Latino Actresses Who Changed Their Name for Hollywood

Throughout the history of entertainment, many performers have changed their birth names to become stars. For Latina actresses, this was often a deliberate choice – a way to avoid being typecast or to reach a wider audience. This practice was particularly common during Hollywood’s studio era, when producers preferred names that would resonate more with American viewers. These name changes highlight the social pressures and changing expectations around representation in film over the years. Now, these talented women are remembered for their contributions and the lasting impact they had on film and television.

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth, originally named Margarita Carmen Cansino, dramatically changed her look to become a movie star. She famously dyed her hair red and had painful procedures to reshape her hairline, aiming for a more mainstream appearance. To avoid being limited by stereotypical roles often given to Spanish actors, she adopted her mother’s last name, Hayworth. This strategic decision helped her land leading roles and become a major star during World War II. She’s most celebrated for her unforgettable dance scenes and captivating presence in the film ‘Gilda’.

Raquel Welch

As a movie fan, I always found Raquel Welch fascinating. She actually started out with the name Jo Raquel Tejada, but she chose to go by Raquel Welch professionally – her agents thought it sounded better and would help her land more leading roles, sadly because of the pressures of the time. What I admire is that even with that change, she never forgot where she came from, and eventually embraced and talked about her Bolivian heritage. Of course, she became a huge star after ‘One Million Years B.C.’ – that movie really put her on the map! She kept working steadily in both film and theater for years, and rightfully earned her place as a true Hollywood icon.

Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter, born Lynda Jean Córdova Carter, had a Mexican mother and grew up celebrating that heritage. She simplified her name to help launch her career, moving from beauty pageants to acting. She became famous playing Wonder Woman in the hit TV series of the same name, and also released several albums demonstrating her singing ability. Her performance as the iconic superhero is still considered one of the best in television history.

Maria Montez

Maria Montez, originally named Maria Antonia Josefa de la Santa Cruz Dulce Nombre de los Dolores Reina de los Santos Vidal de Santo Silas, was a Dominican actress who found fame in Hollywood. She simplified her name to Maria Montez and became known as the ‘Queen of Technicolor.’ She starred in adventure films like ‘Arabian Nights’ and ‘Cobra Woman,’ often playing exotic roles. Her lively personality and distinctive style made her a popular movie star in the 1940s, and she was the first Dominican actress to achieve widespread recognition in American cinema.

Anita Page

Born Anita Evelyn Pomares, Anita Page was a prominent star during the last years of silent films. Though her family came from Spain and El Salvador, she kept this part of her background private as her acting career took off. She starred in ‘The Broadway Melody,’ the first musical film to win an Academy Award, and was famous for receiving an unusually large amount of fan mail during her most popular years. She left Hollywood at a young age but later appeared in a few independent films.

Margo

Born with a long and formal name – Maria del Rosario Mercedes Laura Jennifer Zaragoza y Delgado – Margo simplified it to a single stage name for her career. She was a gifted dancer and actress who gained recognition after a talent scout saw her perform at a nightclub. During her Hollywood years, she starred in well-known films like ‘Lost Horizon’ and ‘The Winterset.’ Margo was also a strong supporter of the arts, playing a key role in founding the Plaza de la Raza cultural center in Los Angeles. Throughout her decades-long career, she worked successfully in both film and television.

Rita Moreno

Born Rosa Dolores Alverio Marcano, Rita Moreno immigrated to New York from Puerto Rico as a child. Her agent suggested the stage name Rita Moreno, hoping it would help her find a wider range of acting opportunities. She became a star, famously winning an Oscar for playing Anita in ‘West Side Story’. Moreno is one of the very few entertainers to achieve the coveted EGOT – winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. With a career lasting over seventy years, she continues to be a prominent and influential figure in the world of entertainment.

Lita Baron

Lita Baron, originally Isabel Castro, moved to the United States from Spain hoping to become an artist. She began performing as a singer and dancer with well-known orchestras and chose the stage name Lita Baron during that time. She acted in films like ‘Champagne for Two’ and ‘Bells of San Fernando’, and was also widely known as the wife of actor and director Rory Calhoun. Lita Baron made a notable impact on music and film during the 1950s.

Movita

Born Maria Luisa Castaneda, Movita was an actress who often played roles that emphasized her unique and captivating presence for American viewers. She shortened her name to Movita for professional purposes. While she appeared in various films, she’s particularly remembered for her performance in the 1935 film ‘Mutiny on the Bounty.’ Throughout her career, she also starred in several Westerns and adventure movies, consistently engaging audiences with her powerful acting.

Katy Jurado

Born Maria Cristina Jurado Garcia, Katy Jurado became a famous actress known for her work in both Mexican and American films. She shortened her name when she began working in Hollywood and made history as the first Latina to win a Golden Globe. Jurado often portrayed powerful, multifaceted women, notably in films like ‘High Noon’ and ‘Broken Lance’ – for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She was known for her captivating on-screen presence, delivering deep emotion through subtle expressions.

Adele Mara

Born Adelaide Delgado, Adele Mara started her career as a singer and dancer with Xavier Cugat’s band. She changed her name to better suit a Hollywood career and went on to appear in many films for Republic Pictures. While she acted in numerous projects, she’s most known for her role in the war film ‘Sands of Iwo Jima’ with John Wayne. Adele worked consistently in the entertainment industry for decades, eventually moving into television, and her talent as a performer helped her enjoy a long and successful career.

Eva LaRue

Eva LaRue, originally Eva Maria LaRuy, is a successful television actress known for her work in soap operas and dramas. She slightly changed the spelling of her last name to create a more memorable stage name. LaRue gained widespread recognition for her role as Maria Santos on ‘All My Children’ and also starred in several seasons of the hit show ‘CSI: Miami’. Throughout her career, she’s received numerous award nominations and built a dedicated following among television viewers.

Constance Marie

I’ve been following Constance Marie’s career for years, and it’s fascinating to look back at how it all started. Originally Constance Marie Lopez, she wisely went with her first and middle names for professional purposes. Before her acting breakthrough, she was actually a dancer – can you imagine her on tour with David Bowie? But most viewers probably know her best as Angie Lopez from the hit sitcom ‘George Lopez’. She also gave a really touching performance as Selena’s mother in the biopic. And thankfully, she’s still going strong, consistently appearing in both TV series and independent films. She’s a truly versatile actress!

Catherine Bach

Catherine Bach, born Catherine Bachman with Mexican and German heritage, became a well-known actress in the late 1970s. She’s best remembered for playing Daisy Duke in the TV show ‘The Dukes of Hazzard,’ a role that made her so popular it inspired a signature style of denim shorts still linked to her name. Throughout her career, she’s continued acting in movies and television, and has also explored opportunities in the fashion world.

Shelley Morrison

Rachel Mitrani, known professionally as Shelley Morrison, changed her name early in her career to broaden her acting opportunities, not wanting to be typecast due to her Sephardic Jewish and Spanish background. Over a career lasting more than fifty years, she appeared in numerous TV shows and movies. She’s best known and loved for playing Rosario Salazar on the popular sitcom ‘Will and Grace,’ and she also had roles in films like ‘Funny Girl’ and ‘Troop Beverly Hills.’ Morrison was a memorable performer thanks to her excellent comedic skills and distinctive voice.

Alexis Bledel

Born Kimberly Alexis Bledel, Alexis grew up speaking Spanish at home. She decided to go by her middle name when she became an actress. She first became well-known for playing Rory Gilmore in the popular TV show ‘Gilmore Girls’, and later won an Emmy Award for her work in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She’s also starred in successful films, including ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’.

Chita Rivera

I’ve always been such a huge fan of Chita Rivera! Did you know her real name was Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero? She changed it to Chita Rivera – it just rolled off the tongue better and was more memorable, which was smart for a performer! She wasn’t just in shows like ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Chicago,’ she created the roles – she was the first to play them! And all the awards… Tony Awards, even the Presidential Medal of Freedom! It’s incredible to think about her career lasting so long, and she still inspires dancers and actors everywhere. She’s a true legend.

Charo

Born Maria del Rosario Martinez Molina Baeza, Charo is a vibrant performer famous for her energetic personality and impressive guitar playing. She simplified her name to Charo, a moniker now associated with her lively shows and funny TV appearances. A regular guest on 1970s variety programs like ‘The Love Boat,’ Charo is also a skilled classical guitarist with several albums to her name. Her distinctive style has kept her a well-known face in pop culture for decades.

Elena Verdugo

Born Elena Angela Verdugo, a member of one of Los Angeles’s original families, she professionally shortened her name to Elena Verdugo. Throughout her long career, she acted in many different movies and TV shows. She was most recognized for playing Consuelo Lopez in the popular medical drama ‘Marcus Welby M.D.’, a role that brought her several Emmy nominations. Earlier in her career, she also starred in some horror and adventure films, making her a well-known face on television for many years.

Christian Serratos

Christian Serratos, originally Christian Marie Bernardi, decided to use her mother’s family name professionally when she became an actress. She started her career as a child model and later moved into television and film. Many people first recognized her as Angela Weber in the ‘Twilight’ movies. She became even more well-known for playing Rosita Espinosa in ‘The Walking Dead.’ More recently, she portrayed the iconic singer Selena in the Netflix series ‘Selena: The Series.’

Alexa PenaVega

Alexa PenaVega, originally known as Alexa Ellesse Vega, started her career as a young actress and grew up in the spotlight. When she married Carlos Pena Junior, she combined her birth name with his last name for her professional career. She’s best known for playing Carmen Cortez in the ‘Spy Kids’ movies, and she continues to act in TV films and reality shows, often alongside her husband. She’s successfully moved from being a child star to an adult actress by taking on a wide range of roles.

Bella Thorne

Born Annabella Avery Thorne, Bella Thorne often discusses her Cuban heritage in interviews. She began using the name Bella when she started her career as a young model and actress. She first became well-known as a teenager on the Disney Channel show ‘Shake It Up’ and has since taken on more challenging roles in independent films and TV dramas. In addition to acting, Bella Thorne is an author and is very active on social media.

Demi Lovato

Demetria Devonne Lovato, known professionally as Demi Lovato, started her career as a young performer on TV. She gained widespread recognition through Disney Channel’s ‘Camp Rock’ and ‘Sonny with a Chance,’ and has since become a popular singer with hit songs and sold-out concerts. Beyond music, she’s also appeared in TV shows and worked as a judge on reality competitions.

Kat Von D

Katherine von Drachenberg, known professionally as Kat Von D, immigrated to the United States from Mexico as a child. She became famous as a tattoo artist through the TV shows ‘Miami Ink’ and ‘LA Ink’. Beyond tattooing, she’s also built a successful makeup brand and explored a career in music. Kat Von D’s distinctive style and artistic skills have made her well-known in both the beauty and entertainment worlds.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera, originally Naya Marie Rivera, started acting as a child in several television comedies. Professionally, she went by Naya Rivera, omitting her middle name. She became widely known for playing Santana Lopez on the hit show ‘Glee’, where she was celebrated for her nuanced performance and strong singing voice. Beyond ‘Glee’, Naya continued to act in TV and movies and also pursued a music career before her tragic death.

Sara Montiel

Born Maria Antonia Abad Fernandez, Sara Montiel was a hugely popular actress in Spain before she began working in Hollywood. She chose the stage name Sara Montiel – a simpler, more memorable name – which helped her land roles in American films like ‘Veracruz’ and ‘Run of the Arrow’, starring alongside some of the biggest names of the time. Later, she went back to Spain and became one of the world’s highest-earning actresses. Her beauty and talent made her a lasting icon of international cinema.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana, born Zoe Yadira Saldaña Nazario, has family origins in both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. For her acting career, she shortened her name. She’s become a major Hollywood star, appearing in blockbuster films like ‘Avatar’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame.’ Saldana is well-known for her work in popular franchises such as ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy.’ Her ability to play a wide range of roles, combined with her physical talent, has made her a highly sought-after actress in contemporary cinema.

Linda Cristal

Born Marta Victoria Moya Burges in Argentina, Linda Cristal moved to the United States to become an actress. She adopted the name Linda Cristal to enhance her Hollywood image. Cristal won a Golden Globe for her performance in the film ‘The Perfect Furlough’ and became well-known for playing Victoria Cannon in the television series ‘The High Chaparral’. Throughout her career, she was admired for bringing both grace and power to her roles in movies and television.

Carmen Miranda

As a classic movie fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Carmen Miranda. Born Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha, she really put Brazilian culture on the map! She started out as a singer in Brazil – that’s when she took the stage name Carmen Miranda – and eventually became a huge star here in the US. I mean, who could forget those incredible fruit hats and her energetic performances in films like ‘The Gang’s All Here’? She was a total trailblazer, the first South American performer to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Seriously, her look and energy just defined the 1940s – she was instantly recognizable and totally unforgettable.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced, originally known as Isabela Moner, started her acting career as a child on Nickelodeon. She chose to use the name Isabela Merced as a tribute to her grandmother and to mark a fresh start professionally. She’s best known for playing Dora in the live-action film ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold,’ and has also appeared in films like ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ and ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado.’ In addition to acting, Merced is a talented musician who has released several singles.

Aimee Garcia

Aimee Garcia, born Aimee Sandimés Garcia López de Ordóñez, has Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage. For her acting career, which spans more than twenty years, she shortened her full name. She’s best known for her television roles, including appearances on ‘George Lopez’ and ‘Dexter,’ and gained a large fanbase playing Ella Lopez in ‘Lucifer.’ Aimee is known for seamlessly transitioning between funny and serious roles, making her a familiar face on TV.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin was born Morena Silva de Vaz Setta Baccarin in Brazil, but she moved to New York when she was young. As she began her acting career, she decided to go by Morena Baccarin professionally. She became well-known and gained a dedicated following for her work in sci-fi shows like ‘Firefly’ and ‘Stargate SG-1’. She also received an Emmy nomination for her role in the drama ‘Homeland’, and later appeared in the popular ‘Deadpool’ movies with Ryan Reynolds.

Melissa Fumero

Melissa Fumero, originally Melissa Gallo, started her acting career on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. She began using her husband David Fumero’s last name professionally after they married. She became widely known for playing Amy Santiago on the popular comedy ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. In addition to her on-screen work, she’s also done voice acting for animated shows and appeared in independent films. Audiences appreciate her humor and ability to create believable characters, making her a popular figure on television today.

Cote de Pablo

María José de Pablo Fernández, known professionally as Cote de Pablo, was born in Chile and came to the United States when she was young. ‘Cote’ is a common nickname for María José in Chile. She became famous around the world for playing Ziva David in the popular TV show ‘NCIS’. Her performance as the complicated Mossad officer won her many awards and positive reviews. She continues to act in television series, miniseries, and films, while keeping her personal life private.

Dania Ramirez

Dania Ramirez, originally Dania Jissel Ramirez, was born in the Dominican Republic and later moved to New York City as a teen. She shortened her name professionally and has since achieved success in film and television. Ramirez is well-known for her appearances in shows like ‘Heroes’ and ‘Devious Maids,’ and she played Callisto in the movie ‘X-Men: The Last Stand.’ Throughout her career, she’s proven her ability to play diverse roles across many genres.

Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice, born Victoria Dawn Justice, has Puerto Rican heritage through her mother. She began her career as a model and in commercials, using her first and last names professionally. She first became well-known as a teenager on Nickelodeon’s ‘Zoey 101,’ and then starred in her own series, ‘Victorious.’ Since then, she’s moved on to more mature roles in both films and television, and has also showcased her singing talent on many soundtracks.

Please share your favorite performances from these talented actresses in the comments.

2025-12-30 21:49