Best known as Evie in Disney's Descendants, Sofia Carson has been expanding her career well beyond the franchise. The Colombian-American artist returned to Freeform for Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists and took on a dramatic role in the thriller Songbird. Alongside acting, she consistently shares her other passion as a recording artist, releasing her own music. | © Netflix
Michelle Veintimilla, a New York native of Ecuadorian descent, has been building a solid Hollywood career for over a decade. She first caught the eye of genre fans playing Firefly on Fox's Gotham. More recently, she showed her range in the romantic dramedy The Beauty and the Baker and joined the cast of ABC's thriller Big Sky. | © Netflix
Jeanine Mason is a Miami-born talent who first won America over as the season five champion of So You Think You Can Dance. She smoothly transitioned from dance to acting, landing guest spots on shows like CSI and Criminal Minds. Fans really got to know her as Dr. Sam Bello on Grey's Anatomy and later as a series regular on Roswell, New Mexico. | © CW
Adria Arjona has quickly become a captivating and familiar face across major franchises. The daughter of Guatemalan singer Ricardo Arjona, she showcased her range in Netflix's sci-fi hit 6 Underground and as a lawyer in Morbius. Her breakout role came as the resilient Bix Caleen in the acclaimed Star Wars series Andor. | © Netflix
Anya Taylor-Joy spent her early childhood in Argentina before her family settled in London. It was there she discovered acting, quickly making a mark with a breakout role in the atmospheric horror film The Witch. Her star soared with Netflix’s The Queen's Gambit, a performance that earned her a Golden Globe, and she showcased a different charm in the period dramedy Emma. | © Netflix
Jenna Ortega, an actress of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, first caught major attention with her chilling role as Ellie on the series You. She then stepped perfectly into Tim Burton's world, leading the hit Netflix series Wednesday as the deadpan Addams family daughter. You can also find her in the horror genre, reprising her role as Tara Carpenter in Scream VI. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Sofia Vergara, born in Barranquilla, Colombia, is a true trailblazer. In 2015, she became the first Colombian actress to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her role as the hilarious and beloved Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on Modern Family made her a household name. Long before that, her vibrant personality shone in films like Meet the Browns and Madea Goes to Jail. | © Netflix
Jennifer Lopez started in the Bronx and turned herself into a true multihyphenate superstar. She won over audiences with leading roles in rom-com classics like Maid in Manhattan, and she still grabs our attention today in grittier parts. The documentary Halftime gave us a real look at the relentless work ethic behind her legendary Super Bowl show. | © Columbia Pictures
Salma Hayek began her career as a star of Mexican telenovelas, most notably in the title role of Teresa. She boldly transitioned to Hollywood, where her defining performance came as painter Frida Kahlo in the acclaimed biopic Frida. She remains a powerful force in film, recently appearing in projects as varied as The Eternals, House of Gucci, and Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard. | © Vision Distribution
Eiza González first earned fame in her native Mexico with leading roles in popular telenovelas. She transitioned to Hollywood, making a splash with her film debut in Baby Driver and later appearing in blockbusters like Hobbs & Shaw. More recently, she showcased her dramatic range in the Netflix thriller I Care a Lot, and has also explored her musical talents by releasing Spanish-language songs. | © Universal
Penélope Cruz is celebrated not just for her beauty, but for her talent and versatility. She has a profound creative partnership with director Pedro Almodóvar, delivering Oscar-nominated performances in complex films like Volver and Parallel Mothers. From her Academy Award-winning role in Vicky Cristina Barcelona to her intense recent work in Ferrari, she consistently transforms into characters of remarkable depth. | © Artisan Entertainment
Eva Longoria, born to Mexican American parents in Texas, began her career with roles on popular daytime soaps like The Young and the Restless. Her big break came when she translated that charisma to primetime as the unforgettable Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives. Since then, she's evolved into a multifaceted producer and host, even exploring her heritage in the CNN docuseries Searching for Mexico. | © Searchlight Pictures
Eva Mendes is a true multi-hyphenate, transitioning seamlessly from modeling to becoming a memorable screen presence. You've likely seen her turn heads in high-octane films like 2 Fast 2 Furious or share the screen with Will Smith in the romantic comedy Hitch. Beyond acting, she's also carved out a space as a creative director, showcasing her artistic vision in other fields. | © Sony Pictures
While many fans first saw Roselyn Sanchez in Rush Hour 2, the Puerto Rican actress was already a familiar face from her early work on the soap As the World Turns. Her career has been impressively steady, with memorable roles in series like Without a Trace and Devious Maids. More recently, she stepped into the iconic role of Elena Roarke as the lead of Fox's Fantasy Island reboot. | © Summit Entertainment
Ana de Armas has proven she's far more than just a striking presence on screen. While she brought emotional depth to Blade Runner 2049, it was her nuanced performance in Knives Out that truly showcased her impressive range as an actress. She continues to choose compelling roles, from a scene-stealing moment in No Time to Die to leading the new thriller Ballerina. | © Universal Pictures
What does a Hollywood leading lady look like today? Often, she carries the vibrant talent and rich heritage of Latina stardom to the screen. Here, we highlight fifteen incredible actresses defining modern entertainment with their skill and powerful performances.
