35 Throwback Photos Of Hispanic and Latinx Celebs At The Start Of Their Career Vs What They Look Like Now

Shakira looks like she hasn't aged a day and she's not the only one we can say that about today.

Sophia

• Published in Film & TV
• June 23, 2022

Don't try to deny it—but Hollywood, the entertainment industry, and the United States, in general, would be pretty dull and boring if it weren't for the presence of our favorite Hispanic and Latinx celebrities. Just think of Shakira, Ricky Martin, and Jennifer Lopez among all other celebs; the music industry just wouldn't be the same without them!

Fergie, Tori Kelly, Victoria Justice, and Linda Perry also belong to the long list of celebrities that have a Latinx or Hispanic background. It may not be big of a deal to some people, but it truly means everything for every aspiring Latinx/Hispanic talent out there, since these are all icons of success in a usually White-concentrated industry.

In Hollywood movies and TV shows, proper presentation of Latinx or Hispanic culture is important, and it's a good thing that more and more entertainment works nowadays see to it that we get enough inclusivity and diversity to show. There is no question about how much Latin culture has shaped the entertainment sector of Hollywood, and it also has contributed significantly to the U.S. culture throughout the years.

One great thing about these celebs is that they also make sure to give back to their roots, no matter how much success they have already gathered throughout the years. J-Lo, Jessica Alba, and Selena Gomez are just some of our favorite Latinas who participate in passion projects and help out communities in need, using the privilege and power they worked hard for over the years.

That being said, these people are also a reminder that every successful person still started out small, and given their background, these celebs had to work twice as hard to gain recognition—but it wouldn't be all possible without their oozing talent and dedication to make it work. Here are some Latinx and Hispanic celebs at the start of their career vs where they are now:

1. Ricky Martin in the '80s:

Ricky Martin now:

2. Pedro Pascal in 2005:

Pedro Pascal now:

3. Shakira in 1999:

Shakira now:

4. Cardi B in 2016:

Cardi B now:

She has a Dominican father and a Trinidadian mother of African and Spanish descent.

5. J Balvin in 2012:

J Balvin now:

6. Jennifer Lopez in 1992:

Jennifer Lopez now:

7. Eiza González in 2008:

Eiza González now:

8. Pitbull in 2004:

Pitbull now:

9. Ariana DeBose in 2006:

Ariana DeBose now:

10. Maluma in 2013:

Maluma now:

11. Tessa Thompson in 2005:

Tessa Thompson now:

Salma Hayek in 1990:

Salma Hayek was born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico

Salma Hayek now:

Aubrey Plaza in 2009:

Aubrey Plaza now:

14. Oscar Isaac in 2005:

Oscar Isaac now:

15. Sofia Vergara in 1999:

Sofia Vergara now:

16. Becky G in 2012:

Becky G now:

17. Rosario Dawson in 1998:

Rosario Dawson now:

18. Alejandro Fernández in 1998:

Alejandro Fernández now:

19. Mariah Carey in 1992:

Mariah Carey now:

20. Rosie Perez in 1987:

Rosie Perez now:

21. John Leguizamo in 1986:

John Leguizamo now:

22. Edward James Olmos in the early '80s:

Edward James Olmos now:

23. Gina Torres in 2001:

Gina Torres now:

24. Adrienne Eliza Houghton in 2000:

Adrienne Eliza Houghton now:

25. Rita Moreno in 1956:

Rita Moreno now:

26. Danny Trejo in 1997:

Danny Trejo now:

27. Stephanie Beatriz in 2009:

Stephanie Beatriz now:

28. America Ferrera in 2002:

America Ferrera now:

29. Michelle Rodriguez in 2000:

Michelle Rodriguez now:

30. Lin-Manuel Miranda in 2007:

Lin-Manuel Miranda now:

31. Andy Garcia in 1988:

Andy Garcia now:

32. Wilson Cruz in 1994:

Wilson Cruz now:

33. Y'lan Noel in 2013:

Y'lan Noel now:

34. Mario Lopez in the late '80s:

Both of Mario Lopez's parents were immigrants from Mexico.

Mario Lopez now:

35. Zoe Saldaña in 2000:

Zoe Saldaña now:

Let this be a good reminder that these icons have truly come a long way, and they deserve every kind of blessing that comes along their path because even at the height of their success, they never fail to look back and embrace their roots. They have played pivotal roles in the pop culture industry, and their impact will always last forever!

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Sophia