You read it as, “Cuban culture has impacted big screen entertainment, right down to Hollywood.” From actors and actresses to musicians and directors: Many stars either have Cuban roots or have Cuban-inspired names. As most of these stars proudly wave the flag for their people, some will leave you agog. Let’s take a closer look some Hollywood names you didn’t know were Cuban.
Cameron Diaz
Cameron Diaz is one of the most recognizable actresses in Hollywood, whose films include Charlie’s Angels and Shrek and The Mask. Although her name may not immediately evoke a Cuban connection, Diaz has Cuban roots thanks to her father, Emilio Diaz. The last name “Diaz” is quite a common last name in Cuba, as such she holds one of the most publicized actresses with her roots originating from Cuba.
Eva Mendes
Eva Mendes, another Hollywood star with a Cuban name. A daughter of Cuban immigrants born in Miami, Florida, Mendes has always carried her heritage on her sleeve. Eva is a common name among Cubans and others in Spanish-speaking countries. Mendes starred in several blockbuster films, including Hitch, 2 Fast 2 Furious and Training Day, and is still beaming Cuban-American talent in Hollywood.
Andy Garcia
Andy Garcia is a prominent Cuban-American actor in Hollywood. Born Andrés Arturo García Menéndez in Havana, Cuba, he emigrated to the United States with his family following the Cuban Revolution. Garcia, 78, is known for his roles in The Godfather Part III, Ocean’s Eleven and The Untouchables. His first name, “Andrés,” is a traditional Spanish name closely associated with Cuba — a perfect representation of Cuba itself in Hollywood.
Gina Torres
Gina Torres, who you might know from Suits and Firefly, has a Latin American name and heritage from Cuba. Although Torres was born to Cuban parents in New York City, she has never shied away from her cultural background. “Gina” is a common name among Spanish-speaking communities, and she has used her platform to celebrate and advance Afro-Cuban culture in Hollywood.
Emilio Estevez
Although Emilio Estevez is known to many as a member of the famous Sheen family, few are aware that his name has a Cuban connection. His heritage is mostly Spanish and Irish, but the name “Emilio” is common in Cuba and other Latin American countries. Unlike his father, Martin Sheen, and his brother, Charlie Sheen, Estevez decided to stick with his birth name rather than take a stage name.
Rosario Dawson
Rosario Dawson, known for her work in Sin City, Daredevil, and Rent, has a name steeped in Spanish and Cuban culture. Her first name, Rosario, is common among Cuban families, while she comes from Puerto Rican, Afro-Cuban, and Native American descent. Her heritage, which she is often celebrating in the entertainment industry, is Cuban and it is a big part of her identity.
Suggested Read: akai meaning
Conclusion
Cuban culture has long permeated Hollywood — some of the most recognizable stars have Cuban names or heritage that gets overlooked. These celebrities from Cameron Diaz to Andy Garcia celebrate the diversity and richness of Cuban influence in the world of entertainment. With their names, heritage and career choices, these stars are still making their presence — and Cuban culture — felt in Hollywood.