11 Latina Actresses Who Have Spoken Out on Hollywood Stereotypes and Lack of Diversity

Credit: BELatina/BrandStar

It is no secret that Latinos have been grossly underrepresented in Hollywood. And when Latino actors are included, they are often portraying criminals and domestic workers. Back in the earlier days of film and television, we were “greasers,” “banditos,” immoral and/or angry women, and comedically dim-witted individuals.

Today, however, the tides are changing, with a variety of roles being interpreted by Latinas, and people of our ethnicity and culture(s) are creating those projects which are absent. But we still have a long way to go. Here are 11 actresses in Hollywood who are holding it down for Latinos everywhere have spoken out about both the stereotypes assigned to us as a people, as well as the notion that all we look, act, and are the same.

6Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek IG @salmahayek
Photo Credit IG @salmahayej

She has been nominated for an Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Actress, but Salma Hayek fought to get the success she has experienced. “I had to endure the worst time of all in terms of racial discrimination in Hollywood when I first started out,” Salma has shared. “It was inconceivable to American directors and producers that a Mexican woman could have a lead role.”