic conducting style and passionate advocacy for Latin American music.
De la Parra has led numerous prestigious orchestras worldwide and made history in 2017 by becoming the first Mexican woman appointed as the Music Director of an Australian orchestra, the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
Her work has significantly promoted classical music from Latin America on the global stage, making her a trailblazer and an inspiration to aspiring musicians worldwide.
Famous Mexican People
19. Guillermo González Camarena, Mexican Inventor of Color TV
Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena, born on February 17, 1917, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, and passed away on April 18, 1965. He was a pioneering Mexican engineer and inventor of the first color television system.
His invention, patented in 1940, was one of the earliest practical color television systems, significantly impacting the development of television technology globally.
Gonzalez Camarena’s system was used in NASA’s Voyager mission in 1979 to take pictures and videos of Jupiter.
His contributions to television technology have made him a national hero in Mexico, where he is celebrated for his ingenuity and innovation in telecommunications.
Famous Mexican People
20. Maria Félix, Mexican Actress
Maria Felix Güereña (AKA “La Doña”) was born on April 8, 1914, in Álamos, Sonora, Mexico, and passed away on April 8, 2002. She was a towering figure in The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema in the 1940s and 50s.
Renowned for her strong personality, beauty, and talent, Felix’s film career spanned more than three decades.
During this time, she became an icon of Mexican cinema and a symbol of the strong, independent woman in a series of films that broke social conventions.
Her roles in classics such as Doña Bárbara (1943), La Mujer Sin Alma (1944), and Enamorada (1946) showcased her formidable presence and acting prowess, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Felix’s influence extended beyond the screen; she was a fashion icon, a muse to artists and writers, and a key figure in Mexican cultural history.
She stands alongside other Mexican actresses of decades-past, like Dolores Del Rio, Lupe Vélez, Carmen Salinas, Katy Jurado and María Elena Marqués.
Famous Mexican People
21. Porfirio Diaz, Former Mexican President
Porfirio Diaz was a dominant figure in Mexican politics for more than 30 years, serving as President of Mexico for a series of terms between 1876 and 1911. His decades-long reign is known as The Porfiriato.
Born on September 15, 1830, in Oaxaca, Mexico, Diaz was initially a hero of the Reform War and the French intervention in Mexico. However, his presidency is marked by a complex legacy.
On one hand, he modernized the country’s infrastructure and economy, leading to significant growth — which is why he’s considered among the most important people from Mexico.
On the other hand, his rule was autocratic, marked by repression, censorship, and inequality. All of which eventually brought upon the Mexican Revolution, and his forcible removal from power.
Diaz’s insistence on maintaining power through manipulating elections and suppressing dissent created widespread discontent, culminating in his exile in 1911. He died in Paris, France, on July 2, 1915.
Famous Mexican People
22. Enrique Olvera, Mexican Chef
Chef Enrique Olvera is often called the best Mexican chef in the world because his restaurant Pujol has maintained the highest position for a Mexican restaurant on the World’s 50 Best restaurants list for years.
Olvera was also featured on an episode of Netflix Chef’s Table, which only compounded his fame. He has also been on plenty of other food TV shows, including Top Chef, Somebody Feed Phil and MasterChef UK.
Originally from Mexico City, he went to school at the Culinary Institute of America in New York City, where he won numerous awards.
After a year in Chicago at Everest Restaurant, Olvera returned to his native Mexico City to open Pujol. The restaurant changed the concept of fine dining from European to distinctly Mexican.
Pujol has been a mainstay of the Mexico City dining scene for more than 20 years. Olvera also has successful high end Mexican restaurants in Oaxaca, Los Cabos, San Miguel de Allende and even New York City.
It’s safe to say Olvera is the top Mexican chef working today — however, some other famous Mexican chefs you need to know about include:
- Gabriela Cámara (Contramar, Entremar)
- Eduardo “Lalo“ García Guzmán (Maximo Bistrot, Lalo!)
- Elena Reygadas (Rosetta, Lardo, Cafe Nin)
- Jose Luis Hinostroza (Arca)
- Ricardo Muñoz Zurita (Azul)
- Francisco “Paco” Ruano (Alcalde)
Famous Mexican People
23. Oscar de la Hoya, Mexican Boxer
Oscar de la Hoya, born on February 4, 1973, in East Los Angeles, California, is one of boxing’s most celebrated figures. This Mexican celebrity is known for his skill, speed, and power in the ring.
Nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” de la Hoya won a gold medal in the lightweight division at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, propelling him into the spotlight.
Throughout his professional career, this Mexican-American boxer won world titles in six different weight classes.
Beyond his accomplishments in the ring, de la Hoya has made significant contributions to boxing as a promoter and philanthropist.
This includes founding Golden Boy Promotions. It has been instrumental in shaping the careers of many fighters and promoting some of the biggest fights in boxing history.
Famous Mexican People
24. Vicente Fox, Former Mexican President
Vicente Fox broke new ground in Mexican politics as the President from 2000 to 2006, ending the 71-year rule of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).
Born on July 2, 1942, in Mexico City, Fox’s rise to the presidency was fueled by his charismatic leadership and his vision for democracy and economic reform.
Before his political career, he made a name for himself in the business world with Coca-Cola Mexico, showcasing his leadership and strategic planning skills.
His tenure as president of Mexico is noted for its efforts to improve the economy and advocate for democracy.
However, it faced challenges in reducing poverty and combating drug-related violence. In fact, some say Fox is the reason Mexican drug cartels are so powerful today, and that he started the Drug War in Mexico.
Famous Mexican People
25. Javier Hernández (Chicharito), Mexican Soccer Player
Wondering about famous Mexican soccer players?
They don’t get much more famous than Javier Hernández Balcázar. Affectionately known as Chicharito, he has emerged as a symbol of Mexican excellence on the global football stage.
Born on June 1, 1988, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, he honed his skills in C.D. Guadalajara before making a historic move to Manchester United in 2010.
Chicharito’s journey through Europe’s top leagues, including stints at Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United, and Sevilla.
Beyond his club success, Hernandez has been a stalwart for the Mexican national team. He is the team’s all-time leading scorer and has represented Mexico in multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Chicharito is known for his remarkable speed, agility, and poacher’s instinct on the pitch. He ranks among the most famous Mexican athletes — a list that also includes Julio Cesar Chavez, Vinny Castilla and Joaquín Capilla.
Famous Mexican People
26. Plutarco Elías Calles, Former Mexican President
Plutarco Elías Calles, born September 25, 1877, in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, is pivotal in Mexican history. He is known for his role as a revolutionary leader and later as President of Mexico from 1924 to 1928.
Calles was instrumental in consolidating the post-revolutionary Mexican state, implementing reforms that modernized the country’s economy and infrastructure.
However, his tenure is also marked by the controversial La Guerra Cristera, or Cristero War (1926-1929).
This violent conflict between the Mexican government and Catholic insurgents sparked by Calles’ strict enforcement of secular laws that restricted religious freedoms.
Following his presidency, Calles continued to wield significant power as the National Revolutionary Party (PNR) founder.
This later evolved into the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which dominated Mexican politics for much of the 20th Century.
His period of influence, known as the Maximato (1928-1934), saw Calles effectively controlling his presidential successors until his political exile in 1936. Though not in the best way, he’s still one of the most famous people in Mexican history.
Famous Mexican People
27. Joaquín Guzmán (AKA El Chapo), Narco Criminal
Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera is commonly known as “El Chapo.” This nickname means “The Shorty,” and is a reference to his small stature of 5 foot 6 inches (1.68 m).
Born on April 4, 1957, in La Tuna, Badiraguato, Sinaloa, Mexico. Guzman is infamously known as one of the world’s most powerful drug traffickers.
He headed the Sinaloa Cartel, an organization involved in an extensive range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime across several continents.
Guzman’s capture in 2016 and subsequent extradition to the United States in 2017, led to a highly publicized trial. He was convicted of a range of charges and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019.
Though convicted and imprisoned a few times, he managed to escape from high-security prisons in Mexico in 2001 and 2015. That’s right: El Chapo escaped from two Mexican prisons.
After this, he was moved to “the ADX,” a supermax prison near Denver, Colorado. Considered the highest-security penitentiary in the U.S., El Chapo Guzman will spend the rest of his life there.
Today, he has become one of the most famous people of Mexico (not in a good way). Joaquin El Chapo Guzman’s life story has been depicted in films, documentaries, and TV series, Narcos on Netflix, which has fueled his notoriety worldwide.
The Most Famous Mexican People: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the most famous Mexican?
Any good list of the most famous Mexicans usually includes Frida Kahlo, Pancho Villa, Benito Juarez, Vicente Fernandez and Octavio Paz, one of the most famous Mexican poets of all time.
Famous Mexican People
Who is a famous historical figure from Mexico?
It depends on who you ask, but some of the most notable famous people from Mexican history include former president Benito Juarez, Aztec emperor Montezuma, and war hero Pancho Villa.
Famous Mexican People
Who is the famous Mexican leader?
Benito Juarez — President of Mexico from 1861-72, Juarez is a national hero and arguably the most beloved Mexican president in history.
His birthday is even a national holiday in Mexico! That’s right, every third Monday in March, the nation commemorates Benito Juarez Day to remember this important Mexican person.
Famous Mexican People
Who is a famous Mexican celebrity?
There are A LOT of famous Mexican celebrities, like Carlos Santana, Salma Hayek, Frida Kahlo, Octavio Paz, Selina, and Chicharito — though that list barely scratches the surface.
🇲🇽 Famous People From Mexico Fun Fact: Did you know that actor Anthony Quinn and actress Lupita Nyong’o were both born in Mexico?! Quinn was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and Nyong’o was born in Mexico City.
Famous Mexican People
Who is Mexican in Hollywood?
There are lots of famous Mexicans in Hollywood (and famous Mexican Americans in Hollywood) like Salma Hayek, Danny Trejo, Gael Garcia Bernal and Edward James Olmos.
Famous Mexican People
Who is Mexico’s hero?
Benito Juarez — For most Mexican citizens, Juarez will always be their most highly regarded president. He’s also the only Mexican president honored with the title of Benémerito de las Americas (Hero of the Americas).
Famous Mexican People
Who was the most famous Mexican rebel?
Pancho Villa — A general in the Mexican Revolution, Villa was a key figure in the battles that ultimately forced out President Porfirio Díaz (widely considered a Mexican dictator), and brought Francisco I. Madero to power in 1911.
After retiring from military life, Villa leaned into his now-famous image as a revolutionary hero. He even starred as himself in Hollywood films like The Life of General Villa, made by the Mutual Film Corporation.
Famous Mexican People
Who is the badass Mexican actor?
Wondering, Who is that Mexican guy in every movie? You’re likely thinking of Danny Trejo who has been in Machete, From Dusk Till Dawn, Desperado, Spy Kids and Con Air, among others.
Famous Mexican People
Who is the most famous Mexican actress in Hollywood?
Salma Hayek is arguably the biggest name in Hollywood when it comes to Mexican actresses. Behind Salma, Eva Longoria is in second place (though she is Mexican-American; not Mexican-born).
Famous Mexican People
Who is the richest man in Mexico?
Carlos Slim Helú (usually just called Carlos Slim) is the richest Mexican man. In fact, he was even declared the richest person in the world by Forbes Magazine between 2010-2013.
Famous Mexican People
Who is the most famous Mexican gunslinger?
Joaquín Murrieta Carrillo was the legendary bandit who became a hero for Mexican-Americans in California. He is known as the “Robin Hood of the West,” or the “Robin Hood of El Dorado.”
As facts of his life are few and elusive, much of what is known about him comes from verbal myth. Still, Joaquin Murrieta (sometimes spelled Murieta or Murietta) is considered the most famous outlaw of the California Gold Rush.
Famous Mexican People
Who is the biggest Mexican singer?
There are lots of famous Mexican singers, but some of the most famous include Juan Gabriel, Gloria Trevi, Luis Miguel, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, Paulina Rubio, Peso Pluma and Jose Jose.
Famous Mexican People
What are the most famous Mexican songs?
It depends on who you ask, but some of the most well-known Mexican songs are “Cielito Lindo y Querido,” “Bésame Mucho,” “La Bamba,” and “Jarabe Tapatio” (AKA “The Mexican Hat Dance”).
Famous Mexican People
Who is the Mexican singer like Elvis?
Juan Gabriel is often called the “Mexican Elvis Presley.” Similar to Elvis, his career spanned several decades, and he was known for his flamboyant style.
Famous Mexican People
Who was the Mexican singer like Frank Sinatra?
Luis Miguel has been dubbed the “Latin Frank Sinatra” by mainstream media. Ironically, Miguel was even invited by Sinatra to participate in a duet on his album titled Duets II.
Famous Mexican People
Who was the famous Mexican anarchist?
Brothers Enrique and Ricardo Flores Magón are the preeminent Mexican anarchists. Important figures during the Mexican Revolution, their followers came to be known as the Magonistas.
Famous Mexican People
Which famous actress was born in Mexico?
Salma Hayek — She was born on September 2, 1966 in the city of Coatzacoalcos. This is a major port city in southern Veracruz, Mexico that sits right on the Gulf of Mexico.
Famous Mexican People
Who is the most famous artist in Mexico?
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are both considered the most famous Mexican artists of all time. Coincidentally, they were also married.
Between them, they’ve created some of the most famous Mexican paintings of all times, like Kahlo’s The Two Fridas and The Wounded Deer, and Rivera’s Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central.
Famous Mexican People
Who were The Big 3 Mexican artists?
Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros — Dubbed Los Tres Grandes (“The Big Three of Mexican Muralism” or “The Three Greats”), these three men worked on mural projects all over Mexico from the 1920s to the 1970s.
Famous Mexican People
Who are the most famous Mexican comedians?
Within Mexico, there’s Eugenio Derbez, Anabel Ferreira, Roberto Mario Gómez Bolaños (AKA Chespirito), Cantinflas and Carlos Ballarta.
However, among famous Mexican-American comics, there’s George Lopez, Gabriel Iglesias, Felipe Esparza and Paul Rodriguez.
Famous Mexican People
Who are the most famous Mexican wrestlers?
El Santo is the most famous Mexican luchador (Mexican wrestler). He is credited with bringing international attention to the sport of lucha libre (Mexican wrestling).
Some other famous Mexican luchadores include: Blue Demon, Rey Mysterio, La Parka, Mistico, Dr. Wagner, Rayo de Jalisco, and El Hijo del Santo — which is El Santo’s son!
Famous Mexican People
What is the most famous Mexican band?
Maná is widely considered the most famous band from Mexico. Dubbed the “U2 of Mexico,” Maná have maintained their popularity since forming in the late-1980s.
Besides Maná, some other famous Mexican bands include Café Tacvba, Molotov,
Los Tigres del Norte. Within contemporary music, Peso Pluma is one of the most famous Mexican rappers.
Famous Mexican People
Are there any famous Mexican twins?
The most well-known are conjoined twins Carmen and Lupita Andrade. They were born in Mexico on June 5, 2001, but moved to the United States when they were babies.
Famous Mexican People
Who’s the most famous Mexican clown?
There are several famous clowns in Mexico including: Ricardo González Gutiérrez (AKA Cepillín), José Marroquín Leal (AKA El Rey de los Payasos, or The King of Clowns) and Gabriela Munoz.
Famous Mexican People
Are there any famous Mexican Tiktokers?
Yes — Some of the famous Mexican Tiktokers with the highest followings include Vanee, Alexis Omman, Domelipa and Katteyes.
Final Thoughts: Who is the most famous person in Mexico?
We’ve reached the end of the EPIC list of the most famous Mexican people, past and present. If you’re still wondering about the most famous Mexican person — there’s really no way to know!
As a huge country (🇲🇽 Fun fact: Mexico is the 11th largest country on Earth), there are a lot of famous and talented people from all walks of life. This includes singers, poets, scientists, Tik Tokers, actors, musicians, artists and political figures.
In short: Narrowing down the most famous person from Mexico would be impossible. However, I hope this list helped shine a light on a bunch of exceptional famous Mexicans that you might be learning about for the first time.