HistoryData

Famous People from Mexico

84 notable historical figures from Mexico, including leaders, artists, scientists, and other influential people.

Mexico has produced 84 notable historical figures who have contributed across various fields, with politicians being the largest category at 30 individuals. Following them are film actors, association football players, television actors, and military personnel. The country's cultural impact includes iconic artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose works gained international recognition, alongside Nobel Prize-winning poet Octavio Paz. Recent presidents Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Enrique Peña Nieto, and Claudia Sheinbaum are part of Mexico's evolving political scene. Actors like Salma Hayek and Anthony Quinn have influenced the entertainment industry, while musicians such as Lila Downs promote Mexican cultural heritage globally. Revolutionary leader Emiliano Zapata is one of the most influential military figures in Mexican history, symbolizing the country's struggle for social justice and land reform. These individuals have had an impact on global politics, arts, entertainment, and social movements throughout the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries.

Population of Mexico — view historical data & charts
film actor (16)association football player (16)politician (13)military personnel (11)actor (9)lawyer (9)diplomat (7)film director (5)economist (4)partisan (3)
Plutarco Elías Calles

Plutarco Elías Calles

1877 – 1945

Mexican general and politician who served as President from 1924 to 1928 and later as the powerful leader behind the Maximato period. He founded the National Revolutionary Party, which dominated Mexican politics for decades.

military officermilitary personnelpoliticianBorn September 25Wikipedia →
Mario Molina

Mario Molina

1943 – 2020

Mexican chemist who shared the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on the depletion of the ozone layer by chlorofluorocarbons.

chemistengineeruniversity teacherBorn March 19Wikipedia →
Francisco I. Madero

Francisco I. Madero

1873 – 1913

Mexican revolutionary leader and president (1873-1913)

businesspersonmilitary personnelmusicianBorn October 30Wikipedia →
Antonio López de Santa Anna

Antonio López de Santa Anna

1794 – 1876

Mexican politician and military leader (1794-1876)

military officermilitary personnelpoliticianBorn February 21Wikipedia →
Diego Rivera

Diego Rivera

1886 – 1957

Mexican muralist painter who created large-scale public works depicting Mexican history and social themes, and was married to Frida Kahlo.

architectural draftspersondraftspersonlithographerBorn December 8Wikipedia →
David Alfaro Siqueiros

David Alfaro Siqueiros

1896 – 1974

Mexican muralist and one of the three great Mexican muralists alongside Rivera and Orozco, known for his politically charged public art. He was a prominent member of the Mexican Communist Party and created monumental works throughout Mexico and the United States.

fresco paintermilitary personnelpainterBorn December 29Wikipedia →
Carlos Fuentes

Carlos Fuentes

1928 – 2012

Mexican novelist and essayist whose works like The Death of Artemio Cruz explored Mexican identity and politics in the post-revolutionary era.

criticjournalistnovelistBorn November 11Wikipedia →
Carlos Slim

Carlos Slim

1940 – Present

Mexican business magnate who became one of the world's richest people through his telecommunications empire, particularly his control of América Móvil.

business magnatechief executive officercivil engineerBorn January 28Wikipedia →
Andrés Manuel López Obrador

Andrés Manuel López Obrador

1953 – Present

Mexican politician who served as President of Mexico from 2018 to 2024, known for his populist policies and anti-corruption platform.

political scientistpoliticianwriterBorn November 13Wikipedia →
Claudia Sheinbaum

Claudia Sheinbaum

1962 – Present

Mexican physicist and politician who became Mexico's first female president in 2024, previously serving as Mayor of Mexico City from 2018 to 2023.

environmentalistphysicistpoliticianBorn June 24Wikipedia →
Anthony Quinn

Anthony Quinn

1915 – 2001

Mexican-American actor who won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in Viva Zapata! (1952) and Lust for Life (1956).

film actorfilm directorsculptorBorn April 21Wikipedia →
Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo

1907 – 1954

Mexican surrealist painter known for her self-portraits and depictions of Mexican culture, often incorporating themes of pain, identity, and post-colonial politics.

Ernesto Zedillo

Ernesto Zedillo

1951 – Present

Mexican economist who served as the 61st President of Mexico from 1994 to 2000, overseeing the country's recovery from the 1994 peso crisis. He later became a professor at Yale University and director of its Center for the Study of Globalization.

authoreconomistpoliticianBorn December 27Wikipedia →
Alejandro González Iñárritu

Alejandro González Iñárritu

1963 – Present

Mexican film director who won consecutive Academy Awards for Best Director for Birdman (2014) and The Revenant (2015).

composerfilm directorfilm editorBorn August 15Wikipedia →
Subcomandante Marcos

Subcomandante Marcos

1957 – Present

Spokesman and military leader of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) who led the 1994 Chiapas uprising advocating for indigenous rights. He became an iconic figure in the anti-globalization movement through his writings and masked public appearances.

authorpartisanphilosopherBorn June 19Wikipedia →
Guillermo del Toro

Guillermo del Toro

1964 – Present

Mexican filmmaker known for dark fantasy films like Pan's Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, which won him Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture.

directorfilm actornovelistBorn October 9Wikipedia →
Gerónimo

Gerónimo

1829 – 1909

Apache leader who led resistance against Mexican and American military campaigns in the southwestern United States during the Apache Wars.

Lila Downs

Lila Downs

1968 – Present

Mexican-American singer-songwriter known for blending traditional Mexican folk music with contemporary genres, often performing in multiple languages.

actorfilm actoropera singerBorn September 9Wikipedia →
Thalía

Thalía

1971 – Present

Mexican singer and actress known as the 'Queen of Latin Pop' who achieved international success with telenovelas and albums selling over 25 million records worldwide.

composerfilm actorrecord producerBorn August 26Wikipedia →
Paulina Rubio

Paulina Rubio

1971 – Present

Mexican pop singer known as 'La Chica Dorada' who achieved international success in the 1990s and 2000s. She has sold over 15 million records worldwide and won multiple Latin Grammy nominations.

film actorrecording artistsingerBorn June 17Wikipedia →
Anahí

Anahí

1983 – Present

Mexican actress and singer who rose to international fame as a member of the pop group RBD and starred in the telenovela Rebelde.

film actormodelsongwriterBorn May 14Wikipedia →
Dolores del Río

Dolores del Río

1904 – 1983

Mexican actress who became Hollywood's first major Latina movie star during the 1920s and 1930s, appearing in both silent and sound films. She later returned to Mexico and became a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema.

actorfilm actorstage actorBorn August 3Wikipedia →
Benito Juárez

Benito Juárez

1806 – 1872

Indigenous Mexican lawyer and politician who served as President of Mexico from 1858 to 1872, leading liberal reforms and resistance against French occupation.

judgelawyerpoliticianBorn March 21Wikipedia →
Pancho Villa

Pancho Villa

1878 – 1923

Mexican revolutionary general who led the División del Norte during the Mexican Revolution and became a folk hero for his raids and military tactics.

partisanpoliticianBorn June 5Wikipedia →
Venustiano Carranza

Venustiano Carranza

1859 – 1920

Mexican revolutionary leader who served as the 44th President of Mexico from 1917 to 1920 and was instrumental in drafting the 1917 Mexican Constitution. He was assassinated in 1920 during a power struggle with rival factions.

military personnelpoliticianBorn December 29Wikipedia →
Lázaro Cárdenas

Lázaro Cárdenas

1895 – 1970

Mexican general who served as the 51st President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940, implementing major land reforms and nationalizing the oil industry. His presidency marked a significant shift toward socialist policies and workers' rights.

military personnelpoliticianBorn May 21Wikipedia →
Álvaro Obregón

Álvaro Obregón

1880 – 1928

Mexican revolutionary general who served as President of Mexico from 1920 to 1924, implementing significant land and labor reforms. He was assassinated in 1928 while running for a second presidential term.

military personnelpoliticianBorn February 19Wikipedia →
Octavio Paz

Octavio Paz

1914 – 1998

Mexican poet, essayist, and diplomat who won the 1990 Nobel Prize in Literature for his exploration of Mexican identity and universal human experience.

diplomatessayistlyricistBorn March 31Wikipedia →
Luis Echeverría

Luis Echeverría

1922 – 2022

Mexican politician who served as the 57th President of Mexico from 1970 to 1976. His presidency was marked by leftist economic policies and the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre during his previous role as Interior Secretary.

diplomatjuristpoliticianBorn January 17Wikipedia →
Miguel de la Madrid

Miguel de la Madrid

1934 – 2012

Mexican economist and politician who served as the 59th President of Mexico from 1982 to 1988. His presidency was marked by severe economic crisis and the beginning of Mexico's neoliberal economic reforms.

Gael García Bernal

Gael García Bernal

1978 – Present

Mexican actor and director internationally known for his roles in films like 'Y Tu Mamá También,' 'The Motorcycle Diaries,' and 'Babel.' He won a Golden Globe for his performance in the Amazon series 'Mozart in the Jungle.'

actorfilm actorfilm directorBorn November 30Wikipedia →
Victoriano Huerta

Victoriano Huerta

1850 – 1916

Mexican general who overthrew President Francisco I. Madero in 1913 and ruled as military dictator until 1914. His brutal regime during the Mexican Revolution earned him widespread opposition and he was eventually forced into exile.

diplomatmilitary personnelpoliticianBorn December 22Wikipedia →
Edith González

Edith González

1964 – 2019

Mexican actress who starred in numerous telenovelas and films over a career spanning four decades. She was particularly known for her roles in 'Salomé' and 'Doña Bárbara' before her death from ovarian cancer in 2019.

Cuauhtémoc Blanco

Cuauhtémoc Blanco

1973 – Present

Mexican forward known for his creative playing style and technical skills, who won multiple league titles and represented Mexico in three World Cups. After retiring, he entered politics and was elected Governor of Morelos in 2018.

association football playergovernorBorn January 17Wikipedia →
Rafael Márquez

Rafael Márquez

1979 – Present

Mexican defender who captained the national team and became the first Mexican player to appear in five FIFA World Cups (1998-2014). He won multiple league titles with clubs including AS Monaco, Barcelona, and New York Red Bulls.

association football coachassociation football playerBorn February 13Wikipedia →
Hugo Sánchez

Hugo Sánchez

1958 – Present

Mexican striker widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Liga MX history, winning five consecutive scoring titles with Real Madrid in the 1980s. He scored over 400 career goals and later became a successful manager.

association football coachassociation football playerBorn July 11Wikipedia →
José Clemente Orozco

José Clemente Orozco

1883 – 1949

Mexican muralist painter who created powerful social and political murals, considered one of the leading figures of the Mexican mural movement alongside Diego Rivera.

draftspersonmuralistpainterBorn November 23Wikipedia →
Vicente Guerrero

Vicente Guerrero

1782 – 1831

leading revolutionary generals of the tortilla War of Independence and President of Mexico (1782-1831)

military personnelpoliticianBorn August 10Wikipedia →
Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek

1966 – Present

Mexican-American actress and producer who became the first Mexican woman nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Frida (2002).

film actorfilm directorfilm producerBorn September 2Wikipedia →
Diego Luna

Diego Luna

1979 – Present

Mexican actor and filmmaker known for his roles in 'Y Tu Mamá También' and 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story'. He has also directed acclaimed films including 'Abel' and produced various international projects.

film actorfilm directorfilm producerBorn December 29Wikipedia →
Emiliano Zapata

Emiliano Zapata

1879 – 1919

Mexican revolutionary leader who championed agrarian reform and indigenous rights during the Mexican Revolution, becoming a symbol of social justice.

farmerpartisanrevolutionaryBorn August 8Wikipedia →
Cantinflas

Cantinflas

1911 – 1993

Mexican comedian and actor who became one of Latin America's most beloved entertainers, starring in over 50 films. His character 'Cantinflas' was known for rapid-fire dialogue and social satire, earning him global recognition including a Golden Globe.

film actormusicianstage actorBorn August 12Wikipedia →
Maite Perroni

Maite Perroni

1983 – Present

Mexican singer, dancer, actress, compositor, producer, host, model, business woman

Bailarina (Dancer)film actorpresenterBorn March 9Wikipedia →
Gavier Agirre

Gavier Agirre

1958 – Present

Mexican former footballer and manager who played as a defender and later coached both club and national teams. He represented Mexico in multiple World Cups and managed various teams in Mexico and internationally.

association football coachassociation football playerBorn December 1Wikipedia →
Carlos Salinas de Gortari

Carlos Salinas de Gortari

1948 – Present

Mexican economist who served as the 60th President of Mexico from 1988 to 1994, implementing major neoliberal economic reforms including NAFTA. His presidency was marked by economic modernization but also significant political controversy.

economistpoliticianBorn April 3Wikipedia →
Vicente Fox Quesada

Vicente Fox Quesada

1942 – Present

Mexican businessman and politician who served as the 62nd President of Mexico from 2000 to 2006, ending 71 years of single-party rule.

businesspersoneconomistpoliticianBorn July 2Wikipedia →
Felipe Calderón

Felipe Calderón

1962 – Present

Mexican politician and lawyer who served as the 63rd President of Mexico from 2006 to 2012, leading a controversial war against drug cartels.

economistlawyerpoliticianBorn August 18Wikipedia →
Enrique Peña Nieto

Enrique Peña Nieto

1966 – Present

Mexican politician and lawyer who served as the 64th President of Mexico from 2012 to 2018, representing the Institutional Revolutionary Party.

Danna

Danna

1995 – Present

Mexican singer and actress known for her pop music career and starring role in the Netflix series Elite.

Héctor Herrera

Héctor Herrera

1990 – Present

Mexican midfielder who has played for clubs including FC Porto and Atlético Madrid, and represented Mexico in multiple World Cups.

association football playerBorn April 19Wikipedia →
Giovani dos Santos

Giovani dos Santos

1989 – Present

Mexican attacking midfielder who played for top European clubs including Barcelona, Tottenham, and Villarreal. He represented Mexico in multiple World Cups and was part of the team that won the 2012 Olympic gold medal.

association football playerBorn May 11Wikipedia →
Raúl Jiménez

Raúl Jiménez

1991 – Present

Mexican striker who has played for major European clubs including Benfica and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He is known for his clinical finishing and has been a key player for the Mexico national team in recent years.

association football playerBorn May 5Wikipedia →
Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela

1989 – Present

Mexican forward who became one of MLS's most prolific goalscorers during his time with Los Angeles FC, winning the MLS MVP award in 2019. He has represented Mexico in multiple World Cups and major international tournaments.

association football playerBorn March 1Wikipedia →
Hirving Lozano

Hirving Lozano

1995 – Present

Mexican winger who plays for the Mexico national team and has competed in major European leagues. He gained international recognition for his speed and goal-scoring ability, particularly during the 2018 World Cup.

association football playerBorn July 30Wikipedia →
Héctor Moreno

Héctor Moreno

1988 – Present

Mexican center-back who has played for top European clubs and captained the Mexico national team. He has participated in multiple World Cups and is known for his leadership and defensive prowess.

association football playerBorn January 17Wikipedia →
Javier Hernánde

Javier Hernánde

1988 – Present

Mexican professional footballer known as 'Chicharito' who has played for major clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and the Mexican national team.

association football playerBorn June 1Wikipedia →
Guillermo Ochoa

Guillermo Ochoa

1985 – Present

Mexican goalkeeper who has played in multiple FIFA World Cups and is known for his spectacular saves, particularly during the 2014 World Cup against Brazil. He has had successful stints with clubs in Mexico, Europe, and MLS.

association football playerBorn July 13Wikipedia →
Andrés Guardado

Andrés Guardado

1986 – Present

Mexican midfielder who has earned over 180 caps for the national team, making him one of Mexico's most capped players. He has played in multiple World Cups and had successful club careers in Spain and Mexico.

association football playerBorn September 28Wikipedia →
Oribe Peralta

Oribe Peralta

1984 – Present

Mexican striker who scored the winning goals in both the 2012 Olympics final and 2012 CONCACAF Champions League final. He became a national hero for his performances with Club América and the Mexico national team.

association football playerBorn January 12Wikipedia →
Chavela Vargas

Chavela Vargas

1919 – 2012

Costa Rican-born Mexican singer who became an icon of ranchera music with her distinctive interpretations of traditional songs. She was known for her androgynous appearance, bohemian lifestyle, and passionate performances over a career spanning seven decades.

film actormusicianrecording artistBorn April 17Wikipedia →
Juan Rulfo

Juan Rulfo

1917 – 1986

Mexican novelist and short story writer best known for his masterpiece 'Pedro Páramo' (1955), considered one of Latin America's most influential novels. His work significantly influenced the magical realism movement in literature.

novelistphotographerscreenwriterBorn May 16Wikipedia →
Alfonso Cuarón

Alfonso Cuarón

1961 – Present

Mexican filmmaker who won the Academy Award for Best Director for Gravity (2013) and is known for films like Y Tu Mamá También and Roma.

film directorfilm editorfilm producerBorn November 28Wikipedia →
Joaquín Guzmán

Joaquín Guzmán

1957 – Present

Mexican drug lord who led the Sinaloa Cartel and was considered one of the world's most powerful drug traffickers before his capture in 2016. He was extradited to the United States and sentenced to life in prison in 2019.

drug lorddrug traffickerBorn April 4Wikipedia →
Sergio Pérez

Sergio Pérez

1990 – Present

Formula One driver competing for Red Bull Racing who became the first Mexican to win a Grand Prix when he won the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix. He has secured multiple race victories and podium finishes in his career spanning over a decade in F1.

Formula One driverracing automobile driverBorn January 26Wikipedia →
Carlos Salcido

Carlos Salcido

1980 – Present

Mexican defender who played for clubs in Mexico, the Netherlands, and England during his career. He represented Mexico in three World Cups and was known for his versatility in playing multiple defensive positions.

association football playerBorn April 2Wikipedia →
Edson Álvarez

Edson Álvarez

1997 – Present

Mexican defensive midfielder who plays for West Ham United and the Mexico national team, known for his strong defensive play and aerial ability.

association football playerBorn October 24Wikipedia →
Rosario Castellanos

Rosario Castellanos

1924 – 1974

Mexican writer, poet, and diplomat considered one of Mexico's most important female literary voices of the 20th century. Her works explored themes of feminism, indigenous rights, and Mexican identity, including the novel 'Balún Canán.'

diplomatjournalistliterary scholarBorn January 1Wikipedia →
Luis Barragán

Luis Barragán

1902 – 1988

Mexican architect who won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1980 for his minimalist designs integrating color, light, and water. His most famous works include the Casa Barragán and Torres de Satélite in Mexico City.

architecturban plannerBorn March 9Wikipedia →
Laura Esquivel

Laura Esquivel

1950 – Present

Mexican novelist best known for her debut novel 'Like Water for Chocolate' (1989), which became an international bestseller and was adapted into a successful film. She has also served as a federal deputy in the Mexican Congress.

educatornovelistpoliticianBorn September 30Wikipedia →
Pedro Armendáriz

Pedro Armendáriz

1912 – 1963

Mexican actor who starred in Hollywood films including The Treasure of the Sierra Madre and From Russia with Love before his death in 1963.

actorfilm actortelevision actorBorn May 9Wikipedia →
Alfonso García Robles

Alfonso García Robles

1911 – 1991

Mexican diplomat who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1982 for his work on nuclear disarmament and the Treaty of Tlatelolco. He served as Mexico's ambassador to the United Nations and played a key role in Latin American nuclear non-proliferation efforts.

diplomatjuristlawyerBorn March 20Wikipedia →
Bárbara Mori

Bárbara Mori

1978 – Present

Uruguayan-born Mexican actress and model best known for her starring role in the telenovela Rubí and various Mexican films.

film actormodelstage actorBorn February 2Wikipedia →

Adela

1969 – Present

Mexican actress known for her work in telenovelas and her roles in both television and film productions.

actorfilm actortelevision actorBorn October 24Wikipedia →
Manuel Ávila Camacho

Manuel Ávila Camacho

1897 – 1955

Mexican general and politician who served as the 51st President of Mexico from 1940 to 1946. His presidency focused on national unity during World War II and industrial development, earning him the nickname 'the Gentleman President.'

Fermín IV

Fermín IV

1974 – Present

Mexican rapper and Christian pastor who rose to fame as a founding member of the hip-hop group Control Machete in the 1990s. He later transitioned from music to religious ministry, becoming an evangelical pastor.

Dharius

1984 – Present

Mexican rapper, songwriter and actor known for his work in the hip-hop scene and collaborations with various Latin American artists. He has released multiple albums and singles that have gained popularity in Mexico and beyond.

Related Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the most famous Mexican artists?
Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are Mexico's most internationally recognized artists. They are known for their impactful paintings and dramatic personal life. Both contributed significantly to the development of Mexican art in the 20th century.
Which Mexican actors have become Hollywood stars?
Salma Hayek is a prominent international film star from Mexico, receiving an Oscar nomination for her role in Frida. Anthony Quinn, born in Mexico and raised in the US, won two Academy Awards and gained fame as a leading man in Hollywood.
Who is the current president of Mexico?
Claudia Sheinbaum is Mexico's current president, having started her term in 2024. She followed Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who was president from 2018 to 2024.