Latino Actresses Who Changed Their Name for Hollywood

The history of the entertainment industry is filled with talented performers who modified their birth names to navigate the complexities of stardom. For many Latino actresses changing a name was often a strategic move to avoid being pigeonholed into specific roles or to appeal to a broader demographic of viewers. This practice was especially common during the studio era when producers sought to market stars with names that felt more familiar to American audiences. These changes reflect the social pressures and evolving standards of representation within the cinematic landscape over several decades. Today these women are celebrated for their incredible talent and the significant legacy they left behind in film and television.

Rita Hayworth

Rita Hayworth was born as Margarita Carmen Cansino and transformed her appearance to achieve stardom in the movie business. She dyed her hair red and underwent painful treatments to adjust her hairline for a more conventional aesthetic. The performer chose to use her mother’s maiden name to avoid the ethnic typecasting that often limited Spanish performers at the time. This calculated move allowed her to secure leading roles and become a premier star during the second world war. She is best remembered for her iconic dance sequences and powerful screen presence in the film ‘Gilda’.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch entered the industry with her birth name Jo Raquel Tejada but decided to use her married surname for her professional career. Her agents believed that a less ethnic name would help her secure a wider variety of leading roles in major productions. Despite the change she remained proud of her Bolivian heritage and eventually spoke openly about her background in later years. The actress became an international sensation after appearing in the film ‘One Million Years B.C.’ which showcased her athletic physique. She continued to work in theater and film for several decades while maintaining her status as a Hollywood legend.

Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter was born Lynda Jean Córdova Carter and grew up in a household with a Mexican mother. She chose to use a shortened version of her name which helped her transition from the pageant circuit into acting roles. The star became a household name when she landed the title role in the popular television series ‘Wonder Woman’. She consistently embraced her heritage throughout her career and released several albums that showcased her vocal talents. Her portrayal of the iconic superhero remains one of the most beloved performances in television history.

Maria Montez

Maria Montez was a Dominican actress who arrived in Hollywood with a very long birth name including Maria Antonia Josefa de la Santa Cruz Dulce Nombre de los Dolores Reina de los Santos Vidal de Santo Silas. She adopted a shorter and more memorable stage name that helped her become known as the Queen of Technicolor. The star often played exotic characters in adventure films such as ‘Arabian Nights’ and ‘Cobra Woman’. Her vibrant personality and unique style made her a favorite among moviegoers during the nineteen forties. She was the first Dominican actress to achieve significant fame in the American film industry.

Anita Page

Anita Page was born Anita Evelyn Pomares and became one of the final major stars of the silent film era. Her family had Spanish and Salvadoran roots which she maintained privately while her career flourished in the mainstream. She appeared in the first ever musical to win an Academy Award which was titled ‘The Broadway Melody’. The actress was known for receiving record amounts of fan mail during her peak years at the studio. She stepped away from the industry at a young age but returned for several independent projects later in her life.

Margo

Margo was born Maria del Rosario Mercedes Laura Jennifer Zaragoza y Delgado and chose a single stage name to simplify her professional identity. She was a talented dancer and actress who was discovered by a talent scout in a nightclub performance. The actress appeared in notable films such as ‘Lost Horizon’ and ‘The Winterset’ during her time in Hollywood. She was also deeply involved in the arts community and helped establish the Plaza de la Raza cultural center in Los Angeles. Her career spanned several decades and included work in both film and television.

Rita Moreno

Rita Moreno was born Rosa Dolores Alverio Marcano and moved from Puerto Rico to New York as a young child. She began using the name Rita Moreno at the suggestion of her agent to enhance her chances of landing diverse roles. The actress achieved legendary status by winning an Oscar for her performance as Anita in the musical ‘West Side Story’. She is one of the few performers to achieve the rare EGOT status by winning an Emmy and Grammy and Oscar and Tony. Her career has spanned over seven decades and she remains a vital force in the entertainment industry today.

Lita Baron

Lita Baron was born Isabel Castro and came to the United States from Spain to pursue a career in the arts. She adopted her stage name while performing as a singer and dancer with popular orchestras of the era. The actress appeared in several films including ‘Champagne for Two’ and ‘Bells of San Fernando’. She was also known for her marriage to the famous actor and director Rory Calhoun. Her contributions to the musical and cinematic landscape of the nineteen fifties were significant.

Movita

Movita was born Maria Luisa Castaneda and was often cast in roles that highlighted her exotic appeal to American audiences. She changed her name to Movita which was a shorter and more distinctive professional moniker. The actress is perhaps best known for her role in the nineteen thirty five version of ‘Mutiny on the Bounty’. She also appeared in several westerns and adventure films throughout her active years in the industry. Her career was marked by her ability to capture the attention of audiences with her dramatic performances.

Katy Jurado

Katy Jurado was born Maria Cristina Estela Marcela Jurado Garcia and became a celebrated actress in both Mexico and Hollywood. She shortened her name for her American career and became the first Latina to win a Golden Globe Award. The actress often played strong and complex women in films such as ‘High Noon’ and ‘Broken Lance’. She was nominated for an Academy Award for her supporting role in the latter film. Her presence on screen was characterized by a deep intensity and a unique ability to convey emotion through her expressions.

Adele Mara

Adele Mara was born Adelaide Delgado and began her career as a singer and dancer in the band of Xavier Cugat. She adopted her stage name to fit the Hollywood mold and appeared in numerous films for Republic Pictures. The actress is best remembered for her role in the war film ‘Sands of Iwo Jima’ alongside John Wayne. She worked steadily in the industry for many years and eventually transitioned into television roles. Her versatility as a performer allowed her to maintain a long and successful career in show business.

Eva LaRue

Eva LaRue was born Eva Maria LaRuy and has found great success in the world of television soap operas and dramas. She modified the spelling of her surname slightly to create a more professional and melodic stage name. The actress became widely known for her role as Maria Santos on the long running series ‘All My Children’. She also appeared in the popular crime procedural ‘CSI: Miami’ for several seasons. Her work has earned her multiple award nominations and a loyal fan base within the television community.

Constance Marie

Constance Marie was born Constance Marie Lopez and decided to use her first and middle names as her professional identity. She began her career as a dancer for David Bowie before landing her first major acting roles. The actress is well known for her portrayal of Angie Lopez on the sitcom ‘George Lopez’. She also delivered a memorable performance as the mother of the title character in the film ‘Selena’. Her career continues to thrive with roles in various television series and independent projects.

Catherine Bach

Catherine Bach was born Catherine Bachman and is of Mexican and German descent. She shortened her last name for her professional career and became an instant icon in the late nineteen seventies. The actress is world famous for her role as Daisy Duke on the television series ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’. Her character became so popular that she inspired a specific style of denim shorts that are still associated with her name. She has continued to work in both film and television while also pursuing business ventures in the fashion industry.

Shelley Morrison

Shelley Morrison was born Rachel Mitrani and chose her stage name to avoid being limited by her Sephardic Jewish and Spanish heritage. She had a prolific career that spanned over fifty years and included dozens of television and film credits. The actress is most fondly remembered for her role as Rosario Salazar on the hit comedy series ‘Will and Grace’. She also appeared in several films including ‘Funny Girl’ and ‘Troop Beverly Hills’. Her comedic timing and unique voice made her a standout performer in every project she joined.

Alexis Bledel

Alexis Bledel was born Kimberly Alexis Bledel and grew up in a household where Spanish was her primary language. She chose to use her middle name as her professional first name when she began her acting career. The actress rose to fame as Rory Gilmore on the beloved television series ‘Gilmore Girls’. She later earned critical acclaim and an Emmy Award for her role in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Her career also includes successful film roles in projects like ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’.

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera was born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero and is a true legend of the Broadway stage. She simplified her name to Chita Rivera to create a more impactful and memorable brand for her performances. The actress and dancer originated several iconic roles in musicals such as ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Chicago’. She has received numerous Tony Awards and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to the arts. Her career has spanned several decades and she continues to be an inspiration to performers around the world.

Charo

Charo was born Maria del Rosario Mercedes Pilar Martinez Molina Baeza and is known for her flamboyant personality and guitar skills. She adopted a single name that became synonymous with her high energy performances and comedic television appearances. The entertainer was a frequent guest on variety shows and series like ‘The Love Boat’ during the nineteen seventies. She is an accomplished classical guitarist who has released several albums showcasing her technical proficiency. Her unique stage presence has made her a recognizable figure in pop culture for many years.

Elena Verdugo

Elena Verdugo was born Elena Angela Verdugo and was a descendant of one of the founding families of Los Angeles. She shortened her name for her career and appeared in a wide variety of films and television programs. The actress is best known for her role as Consuelo Lopez on the medical drama ‘Marcus Welby M.D.’ which earned her multiple Emmy nominations. She also appeared in several horror and adventure films earlier in her career. Her steady work in the industry made her a familiar face to television audiences for decades.

Christian Serratos

Christian Serratos was born Christian Marie Bernardi and chose to use her mother’s maiden name for her professional acting career. She began her journey as a child model before transitioning into television and film roles. The actress gained recognition for her role as Angela Weber in the popular ‘Twilight’ film series. She later achieved wider fame for her portrayal of Rosita Espinosa on the hit series ‘The Walking Dead’. She also took on the challenging role of the legendary singer in ‘Selena: The Series’ on Netflix.

Alexa PenaVega

Alexa PenaVega was born Alexa Ellesse Vega and grew up in the public eye as a child star. She chose to combine her maiden name with the surname of her husband Carlos Pena Junior to create a new professional identity. The actress is most famous for her role as Carmen Cortez in the ‘Spy Kids’ film franchise. She has continued to work steadily in television movies and reality programs alongside her husband. Her transition from a child performer to an adult actress has been marked by a variety of diverse projects.

Bella Thorne

Bella Thorne was born Annabella Avery Thorne and has a Cuban father which she has spoken about frequently in interviews. She shortened her name to Bella Thorne when she began working as a child model and actress. The performer gained fame as a teenager on the Disney Channel series ‘Shake It Up’. She has since moved into more mature roles in independent films and television dramas. The actress is also known for her work as an author and her active presence on social media platforms.

Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato was born Demetria Devonne Lovato and began her career as a child performer on television. She chose to use the shortened version of her first name for her professional identity in both music and acting. The star rose to prominence through the Disney Channel film ‘Camp Rock’ and the series ‘Sonny with a Chance’. She has since become a global pop sensation with numerous hit singles and successful concert tours. Her career also includes roles as a judge on reality competition shows and appearances in various scripted series.

Kat Von D

Kat Von D was born Katherine von Drachenberg and moved from Mexico to the United States as a young girl. She adopted the shortened name Kat Von D as her professional moniker when she began her career as a tattoo artist. She gained widespread fame through the reality television series ‘Miami Ink’ and its spin off ‘LA Ink’. The entrepreneur also launched a highly successful makeup brand and has pursued a career in music. Her unique aesthetic and artistic talents have made her a prominent figure in the beauty and entertainment industries.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera was born Naya Marie Rivera and began her career as a child actress on various sitcoms. She chose to use her first and last names for her professional identity while dropping her middle name. The actress reached international fame for her role as Santana Lopez on the musical comedy series ‘Glee’. Her performance was praised for its depth and her powerful vocal abilities were showcased in many episodes. She continued to work in television and film while also releasing her own music before her untimely passing.

Sara Montiel

Sara Montiel was born Maria Antonia Alejandra Vicenta Elpidia Isadora Abad Fernandez and was a massive star in Spain before coming to Hollywood. She adopted a shorter and more melodic stage name that helped her secure roles in American productions. The actress appeared in films like ‘Veracruz’ and ‘Run of the Arrow’ alongside major stars of the era. She eventually returned to Spain where she became one of the highest paid actresses in the world. Her glamour and talent made her a legendary figure in international cinema for many decades.

Zoe Saldaña

Zoe Saldana was born Zoe Yadira Saldaña Nazario and has diverse roots from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. She chose to simplify her name for her professional career which has reached incredible heights in Hollywood. The actress has starred in some of the highest grossing films of all time including ‘Avatar’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame’. She is known for her roles in major franchises like ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Her versatility and physical acting skills have made her one of the most sought after performers in modern cinema.

Linda Cristal

Linda Cristal was born Marta Victoria Moya Burges in Argentina and moved to the United States to pursue acting. she chose the stage name Linda Cristal to create a more glamorous image for her career in Hollywood. The actress won a Golden Globe for her role in the western comedy film ‘The Perfect Furlough’. She became widely recognized for her portrayal of Victoria Cannon on the television series ‘The High Chaparral’. Her career was marked by her ability to bring elegance and strength to her characters in both film and television.

Carmen Miranda

Carmen Miranda was born Maria do Carmo Miranda da Cunha and became a global icon of Brazilian culture. She adopted her stage name during her early career as a singer in Brazil before moving to the United States. The actress and singer was famous for her fruit hat costumes and vibrant performances in films like ‘The Gang’s All Here’. She was the first South American star to be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her unique style and energy made her one of the most recognizable entertainers of the nineteen forties.

Isabela Merced

Isabela Merced was born Isabela Yolanda Moner and began her career as a child actress on Nickelodeon. She decided to change her professional name to Isabela Merced to honor her grandmother and start a new chapter in her career. The actress starred in the live action film ‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ as the title character. she has also appeared in major productions like ‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ and ‘Sicario: Day of the Soldado’. Her talent extends to music where she has released several singles as a solo artist.

Aimee Garcia

Aimee Garcia was born Aimee Sandimés Garcia López de Ordóñez and is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent. She chose to simplify her long birth name for her acting career which has spanned over two decades. The actress is well known for her roles on television series such as ‘George Lopez’ and ‘Dexter’. She also gained a large following for her portrayal of Ella Lopez on the popular series ‘Lucifer’. Her ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles has made her a consistent presence on television screens.

Morena Baccarin

Morena Baccarin was born Morena Silva de Vaz Setta Baccarin in Brazil and moved to New York as a child. she chose to use her first and last names as her professional identity while navigating the industry. The actress gained a loyal fan base for her roles in science fiction series like ‘Firefly’ and ‘Stargate SG-1’. she also earned an Emmy nomination for her performance in the drama series ‘Homeland’. Her film career includes a prominent role in the successful ‘Deadpool’ franchise alongside Ryan Reynolds.

Melissa Fumero

Melissa Fumero was born Melissa Gallo and began her acting career on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. She chose to use her married name for her professional work after marrying her costar David Fumero. The actress achieved widespread fame for her role as Amy Santiago on the hit comedy series ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’. She has also provided voice work for animated series and appeared in various independent projects. Her comedic timing and relatable performances have made her a favorite among modern television viewers.

Cote de Pablo

Cote de Pablo was born Maria Jose de Pablo Fernandez in Chile and moved to the United States at a young age. she adopted the nickname Cote which is a common Chilean diminutive for Maria Jose for her professional life. The actress became internationally famous for her role as Ziva David on the long running crime drama ‘NCIS’. Her portrayal of the complex Mossad officer earned her multiple awards and critical praise. she has continued to work in television miniseries and film projects while maintaining a private personal life.

Dania Ramirez

Dania Ramirez was born Dania Jissel Ramirez in the Dominican Republic and moved to New York City as a teenager. she simplified her name for her professional career and found success in both film and television. The actress is known for her roles in popular series such as ‘Heroes’ and ‘Devious Maids’. she also appeared in the film ‘X-Men: The Last Stand’ as the character Callisto. Her career has been marked by a variety of roles that showcase her versatility as a performer in different genres.

Victoria Justice

Victoria Justice was born Victoria Dawn Justice and is of Puerto Rican descent through her mother. she chose to use her first and last names for her professional identity which began with modeling and television commercials. The actress rose to fame as a teenager on the Nickelodeon series ‘Zoey 101’ and later starred in her own show ‘Victorious’. she has since transitioned into adult roles in various films and television projects. The performer is also a talented singer who has contributed to numerous soundtracks throughout her career.

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