15 of Our Favorite Characters Played by Latina Actresses

Updated on 8/31/2018 at 9:55 AM

I've never lived a day in my life when my mother wasn't working. You may even say she worked two jobs (being my mother was certainly a full-time gig). I loved seeing her own a boardroom the same way she commanded respect in our house.

I grew up under the impression that women belonged in the corner office, especially Latina women, as my mother approached being bilingual for what it was: an asset. I took for granted the incredible influence she commanded in a male-dominated industry, which, to put it kindly, lacked diversity. As I got older, I realized the rare mentality I was raised with and the even rarer reality I lived.

Perhaps that is why most of my favorite movies and TV shows revolve around women in power — and not just any women, but Latinas who know their worth and love as fiercely as they are strong. Whether it's in a law firm, a jail cell, or a spandex costume, these Latina actresses are some of the baddest ladies on television and the big screen. Brains, beauty, and badass confidence — they are the true triple threats.

Jane Villanueva from Jane the Virgin

There is nothing Jane loves more than love itself: love for her family, her career, and her friends. Gina Rodriguez portrays this strong-willed, passionate writer with the complexity all Latinx characters deserve.

Letty Ortiz from The Fast and the Furious

Badass doesn't begin to describe Michelle Rodriguez's character in The Fast and the Furious franchise. This jack of all trades mechanic and racer is brave, whip-smart, and unapologetic.

Laurel Castillo from How to Get Away With Murder

Quiet and reserved, this budding lawyer is usually the smartest one in the room — not that she is letting anyone know that. When she speaks, though, people listen. Mexican-Chilean actress Karla Souza keeps Laurel authentic and grounded, although nothing else in her life may be.

Nyota Uhura from Star Trek

The original Star Trek's Uhura gave way to one of the very first black actresses in a main role on television in 1966. Dominican and Puerto Rican actress Zoe Saldana continued the character's legacy, playing the translator and communications officer in the 2009 film reboot of the iconic intergalactic series.

Santana Lopez from Glee

Ruthless cheerleader and mean girl Santana is part of the trio of the most popular girls in school, but her sensitivity and insecurities are later revealed after she comes out as lesbian.

Gloria Mendoza from Orange Is the New Black

As the "mother" of the group, Gloria is always looking out for the other prisoners at Litchfield. Her abusive past is in contrast to the protective, defensive nature she has with those close to her.

Amy Dubanowski from Superstore

Responsible, meddling Amy. As floor supervisor at superstore Cloud 9, she takes her job very seriously and manages with a no-nonsense attitude.

Jessica Pearson from Suits

Ambitious and professional, lawyer Jessica worked her way to the top of her firm's chain of command, taking no prisoners in the process.

Sue Storm/Invisible Woman from Fantastic Four

Jessica Alba became one of the first Latina women to play a Marvel superhero as Invisible Woman, whose non-hero counterpart is a brilliant scientist named Sue Storm.

Lydia, Penelope, and Elena from One Day at a Time

These three women are the strongest, funniest, and realest on television. Each woman has her own individual personality, beliefs, and values. However, at the end of the day, family comes first and they support and love each other unconditionally.

Callie Torres from Grey's Anatomy

Sara Ramirez portrayed the longest-running LGBTQ+ character on television for 11 seasons. The driven orthopedic surgeon was initially introduced as a love interest for another character, but her strong personality kept her in for the long run.

April Ludgate-Dwyer from Parks and Recreation

Aggressively underachieving and indifferent, April's sarcastic deadpanning made Aubrey Plaza a household name.

Gloria Delgado-Pritchett from Modern Family

Call it what you want, but Gloria is one badass woman! She emigrated to America as a young girl from Columbia, raised her son as a single mother working as a cab driver and hairdresser, and still bagged the successful silver fox in the end. Her outspoken, fiery personality is one every Latina knows well (come on, we all have that one tia), and her one-liners make the show one of the funniest in American history. Facts.