The 10 Most Iconic Latino TV Characters of All Time

It got us thinking about Latinos in iconic performances on TV. Here are our top choices. Be sure to let us know if you agree or if you think we forgot anyone in the comments below:

America Ferrera as Betty Suarez on Ugly Betty

The nation fell in love with Ferrera’s portrayal of a seriously fashion-challenged chica with a heart of gold. Why? Because Betty was a refreshing character, she had integrity and didn’t rely on smirks, cleavage or put-downs to gain popularity. America captured this perfectly, conveying Betty’s’ strength from underneath the furry eyebrows, braces and horrible ponchos and in the end, giving us a bona fide modern classic.

Eva Longoria as Gabrielle Solis on Desperate Housewives

In the hands of a lesser actress, the oversexed Gabrielle could have been a throwaway, stereotypical character. Instead, Longoria, thanks to great comic timing and physical acting, managed to make her both outrageous and relatable, making Gabrielle a fan favorite and Longoria the show’s breakout star.

Freddie Prinze as Chico Rodriguez on Chico and the Man

Hiring a Puerto Rican-Hungarian from New York to portray a Chicano from East L.A. may have seemed like a stretch, but Prinze is perfect as the sweet (and sexy!) kid who wins over a crabby old white guy who won’t adapt to the changing neighborhood. Prinze came to the show a rising comedian whose sharp stand-up skills and charisma had made him a late-night show staple, but it was his performance on Chico and the Man that made him a star.

Desi Arnaz as Ricky Ricardo on I Love Lucy

Literally the daddy of all iconic TV portrayals by a Latino, Arnaz’s bandleader married to a crazy Americana was the first leading boob-tube role for one of us. Arnaz may have been a musician and pioneering TV producer in real life, but he’s most remembered as the exasperated Ricky and his catchphrase, said in his trademark heavy accent, “Luuuuucy, I’m home!”

Wilson Cruz as Ricky Vasquez in My So-Called Life

Cruz came to Hollywood refusing to hide his homosexuality—something still considered career suicide by many—and his honesty paid off. In this cult fave, he endows Ricky, a gay teen who has been physically abused and who, like Cruz himself, was kicked out of his home for his sexual orientation, with undeniable humanity and compassion.

Jimmy Smits as Victor Sifuentes on L.A. Law

Jimmy Smits has rocked many an amazing role on TV: As Bobby Simone in NYPD Blue, Matt Santos on The West Wing and Miguel Prado on Dexter come to mind (we’re still shocked he hasn’t won an Emmy), but this one is closest to our hearts. That’s because with Hollywood often portraying Latinos as criminals, service workers or smarmy Latin lover types, the arrival of Smits as a polished lawyer with a strong sense of social justice rebooted the way the industry looked at our actors. All that, and he was the hottest guy on the show.

 

Dora the Explorer on Dora the Explorer

Is it weird that one of our most positive portrayals onscreen is by an animated character? Who cares? All that matters is that a whole generation of kids has grown up with an intrepid, brown, bilingual girl as a role model.

Erik Estrada as Ponch on CHiPs

Two words: man meat.  Estrada was hot and great hair and a great smile and that is why he was on this vapid but iconic show about hot cops on motorcycles. Yes, CHiPs was cheesetastic and so was Estrada’s performance  (hey, they can’t all be Smits or Olmos), but sometimes that’s all you want in a show. Tons of girls had his poster on their walls and that was enough to make him an enduring sex symbol.

Edward James Olmos as William Adama on Battlestar Galactica

Yes, we loved him as the tipo serio Lt. Martin Castillo on the iconic show Miami Vice, for which he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe, but on Battlestar Galactica, Oscar-nominated Olmos did what no other onscreen Latino had done before: Command a fleet of spaceships protecting humanity from evil aliens in the future! More than a sci-fi show, Galactica was a mix of political and social drama and adventure, and it took someone with Olmos’ acting gravitas to pull it together.

 

Jorge Garcia as Hurley on Lost

Hurley was not hot, he was not suave. He did not look like a lot of people’s idea of a Latino: He was a light-skinned, freckled, outsize comic-book-reading nerd with hippie hair and sideburns—and he utterly charmed audiences with his laid-back California vibe, endlessly quotable lines and general decency. On Lost, Hurley often spoke out loud what we were thinking while watching this confounding, groundbreaking show at home: mainly, “WTF just happened?” No wonder Garcia became the fan favorite and the only one on the show who has individually permeated pop culture: There are Hurley dolls and even a Weezer album cover featuring his image.

Source:  Damarys Ocana

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Posted in dance salsa , dance salsacircuit , hispanic market , hispano , hispano market , latin artists , latino

20 Hot New Telenovela Stars

Don't you just love telenovelas? You know, Spanish-language soap operas! We feel that there's definitely more to them than the crazy drama, over-the-top storylines and exotic locations which grab our attention. But it's really the hot, sexy studs and beauty queens that keep us glued to our screens.

We thought you might be curious to know who the hottest new Latino telenovela stars are, so get ready to meet the new generation of telenovela talent.

Name:
Ariadne Diaz
Date of Birth:
August 17, 1986
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Her?
In 2007, she made her debut as one of the lead girls in the remake 'Muchachitas como tu' (Girls Like You). She was most recently seen in 'Manana es para siempre' (Tomorrow is Forever) as the always-suffering Aurora.

Name:
William Levy
Date of Birth:
August 29, 1980
Country of Origin:
Cuba

Where Have We Seen Him?
His first telenovelas were 'Olvidarte jamas' (Never Forget You), 'Mi vida eres tu' (You're My Life) and 'Acorralada' (Cornered). In 2007, he relocates to Mexico to act in 'Pasion' and then he landed his first lead in 'Cuidado con el angel'. Last year, he starred in 'Sortilegio'. Undoubtedly, one of the busiest and most talked about telenovela stars these days.

Name:
Maite Perroni
Date of Birth:
March 9, 1983
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Her?
She made her acting debut in the huge smash 'Rebelde', the telenovela that also made her a singing sensation with the music group RBD. Since then, the fan favorite has also starred in 'Cuidado con el angel' (Look out for the Angel) and 'Mi Pecado' (My Sin).

Name:
Jencarlos Canela
Date of Birth:
April 21st, 1988
Country of Origin:
U.S.A.

Where Have We Seen Him?
The Cuban-American has acted in 'Pecados Ajenos' (Other People's Sins), 'Dona Barbara' and his first starring role in 'Mas sabe el diablo'. He also recently started a very successful singing career.

Name:
Angelique Boyer
Date of Birth:
July 4th, 1988
Country of Origin:
France

Where Have We Seen Her?
She hasn't scored a leading role yet, but she's impressed with her roles in 'Rebelde', 'Muchachitas como tu', 'Alma de Hierro' and her current role as a gypsy in the remake of 'Corazon Salvaje' (Wild Heart).

Name:
Roberto Manrique
Date of Birth:
April 23rd, 1979
Country of Origin:
Ecuador

Where Have We Seen Him?
We met him in such titles as 'Corazon Dominado', 'Victoria' and 'Dona Barbara'. Last year he was the lead in Telemundo's production 'Victorinos'.

Name:
Ana Brenda Contreras
Date of Birth:
December 24th, 1986
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Her?
Her first break was as part of the young cast of 'Barrera de amor' (Barrier of Love). In 2008, she earns her first starring role in 'Juro que te amo' (I Swear I Love You) and in 2009, she made an impact as the villain in 'Sortilegio'.

Name:
Carlos Ferro
Date of Birth:
July 5th, 1984
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Him?
'Encadenados' (Chained), 'Aventuras en el tiempo' (Adventures Through Time), 'Rebelde' (Rebels) and 'Dame chocolate' (Give Me Chocolate). His most recent performance was a guest-starring role in Telemundo's 'Mas sabe el diablo' (The Devil Knows Best).

Name:
Carmen Villalobos
Date of Birth:
July 13, 1983
Country of Origin:
Colombia

Where Have We Seen Her?
'La Tormenta' (The Storm) and 'Amores', but she gained notoriety with her lead in 'Sin senos no hay paraiso' (No Breasts, No Paradise). She currently stars in Telemundo's 'Ninos ricos, pobres padres' (Rich Kids, Poor Parents).

Name:
Jose Ron
Date of Birth:
August 8, 1981
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Him?
He started acting in 2004's 'Mujer de Madera' (Wood Woman). Since then, he's been in 'Rebelde', 'Muchachitas como tu' (Little Girls Like You), 'Juro que te amo' (I Swear I Love You) and 'Los Exitosos Perez' (The Successful Perez).

Name:
Zuria Vega
Date of Birth:
January 10, 1989
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Her?
This young actress has talent running through her veins, as her father is famous actor Gonzalo Vega. Her first acting role was in 2008's 'Alma de Hierro' (Iron Soul) and she landed her first lead last year with 'Mar de amor' (Sea of Love).

Name:
Erick Elias
Date of Birth:
June 23rd, 1980
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Him?
This former boy-band member turned to acting, winning a reality show called 'Protagonistas de Telenovela'. His first starring role came with 'Tormenta en el paraiso' (Storm in Paradise), although he's also acted in 'Zorro, la espada y la rosa', 'El cuerpo del deseo' (Body of Desire) and 'En nombre del amor' (In the Name of Love).

Name:
Malliyani Marin
Date of Birth:
September 23rd
Country of Origin:
Cuba

Where Have We Seen Her?
Her breakthrough role came in the recent 'Hasta que el dinero nos separe' (Til Money Do Us Part), as a deceitful woman, unafraid to use her physical charms to get her way.

Name:
Eugenio Siller
Date of Birth:
April 5th, 1981
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Him?
He showed his physique in 'Codigo Postal' (Zip Code) and 'Al diablo con los guapos' (To Hell with Cute Guys). In 2009, he had another starring role with 'Mi Pecado', along Maite Perroni, his co-star from 'Rebelde'.

Name:
Altair Jarabo
Date of Birth:
August 7th, 1986
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Her?
New and hardworking, this young star has shown she has the acting chops to match her looks, appearing in recent hits like 'Codigo Postal' (Zip Code), 'Lola', and as the villain in both, 'En nombre del amor' (In the Name of Love) and 'Mi Pecado' (My Sin).

Name:
Alfonso Herrera
Date of Birth:
August 28, 1983
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Him?
'Clase 406', but it was his stellar role in 'Rebelde' and its music group RBD that made him an international star. He just recently finished 'Camaleones' (Chameleons) with fellow singer and teen idol Belinda.

Name:
Africa Zavala
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Her?
At 21, she was picked to star in 'Peregrina' (Pilgrim). Other recent projects include 'Codigo Postal', 'Cuidado con el angel' and 'Los exitosos Perez'.

Name:
Gonzalo Garcia Vivanco
Date of Birth:
December 25, 1981
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Him?
Before his big break as the male lead in 'Verano de amor' (Summer of Love) with former RBD singer Dulce Maria, he'd acted in 'Las Juanes' y 'Sonaras' (You'll Dream).

Name:
Jacqueline Bracamontes
Date of Birth:
December 23rd, 1979
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Her?
At 30 years old, this sexy and charismatic beauty has become one of the most important telenovela stars, with leads in 3 major hits: 'Heridas de amor' (Wounds of Love), "Las tontas no van al cielo' (Silly Girls Don't Go To Heaven), and 'Sortilegio'.

Name:
Eleazar Gomez
Date of Birth:
May 29, 1986
Country of Origin:
Mexico

Where Have We Seen Him?
Despite his young age, he's been acting for a long time, in youth-oriented titles like 'Luz Clarita', 'Mi pequena traviesa' (My little rascal girl), 'Asi son ellas' (That's the way these girls are), 'Rebelde' and 'Las tontas no van al cielo'. His big break was as the lead in the Mexican adaptation of 'Atrevete a Sonar' (Dare to dream).



Source:By Equipo Celestrellas

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Posted in dance salsa , hispano , hispano market , latin artists , latin telenovela , salsacircuit , telenovelas

Placido Domingo Cited As Latin Grammy Awards Person of the Year 2010

Placido Domingo with Ricky Martin

Accepting the Awards for Person of the Year
photo credited to billboard (dot) com

The 11th Annual Latin Grammy Awards marked a significant year for Plácido Domingo . It was a breath-taking night when Ricky Martin introduced and tribute in a special presentation the 2010 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year Plácido Domingo at the 11th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards last November 11, 2010. Placido Domingo is well described as "The King of Opera and the Greatest Artist of modern times. José Plácido Domingo Embil KBE or better known as Plácido Domingo, was born on January 21, 1941 .A Spanish tenor and conductor known for his multitalented and strong voice, possessing a vibrant and dramatic tone all through its range.

The 69 yard old Spanish tenor’s won his first Grammy Award in 1971 and went on to win eight more, as well as three Latin Grammy awards. Placido Domingo, known to admired music audiences for his "Three Tenors" performances with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti. This year, Domingo underwent surgery to remove a cancerous polyp from his colon in March, Thank God he quickly returned to the stage. He even established the Operalia, a competition for opera singing, and raised millions of dollars in benefit concerts for victims of disasters such as Mexico's 1985 earthquake and Hurricane Katrina. Domingo takes great pride for all Latinos for his extraordinary talents, being philanthropist and munificence.

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Posted in Dance , dance salsa , hispano market , king of opera , latin grammy awards , latin grammy awards 2010 , person of the year 2010 , placido domingo , ricky martin , tenor

Feel the Heat of Salsa

Can you feel the heat? When you sway your hips as you approach your partner with your lovely eyes while moving around your feet definitely you will feel the intimate passion while dancing on the floor.

I found out that the term, salsa was taken from the Spanish word for sauce. I really love spicy sauce and what makes these two things in common? They spice up our life!

According to Wikipedia salsa is a syncretic dance form with origins from Cuba, as the original meeting point of European and African cultures. Its movements originate in Cuban Son, with strong influences from Mambo, Guaguanco, and other Afro-Cuban music. Salsa is normally a partner dance, although there are recognized solo forms, line dancing (suelta), and Rueda de Casino where groups of couples exchange partners in a circle. Salsa can be improvised or performed with a set routine.Salsa is popular throughout Latin America, and also in the United States, Spain, Japan, Portugal, France, Italy, Germany and Eastern Europe.

Salsa is a very fast moving and passionate dance with lot of coordination included not only with the music but also with your partner.If you want to have a voluptuous body start to learn the salsa dance .Salsa dance is played around the world and it's a great influence of many different cultures, races and the dance continues to unfold this way today. What makes salsa dancing unique? It's not just hot, it's sizzling your night on the dance floor. It unites us all with same common denominator that is the passion that runs through our veins and that is salsa circuit.

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Posted in 29th anuual summit festival , Dance , hispano market , salsa circuit , Salsa Congress , salsa dance