Latinas Conquering Hollywood

When I first started my career in Hollywood, I was acutely aware of the lack of Hispanic representation in film and television. So, as I worked on various projects, I made it a point to ensure that my casts reflected a more diverse and authentic representation of the world we live in.

Fast forward to 2025, and it's clear that Latina women are now leading the charge in Hollywood!

In honor of Women’s History Month and my recent conversation with the trailblazing Puerto Rican actress Liz Torres featured on the latest two episodes (107 & 108) of Hollywood Obsessed podcast, I thought I’d turn the spotlight on some of the most captivating Latina actresses today taking Hollywood by storm! So get ready to dive into their latest triumphs and the thrilling projects they’ve got lined up—trust me, these are the names you’ll want to keep an eye on because big things are coming, and we’re here for it!

But before we jump into the incredible work being done by the new wave of Latina actresses, let's take a moment to honor the legendary trailblazers who paved the way - Liz Torres and Rita Moreno.

LIZ TORRES

Puerto Rican actress Liz Torres has made her mark on television with a career that spans decades and includes unforgettable roles in some of the most beloved TV series of all time like “All in the Family”, “Phyllis”, “The John Larroquette Show”, and “Gilmore Girls”.

Throughout her career, Liz has graced many more notable series, including “The Fighting Fitzgeralds”, “The Brothers Garcia”, “Ugly Betty”, “Desperate Housewives”, “Devious Maids”, and the hit Cuban-American sitcom “One Day at a Time”.

Most recently, Liz returned to the spotlight with a hilarious guest appearance as Rosie’s sister ‘Daisy’ in the George Lopez sitcom “Lopez vs. Lopez” in both 2022 and 2023, proving that her comedic chops are as sharp as ever.

Liz Torres continues to be a beloved figure in TV history, and her legacy as a trailblazer for Latina actresses remains undeniable.

RITA MORENO

At 93 years young, Oscar-winning Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno is showing no signs of slowing down. She’s been gracing the silver screen since her debut in the 1950 MGM musical “The Toast of New Orleans” and continues to bring her incredible talent to the forefront. Most recently, she played Mrs McClaren in the Netflix animated film “My Father's Dragon”, produced by the Academy Award-nominated Cartoon Saloon, and directed by the equally acclaimed Nora Twomey.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Rita Moreno will also star alongside Roselyn Sánchez and Harvey Keitel in the upcoming horror thriller “Theirs”, directed by Sonja O’Hara. In this spine-chilling tale, after a bitter divorce, a mother and daughter find hope in a new home, only to have their freedom tested by mysterious voices within its walls. Sounds muy spooky to me!

Additionally, Rita’s documentary "Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It" is available to stream on Netflix, offering an inspiring and candid look at the iconic actress’s life and career.

Her enduring passion and undeniable talent continue to inspire new generations of artists, and she’s still showing the world how it’s done!

RACHEL ZEGLER

Speaking of the exciting new generation of Latina talent, Colombian American actress and singer Rachel Zegler is taking the entertainment world by storm with her remarkable skills and undeniable presence. After bursting onto the scene with her breakout role as Maria in “West Side Stor”y (2021), Rachel has continued to dominate the screen, appearing in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snake”s (2023) and “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” (2023). But she’s not stopping there—she’s recently wrapped a thrilling 16-week run on Broadway, starring alongside Emmy Award winner Kit Connor (Heartstopper) in a stunning new production of “Romeo & Juliet” at the Circle in the Square Theater.

But that’s just the beginning—Rachel has a lineup of thrilling projects on the horizon! First up, she stars as the iconic Snow White in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of the 1938 animated classic, opposite Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen. The film is set to enchant audiences when it’s released on March 21, 2025.

And if that wasn’t already incredible news, Rachel is being considered for the role of Christine in Disney’s upcoming “Phantom of the Opera” movie, a fresh young adult reimagining of the timeless tale, with Kenny Ortega attached as the director.

It’s safe to say that 2025 is already shaping up to be a massive year for Rachel Zegler, and with her boundless talent and energy, it’s clear that she’s just getting started. Keep an eye on this rising star—she’s here to stay!

ANA DE ARMAS

Cuban actress Ana de Armas is quickly becoming a star in Hollywood. She is known for her impressive roles in films like “No Time to Die” with Daniel Craig, the mystery “Knives Out,” and as Marilyn Monroe in “Blonde,” which earned her an Academy Award nomination as the first Cuban actress to achieve this.

Ana has exciting projects coming up, including the action film “Ballerina,” a John Wick spin-off where she plays a skilled assassin seeking revenge for her family’s murder. The film features stars like Keanu Reeves and Anjelica Huston.

She also stars in “Eden,” a darkly funny story about murder and survival, directed by Ron Howard, with an ensemble cast including Vanessa Kirby, Sydney Sweeney, and Jude Law.

Additionally, there are rumors that Ana might join the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Avengers: Doomsday,” set for 2026.

With these compelling projects ahead, Ana de Armas is poised to make a significant impact in Hollywood! 

ZOE SALDAÑA

Zoe Saldaña is a true force of nature, and her incredible career is nothing short of legendary. Known for her iconic roles in some of the most successful science fiction film franchises ever, she has cemented her place in Hollywood history. This powerhouse Dominican actress is on fire, and she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Following her Best Supporting Actress Academy Award win for her role in “Emilia Pérez”, she’s set to reprise her role in the upcoming Avatar sequels, including “Avatar: Fire and Ash “on December 19, 2025, and “Avatar 4,” arriving in December 2029. Fans can also look forward to the fifth and final installment, set to debut on December 19, 2031. These films promise to continue the groundbreaking success of the Avatar franchise, and Zoe will be front and center.

But the excitement doesn't end with Pandora. Zoe will also lend her voice to the highly anticipated Pixar science fiction adventure “Elio”, slated for release on June 20, 2025, adding another dazzling feather to her cap.

With a career spanning blockbuster sequels, groundbreaking animation, and an iconic Oscar winning performance, the world truly is Zoe Saldaña’s oyster. There's no telling just how high she’ll soar, but one thing’s for sure—she’s an unstoppable force, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!

LIZA COLÓN ZAYAS

After 30 years of playing supporting roles in film and TV, this incredibly talented Puerto Rican actress from the Bronx, NY, has just made history! Liza Colón-Zayas became the first Latina to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2024 for her unforgettable role as Tina Marrero on the hit comedy-drama “The Bear.” Her powerhouse performance has not only made her a household name but has also earned her critical acclaim, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and an Imagen Award.

But Liza’s journey is far from over—she’s just getting started! With several exciting projects in the pipeline, her career is about to skyrocket. She just starred in the live-action/animated fantasy film "IF" (short for Imaginary Friend) in 2024, playing Janet, a compassionate nurse caring for the main character’s grandfather. Up next, she just wrapping up filming for the ABC TV movie “Until The Wedding” and is currently shooting the TV movie “Driven”. Plus, fans are eagerly awaiting her return in season 3 of ”The Bear”!

Liza Colón-Zayas is no longer a hidden gem—she’s a rising star whose talent, versatility, and heart are about to light up the entertainment world in the most spectacular way. The best is yet to come!

JENNIFER LOPEZ

Puerto Rican diva Jennifer Lopez is gearing up for a thrilling year with a lineup of exciting projects that are sure to make waves! Among the highlights is her much-anticipated movie adaptation of “Kiss of the Spider Woma”n, directed by the legendary Bill Condon. After the 2025 Oscar race wraps up, all eyes are turning to 2026, where Lopez is already being touted as a major contender for her role alongside Diego Luna.

Set in 1980s Argentina, “Kiss of the Spider Woman” is based on Terrence McNally's acclaimed stage play and follows individuals defying a brutal regime. Lopez will portray Ingrid Luna, a celebrated Latina artist whose poignant journey is resonating with audiences. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025 to rave reviews, with many already predicting an Oscar-worthy performance from Lopez.

But that’s not all! Lopez’s production company, Nuyorican, is also working on a Netflix series based on Emily Henry’s hit novel “Happy Place”, which tells the story of college sweethearts who are forced to share a bedroom after their breakup—a mix of comedy, heart, and nostalgia that is sure to captivate audiences.

Just when we think JLo can’t surprise us anymore, she’s back with a bang! With these projects and more in the pipeline, Jennifer Lopez is poised to make a powerful impact this year and beyond. Brava, JLo! You continue to shine brighter than ever!

SELENA GOMEZ

Selena Gomez is back in the spotlight after her praised role in the Oscar-nominated movie “Emilia Perez.” She continues to impress audiences with her talent on both big and small screens.

This summer, she will reprise her role as Mabel Mora in the Hulu series “Only Murders in the Building,” which has won an Emmy Award. She stars alongside comedy legends Steve Martin and Martin Short. In Season 5, the show will feature a new investigation into the mysterious death of Lester (Teddy Coluca), and Mabel will lead the effort to solve the case in her unique style.

Selena also has an exciting lineup of films coming up. One of them is the thriller “Spiral,” directed by Petra Collins (Transparent). In this film, she plays a former influencer whose obsession with social media starts to affect her mental and physical health. This challenging role lets Selena explore darker themes.

Additionally, she will star in “In the Shadow of the Mountain,” a biographical drama directed and co-written by Elgin James (The Outlaws). She plays Silvia Vasquez Lavado, a woman who overcame childhood trauma and found healing through mountaineering. This film aims to inspire and showcase Selena's talent.

Overall, 2025 looks bright for this Mexican American actress as her career continues to grow. With each project, she shows that her talent is limitless, and audiences are excited to see what she does next!

ARIANA DEBOSE

This Academy Award-winning actress is poised to dominate 2025! After her electrifying performance as Anita in the 2021 “West Side Story” remake, she has an exciting lineup of projects.

First up is “Lear Rex,” a contemporary take on Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by Bernard Rose, featuring an all-star cast including Al Pacino, Jessica Chastain, and Peter Dinklage. Although the release date is still under wraps, it’s already generating significant buzz.

Next, she will co-star with Amanda Seyfried in the comedy “My Ex-Friend’s Wedding,” directed by Kay Cannon, promising laughs and heart. She'll also shine in the gripping drama “Tow,” alongside Rose Byrne, based on the true story of a woman facing a $21,634 towing bill.

Additionally, she is currently filming the Amazon Prime Video series “Scarpetta,” with Nicole Kidman and Jamie Lee Curtis, based on Patricia Cornwell’s crime novels. She has also released her music album “Ain’t a Maybe,” receiving rave reviews, and delivered memorable performances in films like “Love Hurts” and “Kraven the Hunter.”

As a true triple threat—singer, dancer, and actress—this Puerto Rican powerhouse is one of the brightest stars of her generation, and 2025 is bound to be her year!

Some facts are taken from IMDB & Wikipedia.

Don’t miss listening to my captivating interview with the legendary Liz Torres in the latest two episodes of the Hollywood Obsessed podcast! Where you get exclusive insights and stories you won’t find anywhere else!

Click the links below to listen now and be inspired!

Episode 107 - HERE

Episode 108 - HERE