Mexico, a country rich in culture and history, has produced many influential figures who have made remarkable contributions in various fields. Below is a list of some of the most famous people from Mexico, celebrated for their unique styles, innovation in their fields, historic impact, and popularity.
Famous People from Mexico
Frida Kahlo (1907-1954) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Painting Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. |
Carlos Slim (1940-Present) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Business and Philanthropy Carlos Slim, a Mexican business magnate, investor, and philanthropist, is known as one of the richest people in the world, contributing to various sectors including communications and finance. |
Octavio Paz (1914-1998) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Literature Octavio Paz was a distinguished Mexican poet and writer, receiving the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990 for his works exploring themes of identity, culture, and history. |
Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Poetry and Advocacy for Women’s Education A self-taught scholar, poet, and nun, Sor Juana is celebrated for her poetry, plays, and advocacy for women’s education in New Spain. |
Guillermo del Toro (1964-Present) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Film Directing Internationally acclaimed film director, Guillermo del Toro is known for his fantasy and horror films and has received multiple Academy Awards. |
Emiliano Zapata (1879-1919) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Revolutionary Leadership A leading figure in the Mexican Revolution, Zapata was a principal leader of the peasant revolution and the inspiration of the Zapatismo movement. |
Diego Rivera (1886-1957) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Painting, Murals Diego Rivera, a prominent Mexican painter and muralist, played a key role in establishing the Mexican Mural Movement. His works are known for reflecting the social and political life in Mexico. |
Carlos Fuentes (1928-2012) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Literature Carlos Fuentes, one of Mexico’s most celebrated novelists and essayists, contributed greatly to the Latin American literature boom. |
Andrés Manuel López Obrador (1953-Present) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Politics A prominent politician and the current President of Mexico, known for his focus on social and economic reforms. |
Alejandro González Iñárritu (1963-Present) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Film Directing Acclaimed for films like “Birdman” and “The Revenant,” Iñárritu is a multiple Academy Award-winning director. |
Rodolfo Neri Vela (1952-Present) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Space Science Mexico’s first astronaut and a pioneer in space exploration, he flew aboard the NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1985. |
Juan Rulfo (1917-1986) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Literature Juan Rulfo, a writer, screenwriter, and photographer, is celebrated for his novels and short stories that capture the essence of rural Mexican life and culture. |
Lorena Ochoa (1981-Present) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Golf Lorena Ochoa, a former professional golfer, was the top-ranked female golfer in the world and is recognized for her achievements in golf and philanthropy. |
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811) Nationality: Mexican Known For: Leadership in the Mexican War of Independence Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a Mexican Roman Catholic priest, was a leader of the Mexican War of Independence and is celebrated as the father of the nation in Mexico. |
Anthony Quinn (1915-2001) Nationality: Mexican-American Known For: Acting and Art Born Antonio Rodolfo Quinn Oaxaca, Anthony Quinn was a renowned actor, painter, writer, and film director, celebrated for his roles in numerous critically acclaimed films. |