List of Puerto Ricans: Difference between revisions
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*Rev. [[Jorge Raschke]], outspoken evangelist |
*Rev. [[Jorge Raschke]], outspoken evangelist |
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*[[Carlos Manuel Rodríguez]] a.k.a. "St.Charlie", beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001 |
*[[Carlos Manuel Rodríguez]] a.k.a. "St.Charlie", beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001 |
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*[[Teofilo Vargas Sein]], " |
*[[Teofilo Vargas Sein]], "Aaron", leader of "Mita" religion |
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*Father [[Diego de Torres Vargas]], first to write about the history of Puerto Rico. |
*Father [[Diego de Torres Vargas]], first to write about the history of Puerto Rico. |
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Revision as of 06:50, 14 May 2006
This is a List of famous and notable 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.
| Flag of Puerto Rico | Puerto Rican Coat of Arms |
| Flag of Puerto Rico | Coat of Arms |
Actors, actresses, and comedians
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- Kirk Acevedo, actor, (T.V. series Oz)
- Jose Miguel Agrelot, "Don Cholito", comedian
- Miguel Angel Alvarez "El Men", comedian
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- Luis Gatica, actor (son of Mapita Cortes)
- 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)
- 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
- Jennifer López, actress (Selena, The Cell)
- Sunshine Logroño, comedian
- Justina Machado, actress (T.V. series Six Feet Under)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
- 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
- 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 "CSI: 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","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 Star Wars Episode III: 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
Astrologers
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" poetess
- 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
- 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)
- Miriam Gonzalez, Playmate of the Month, March 2001
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Antonio Muñoz, sports promoter respoonsible for MLB and World Baseball Classic games in Puerto Rico
- Lisette Nieves, founder of "ATREVETE"
- 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)
Composers, musicians and singers
- Juan F. Acosta, composer of folklore music
- Johnny Albino, singer
- Natalie and Nicole Albino, "Nina Sky" hip hop
- 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
- 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"
- Glory, Reggaeton singer
- 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
- 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 father'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
- 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"
- 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
- Frankie Ruiz, salsa singer
- 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
- 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
Criminals
- Salvador Agron, criminal and poet
- Antonio Correa Cotto, infamous outlaw
- Antonio Garcia Lopez "Toño Bicicleta", infamous outlaw
- Isabel la Negra, infamous female gangster
- Filiberto Ojeda Ríos, former leader of the Boricua Popular Army
- Heriberto Seda, New York copycat Zodiac Killer
- Tony Tursi, member of the Mafia
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, longest serving chamcellor and president of the University of Puerto Rico
- 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
- Anibal 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 Marin, 1st elected governor of Puerto Rico
- Jesus T. Piñero, first Puerto Rican to be named Governor by the U.S.
- Juan Ponce de Leon II, first Puerto Rican to be temporary governor
- Carlos Romero Barcelo, 5th elected governor of Puerto Rico
- Dr. Pedro Rosello, 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"
- 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 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, 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
- 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, Spanish naval captain, pirate, 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 alondside Jose Marti
- 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 Champange"
- 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 Irak
- 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
- 2Lt. Juan Alonso Zayas, Spanish Army, fought in the Battle of Baler, Philippines
Painters and sculptors
- Alfonso Arana, painter, founder of the Fundación Alfonso Arana.
- Jean-Michel Basquiat, painter (Puerto Rican mother)
- Tomas Batista, sculptor
- Angel Botello, painter and sculptor
- Jose Buscaglia Guillermety, sculptor
- José Campeche, painter
- Gerry Ruiz Cirino ,Puerto Rican contemporary artist/painter
- James De La Vega, mural artist
- Jan D'Esopo, painter and sculptor
- Elizam Escobar, painter
- Obed Gomez, contemporary artist known as the "Puerto Rican Picasso"
- Lorenzo Homar, graphic artist
- Antonio Martorell, painter
- Francisco Oller, painter
- 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, fmr 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, fmr 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
- 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
- Dr. Hernan Padilla, fmr Mayor of San Juan, founder Puerto Rican Renewal Party
- Eddie Perez, Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut
- Roberto Prats, Senator
- Francisco Mariano Quiñones, the first president of Puerto Rico's Cabinet
- Roberto Rexach Benitez, fmr 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
- 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
- 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 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
- 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
- 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!"
- 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 Ct 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