List of Puerto Ricans

This list of Puerto Ricans includes people who were born in Puerto Rico, people who are of Puerto Rican ancestry, and many long-term residents and/or immigrants who have made Puerto Rico their home, who are significantly notable for their life and/or work.

This list should be carefully maintained, and adding or deleting a name without first discussing the change on the article's talk page is likely to be reverted. This list should contain the names of persons who meet Wikipedia's Notability criteria, even if the person does not have an article yet. Additions to the list must be listed in alphabetical order by first name, where applicable and must provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

Actors, actresses, comedians and directors

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Actors, actresses, comedians and directors. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Abdiel Colberg, Puerto Rican television producer and movie director.
*Adam Rodríguez, actor (television series "", "Roswell")
*Adamari López, actress
*Adolfo Quiñones, actor/dancer/choreographer (film "Breakin'")
*Adrienne Bailon, singer member of The Cheetah Girls and former member of 3LW, actress The Cheetah Girls (film)
*Alanna Ubach, actress ("Meet the Fockers" (Puerto Rican mother)
*Alba Nydia Díaz, actress
*Alexis Cruz, actor ("Stargate", television series "Stargate SG-1", "Touched by an Angel")
*Alicia Bibiloni, First actress from Puerto Rico to attend the Actor's Studio in NY (1946) [ [http://www.diplo.org/hombre/esp/aliciab_esp.htm] ]
*Alicia Moreda, actress/comedian
*Amaury Nolasco, actor, films "2 Fast 2 Furious","Transformers" television series "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation", "Prison Break")
*Ana Ortiz, actress (television series "Ugly Betty)"
*Ángela Meyer, actress, comedian and producer
*Antonio Fargas, actor (television series "Starsky and Hutch")
*Antonio Pantojas, drag queen
*April Lee Hernández, actress, "Freedom Writers"
*Ari Meyers, actress (television series "Kate and Allie")
*Armando Riesco, actor, films ("World Trade Center", "Garden State", "Fever Pitch")
*Axel Anderson, actor/director
*Benicio del Toro, actor ("Traffic"), Academy award winner
*Blanca de Castejon, international actress
*Braulio Castillo, hijo, actor
*Braulio Castillo, actor
*Bruce Gray, actor, "S.W.A.T." (born and raised in Puerto Rico)
*Carmen Belén Richardson, comedian/actress
*Charlotte Ayanna, actress
*Chita Rivera, "Broadway Legend", winner of 2 Tony Awards
*Christina Vidal,actress and singer, (television series "Taina")
*Claribel Medina, actress
*Dagmar, singer, TV host and actress
*David Zayas, actor (television series "Oz", "Dexter")
*Eddie Marrero, actor ("Navy Seals: Untold Stories")
*Eddie Miró, comedian/television host
*Elin Ortiz, actor/television producer
*Erik Estrada, actor (television series "CHiPs", "Sealab 2021")
*Esaí Morales, actor
*Esther Sandoval, actress
*Eva LaRue, actress ("All My Children", "")
*Frankie Muñiz, actor (television series "Malcolm in the Middle") films "Agent Cody Banks", "Big Fat Liar" (Puerto Rican father)
*Franky G, actor "(The Italian Job", "Saw II")
*Freddie Prinze, Jr., actor ("Scooby-Doo") (Puerto Rican grandmother)
*Freddie Prinze, comedian/actor (television series "Chico and the Man") (Puerto Rican mother)
*Freddy Rodríguez, actor (television series "Six Feet Under")
*Giselle Blondet, actress/television host
*Gladys Rodríguez, comedian/actress
*Héctor Elizondo, actor ("Pretty Woman", "The Princess Diaries")
*Henry Darrow, actor, "Manolito" (television series "The High Chaparral")
*Holly Woodlawn, drag artist/actor
*Ian Gómez, actor ( television series "The Drew Carey Show")
*Idalis DeLeón, actress, former MTV veejay, singer (group Seduction)
*Irene Cara, singer/actress ("Fame")
*Ivonne Belén, documentary director and producer
*Ivonne Coll, actress ("The Godfather II")
*Jacobo Morales, director, actor ("Bananas")
*Javier Grillo-Marxuach, television and film producer
*Jennifer López, actress, singer, dancer
*Jimmy Smits, actor (television series "L.A. Law", "The West Wing", and "NYPD Blue"; movie "")
*Joaquín Phoenix, actor ("Signs", "Gladiator") (born in Puerto Rico)
*Johanna Rosaly, actress
*John Leguizamo, actor ("Moulin Rouge!", "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar") (Puerto Rican father)
*John Meléndez, "Stuttering John" ("Howard Stern Show" and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno")
*Jon Seda, actor ("Selena")
*Jorge Alberti, actor
*José Ferrer, actor ("Cyrano de Bergerac"), first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award
*José Miguel Agrelot, "Don Cholito", comedian
*Joseph Vásquez, film director/screen writer (film "Hangin' with the Homeboys")
*Joyce Giraud, actress, former Miss Puerto Rico Universe titleholder
*Juano Hernández, actor, the first Puerto Rican star in the Negro Film Industry
*Justina Machado, actress (television series "Six Feet Under"; films "Final Destination 2", "Torque")
*Kamar de los Reyes, actor, (television series "One Life to Live)"
*Karrine Steffans, actress
*Kevin Corrigan, actor
*Kiele Sánchez, actress
*Kirk Acevedo, actor ("Band of Brothers", "Invincible")
*La La, MTV veejay, actress
*Lana Parrilla, actress (Puerto Rican father), "Spin City" and "Boomtown".
*Lauren Vélez, actress, (television series "New York Undercover", "Oz", "Dexter")
*Lillian Hurst, comedian/actress ("Dharma and Greg")
*Lisa Vidal, actress ("Night in the City"), (television series "ER")
*Liz Torres, actress (television series "Gilmore Girls")
*Liza Colón-Zayas, film/theatrical actress
*Loraine Vélez, actress
*Lucy Boscana, television/theatrical actress
*Luis Antonio Ramos, actor
*Luis Antonio Rivera, "Yoyo Boing" comedian
*Luis Gatica, actor (son of Mapita Cortés)
*Luis Guzmán, actor ("Carlito's Way", "Traffic", "The Count of Monte Cristo")
*Luis Vigoreaux, television host
*Luisito Vigoreaux, actor,television host
*Lydia Echevarría, actress, criminal [ [http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Echevarria_Lydia.html Bio.] ]
*Adalberto Rodríguez, "Machuchal" comedian
*Mapita Cortés, actress, niece of Mapy Cortés
*Mapy Cortés, actress
*Mara Croatto, actress
*Marc Anthony, actor and singer
*Marcelino Sánchez, actor ("The Warriors","The Bloodhound Gang")
*Marcos Zurinaga, film director/screenwriter (film "La Gran Fiesta")
*Marga Gómez, actress/playwright
*Marian Pabón, actress, singer and comedian
*Marilyn Ghigliotti, actress "Clerks"
*Mark Indelicato, child actor (television series "Ugly Betty)"
*Marquita Rivera, first Puerto Rican actress to appear in a major Hollywood motion picture - "Road to Rio"imdb name|1258320|Marquita Rivera, accessed 2008-04-14]
*Marta Romero, actress and singer
*Mayte García, actress/dancer (former wife of Prince)
*Melwin Cedeño, comedian
*Micaela Nevárez, actress (film Princesas) first Puerto Rican to win a Goya Award
*Michael DeLorenzo, actor (television series "New York Undercover," "Head of the Class)"
*Michelle Rodríguez, actress ("Lost", "The Fast and the Furious")
*Miguel Ángel Álvarez, actor/comedian
*Miguel Ángel Suárez, actor, playright, stage director ("Stir Crazy", "Under Suspicion")
*Miguel Ferrer, ("RoboCop", "The Manchurian Candidate")
*Miriam Colón, actress ("Scarface)
*Nadine Velázquez, actress (television series "My Name Is Earl)"
*Norma Candal, actress and comedian
*Osvaldo Ríos, actor and singer
*Otilio Warrington, "Bizcocho" comedian
*Paquito Cordero, television producer/comedian
*Paul Calderón, actor ("The Last Castle")
*Rachel Ticotin, actress ("Total Recall", "Con Air")
*Rafael Ferrer, actor
*Rafo Muñiz, comedian and producer (son of Tommy Muñiz)
*Ramón Rivero (Diplo), comedian
*Raquel Castro, actress (Puerto Rican father)
*Raúl Dávila, actor, (television series "All My Children)"
*Raúl Juliá, actor (films "Kiss of the Spider Woman", "La Gran Fiesta","The Addams Family", "Addams Family Values")
*Raymond Arrieta, comedian and television host
*Reagan Gómez-Preston, actress
*René Monclova, actor and comedian
*Renoly Santiago, actor (film "Dangerous Minds")
*Rick Avilés, actor/comedian ("Ghost")
*Rick González, actor ("The Rookie", "Coach Carter")
*Rita Moreno, actress, winner of an Oscar, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award
*Roberto Vigoreaux, actor, television host
*Rosa Blasi, theatrical actress
*Rosario Dawson, actress ("He Got Game", "Men in Black II", "The Rundown", "Rent")
*Roselyn Sánchez, actress ("Rush Hour 2", "Boat Trip")
*Rosie Pérez, actress ("White Men Can't Jump", "Fearless")
*Rubén Santiago-Hudson, actor (film "Mr. Brooks") and playwright (play "Lackawanna Blues")
*Saundra Santiago, actress ("Miami Vice", "Carlito's Way")
*Shar Jackson, actress/singer (Puerto Rican father)
*Sonia Manzano, actress, "María" on "Sesame Street"
*Sunshine Logroño, comedian
*Sylvia Del Villard, actress, dancer and choreographer
*Talisa Soto, actress/model, ("Licence to Kill", "Mortal Kombat")
*Taylor Negrón, actor/comedian
*Tommy Muñiz, television producer/comedian
*Tony Oliver, voice actor
*Trini Alvarado, actress (films "Little Women", "The Perez Family")
*Vanessa del Río, actress
*Victor Argo, actor ("King of New York")
*Victoria Justice, American television actress ("Zoey 101")
*Vincent Irizarry, actor on ABC serial ("All My Children")
*William Hernández, actor
*Wilson Cruz, actor television series "My So-Called Life"; film "Party Monster"
*Yancey Arias, actor "Kingpin"

Authors, playwrights and poets

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Authors, playwrights and poets. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Abelardo Díaz Alfaro, writer
*Adolfo de Hostos, fifth Official Historian of Puerto Rico
*Alejandrina Benítez de Gautier, poet
*Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, writer and poet, "The Father of Puerto Rican Literature"
*Andrés Castro Ríos, poet and cofounder of literary magazine "Guajana"
*Andrés Díaz Marrero, writer
*Dr. Antonio S. Pedreira, writer and educator
*Caridad de la Luz "La Bruja", poet, writer/actor of "Boogie Rican Blvd"
*Dr. Cayetano Coll y Toste, writer and third Official Historian of Puerto Rico
*Clemente Soto Vélez, poet and activist
*Dr. Concha Meléndez, poet, writer
*Ed Vega, Novelist
*Edwin Torres, "Nuyorican Movement" poet
* Judge Edwin Torres, writer ("Carlito's Way"), New York Supreme Court Justice
*Enrique A. Laguerre, writer, nominated for Nobel Prize in literature
*Esmeralda Santiago, author
*Eugenio María de Hostos, (see also Educators and Politicians), wrote "La Peregrinación de Bayoán", founding text of Puerto Rican literature
*Evaristo Ribera Chevremont, poet [ [http://www.library.nd.edu/rarebooks/collections/rarebooks/hispanic/lit_caribbean.shtml The Hispanic Caribbean Literature Collection] ]
*Francisco Mariano Quiñones, first Official Historian of Puerto Rico
*Georgina Lázaro, children's poet
*Giannina Braschi, vanguard poet, Spanglish novelist, and performer of spoken word
*Dr. Hector Feliciano, author whose book "The Lost Museum: The Nazi Conspiracy to Steal the World's Greatest Works of Art" has shed a light on an estimated 20,000 looted works; each one is owned by a museum or a collector somewhere. [ [http://www.writing.upenn.edu/~afilreis/Holocaust/stolen-art.html "A Bulldog on the Heels of Lost Nazi Loot"; New York Times; November 4, 1997; By JUDITH H. DOBRZYNSKI] ]
*Jack Agüeros, author, playwright, poet and translator
*Jesús Colón, writer, father of "Nuyorican" movement
*Jesús Omar Rivera, historian, writer, and (public) speaker. Author of Boricuazo (Tu Orgullo Nacional).
*Dr. José Antonio Dávila, poet
*José Gautier Benítez, poet
*José Rivera, playwright, first Puerto Rican nominated for an "Oscar" in "Best Adopted Screenplay" category
*Juan Antonio Corretjer, poet
*Judith Ortiz Cofer, poet, writer and essayist
*Julia de Burgos, poet
*Lola Rodríguez de Tió, poet, wrote lyrics to the revolutionary "La Borinqueña"
*Luis Llorens Torres, poet
*Luis López Nieves, Writer
*Luis Palés Matos, poet of Afro-Caribbean themes
*Luis Rafael Sánchez, playwright
*Magali García Ramis, writer
*Dr. Manuel A. Alonso, poet and author
*Manuel Méndez Ballester, writer
*Dr. Manuel Zeno Gandía, wrote "La Charca", the first Puerto Rican novel
*María Bibiana Benítez, playwright and Puerto Rico's "first" poets
*Marie Teresa Ríos, author of "The Fifteenth Pelican" which was the basis for the popular 1960s television sitcom, "The Flying Nun". [ [http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/mtrversace.htm Marie Teresa Rios] ]
*Mayra Calvani, writer
*Mayra Santos Febres, poet
*Mercedes Negrón Muñoz, "Clara Lair", poet
*Migene González-Wippler, new-age author, prominent Santeria expert
*Miguel Algarín, poet, writer and co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
*Miguel Piñero, playwright, writer, co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
*Muna Lee, Mississippi-born writer, first wife of Luis Muñoz Marín
*Nemesio Canales, essayist and poet
*Nimia Vicens, National Poet
*Pedro Juan Soto, writer/novelist (father of slain independence activist Carlos Soto Arriví)
*Pedro Pietri, poet, playwright, co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
*Piri Thomas, writer, poet
*Pura Belpre, author- first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City
*René Marqués, playwright
*Dr. Rosario Ferré, writer
*Dr. Salvador Brau, second Official Historian of Puerto Rico
*Shaggy Flores, Nuyorican Writer, Poet, African Diaspora Scholar, Founder of Voices for the Voiceless
*Tato Laviera, poet and author of "AmeRícan"
*Tomás Blanco, writer and historian
*Tony Santiago, author, historian - First Puerto Rican to be honored by the Government of Puerto Rico for his work in Wikipedia and the first Puerto Rican to be named Official Historian of the Association of Naval Service Officers (ANSO). [ [http://www.senadopr.us/Archivo_Digital/2005-2008/Actas/2007/act1120.07ef.pdf Senado de Puerto Rico] ] [ [http://www.ansomil.org/news/announcements.htm Association of Naval Service Officers] ]
*Virgilio Dávila, poet
*Wilfredo Santa-Gómez, writer,journalist
*William Carlos Williams, Modernist poet (Puerto Rican mother),
*Zenobia Camprubí, Spanish author and wife of Nobel laureate Juan Ramón Jiménez (Puerto Rican mother)

Beauty queens and fashion models

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Beauty Queens and Fashion Models. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Deborah Carthy-Deu, Miss Universe 1985
*Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003 (Puerto Rican mother)
*Noris Díaz ("La Taína"), model
*Stella Díaz, fashion model
*Jaslene Gonzalez, fashion model (winner of "America's Next Top Model, Cycle 8")
*Marisol Malaret, first Puerto Rican Miss Universe, 1970
*Marisol Maldonado, fashion model
*Wilnelia Merced, Miss World, 1975
*Astrid Muñoz, fashion model
*Cynthia Olavarría, Miss Puerto Rico 2005
*Ada Perkins, Miss Puerto Rico 1978
*Denise Quiñones, Miss Universe 2001
*Ingrid Marie Rivera, Miss Puerto Rico World 2005
*Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006
*Laurie Tamara Simpson, Miss International 1987
*Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993
*Gloria Vélez, fashion model

Business people and industrialists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Business people and industrialists. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Aida Álvarez, first Puerto Rican and first Hispanic woman to hold a sub-cabinet level position in the White House (Small Business Administrator 1997-2000).
*Angel Ramos, founder of Telemundo television network
*Antonio Luis Ferré, owner of Ferré-Rangel media emporium
*Atilano Cordero Badillo, Supermercados Grande
*Carlota Alfaro, fashion
*Carmen Ana Culpeper, fomer SBA Regional Director, first female PR Treasury Secretary and PR Telephone Company President
*Fernando Fernández, "Ron del Barrilito" and "Alcoholado Santa Ana"
*Gaspar Roca, founder of newspaper "El Vocero"
*Gildo Massó, founder of Massó Enterprises and Casa's Massó
*Herb Scannell, Former Chairman of MTV Networks and president of Nickelodeon Networks
*José Berrocal, youngest president of PR Government Development Bank, annual scholarships are awarded in his memory
*José Juan García, "CheJuan", founder of Hogares Crea
*Joseph A. Unanue, former president and CEO of Goya Foods, son of founder
*Juan Serrallés, founder of "Don Q" rum
*Kimberly Casiano, member Board of Directors of Ford Motor Company
*Lisette Nieves, founder of "ATREVETE"
*Luis A. Ferré, Puerto Rico Cement (see also Governors)
*Luis Antonio, fashion
*Luis Miranda Casañas, CEO of the multi-state Universal insurance emporium
*Luisa Capetillo, labor leader
*Miguel Ruíz, founder of Café Yaucono
*Lcdo. Miguel A. García Méndez, founder of Western Federal Savings Bank, now Westernbank Puerto Rico.
*Oscar de la Renta, fashion designer (Puerto Rican father)
*Ramiro L. Colón, first administrator of Cooperativa de Cafeteros de Puerto Rico, "Café Rico" (official coffee of the Vatican)
*Ramón López Irizarry, inventor of Coco López
*Richard Carrión, Chairman of the Board Banco Popular, chairman International Olympic Committee's finance committee
*Salvador Vassallo, founder of Vassallo Industries Inc. and subsidiaries
*Samuel A. Ramírez, Sr., President and founder of Ramirez and Co., the largest Hispanic investment banking firm on Wall Street

Cartoonists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Cartoonists. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*David Álvarez, creator of "Yenny", illustrator and storyboard artist for DC Comics' "Looney Tunes" series
*Ricardo Álvarez-Rivón, creator of "Turey"
*Vanesa Littlecrow, comic creator
*George Pérez, Marvel and DC Comics comic book artist
*John Rivas, creator of "Bonzzo"
*José Vega Santana, both creator and impersonator of "Remi, The Clown"
*Arturo Yepez, political cartoonist El Vocero

Composers, musicians and singers

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Composers, musicians and singers. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Adalberto Santiago, salsa singer
*Agallah, rapper/producer
*Alan Vega, rock singer, of Suicide
*Aldo Matta, singer
*Americo Boschetti, singer and composer
*Ana María Martínez, soprano singer
*Andrés Jiménez a.k.a. "El Jíbaro", singer, trovador, and composer. Known for his nationalistic themes.
*Andy Montañez, salsa singer
*Angel "Cuco" Peña, musician, composer and producer
*Angel Clivillés, singer (group The Cover Girls)
*Angel Mislan, composer of Danzas
*Angela Bofill, singer
*Angelo García, former member of "Menudo"
*Angie Martínez, singer, actress, radio personality
*Antonio Barasorda, tenor singer
*Antonio Cabán Vale, "El Topo", folklore singer, composer
*Antonio Paolí, tenor, opera singer, first person in history to record an entire opera
*Arcángel, reggaeton artist
*Arturo Somohano,composer, Symphony orchestra conductor
*Benjamín Marcantoni, opera singer, countertenor
*Big Pun, rapper
*Bobby Capó, singer, composer
*Bobby Cruz, salsa singer
*Bobby Valentín, musician/bandleader
*Braulio Dueño Colon, composer of "Canciones Escolares"
*Brenda K. Starr, singer (Puerto Rican mother)
*Cano Estremera,singer, composer and poet
*Carlos Ponce, singer
*Carmen Delia Dipini, bolero singer
*Carmita Jiménez, singer (known also as "La Dama de la Canción")
*César Concepción, orchestra leader
*Charlie Massó, former member of "Menudo"
*Charlie Palmieri, pianist, bandleader
*Elmer Figueroa ("Chayanne"), singer
*David Lozada ("Cheka"), reggaeton artist
*Chelo, singer
*José "Cheo" Feliciano,singer
*Choco Orta, female salsa singer
*Armando "Chucho" Avellanet, singer
*Chuck Negrón, lead singer of group Three Dog Night (cousin of actor Taylor Negron)
*Claudio Sánchez, lead singer, lyricist and guitarist of Coheed and Cambria
*Corina Katt Ayala, (a.k.a. "Corina") singer/actress
*Raymond Ayala ("Daddy Yankee"), reggaeton singer
*Daniel Santos, composer, singer of boleros
*Danny Rivera, singer
*David Morales, deejay/composer/music producer
*Domingo Quiñones, singer/actor
*William Landrón ("Don Omar"), reggaeton singer
*Eddie Benítez, guitarist
*Eddie Palmieri, bandleader
*Eddie Santiago, salsa singer
*Ednita Nazario, singer
*Elvis Crespo, merengue singer
*Joseph Cartagena ("Fat Joe"), rapper
*Federico A. Cordero, composer and classical guitarist
*Felipe Rodríguez, "La Voz", bolero singer
*Felipe Rose, the Indian from The Village People, singer
*Félix Astol, composer, ("La Borinqueña")
*Fernando and Nefty Sallaberry, former members of "Menudo"
*Florencio Morales Ramos, "Ramito", folklore singer, trovador, and composer
*Frankie Ruiz, salsa singer
*Gabriel Ríos, musician
*Gary Valenciano, Filipino musician (Puerto Rican mother)
*George Lamond, pop/salsa singer
*Gerardo Teissonniere, classical pianist and teacher
*Gilberto Monroig, bolero singer
*Gilberto Santa Rosa, salsa singer
*Giovanni Hidalgo, percussionist
*Glenn Monroig, composer, singer, sang the "first" rap song in Spanish
*‎Gloria González, composer [ [http://www.prpop.org/biografias/g_bios/GloriaGonzalez.shtml Puerto Rican pop Culture] ]
*Dr. Graciela Rivera, opera singer
*Héctor Campos-Parsi, singer/composer
*Héctor "El Father" Delgado, reggaeton singer
*Héctor Lavoe, salsa singer
*Henry Arana, composer [ [http://www.elnuevodia.com/XStatic/endi/template/content.aspx?se=notaandid=371652 Henry Arana] ]
*Hermán Santiago, rock n roll singer, composed song "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
*Hilton Ruiz, jazz composer/musician
*Howie Dorough, singer, member of the Backstreet Boys
*Huey Dunbar, singer with group DLG (Puerto Rican mother)
*Humberto Morales, pioneer drummer and timbalero
*Iris Chacón, singer and vedette
*Isidro Infante, salsa composer/musical arranger
*Ismael Miranda, "El Niño Bonito de la Salsa", singer and composer
*Ismael Quintana, salsa singer
*Ismael Rivera, "El Sonero Mayor", salsa singer
*Ivette Sosa, singer (group Eden's Crush)
*Martha Pesante ("Ivy Queen"), reggaeton singer, known as "The Queen of Reggaeton"
*Jeannie Ortega, R&B/reggaeton singer
*Jenilca Franchesca Giusti, singer, songwriter, actress, model [cite web|title=Jenilca|language=Spanish|publisher=PrimeraHora.com|url=http://www.primerahora.com/XStatic/primerahora/template/contenido.aspx?id=137071]
*Jerry Rivera, salsa singer
*Jesús María Sanromá, the first person ever to be named official pianist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra
*Jesús Sánchez Erazo, "El Chuito de Bayamon", singer
*Jim Jones, rapper
*Joe Cuba, bandleader, considered to be "The Father of the Boogaloo"
*Joe Negroni, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, member of the Teenagers
*Joell Ortiz, rapper
*John Benítez, "Jellybean Benítez", music producer and remixer
*Johnathan Dwayne, singer, composer
*Johnny Albino, singer
*Johnny Lozada, former member of "Menudo"
*José Enrique Pedreira, danza composer
*José Feliciano, singer, composed "Feliz Navidad"
*José Ignacio Quintón, pianist/composer of danzas
*José Luis Moneró, bolero singer
*José Miguel Class, "El Gallito de Manati", singer
*Juan F. Acosta, composer of folklore music
*Juan Morel Campos, composer of Danzas
*Juan Tizol, jazz musician and composer
*Julia Migenes, soprano
*Julita Ross, singer of Danzas
*Julito Rodríguez, singer
*Justino Díaz, opera singer
*Kany García, singer/songwriter
*Kelis Rogers, (Chinese Puerto Rican mother), singer and television host
*Keshia Chanté, R&B/Pop singer/songwriter
*Kevin Ceballo, salsa singer
*Kurious Jorge, rapper
*La India, salsa singer, known as the "Princess of Salsa"
*Ladislao Martínez, known as "El Maestro Ladí", was an accomplished cuatro player and the first Puerto Rican musician to play solo on the radio.
*Lalo Rodríguez, salsa singer
*Lil' Suzy, freestyle singer
*Lisa Vélez, singer, of Lisa Lisa Cult Jam
*Lisette Meléndez, freestyle/Latin-pop singer
*Little Louie Vega, producer/musician (one-half of Masters At Work)
*Lloyd Banks, rapper (Puerto Rican mother) [ [http://www.superiorpics.com/lloyd_banks/ Lloyd Banks] ]
*Luz "Lucecita" Benítez, singer
*Luciano Quiñones, danza composer
*Lucy Fabery, singer
*Luigi Texidor, salsa singer
*Luis "Perico" Ortíz, salsa singer, musician, composer, musical arranger and producer
*Luis Fonsi, singer
*Luis Miguel, singer (born in Puerto Rico)
*Lunna, singer
*Manny Lehman, music producer/international deejay
*Cruz Manuel Hernández ("Manny Manuel"), singer
*Manoella Torres, singer
*Manolo Badrena, percussionist
*Manuel Gregorio Tavárez, composer known as "The Father of the Puerto Rican Danzas"
*Manuel Quintero Maldonado, known as "Nieves Quintero", recognized as the father of the modern rhythm of the "cuatro"
*Marc Anthony, singer
*Marta Casals Istomin, cellist, former President of Manhattan School of Music, widow of musicians Pablo Casals and Eugene Istomin
*Marta Romero, singer and actress
*Marvin Santiago, salsa singer
*Mary Ann Acevedo Rivera, singer, songwriter
*Maxwell, R&B/Neo-Soul singer (Puerto Rican father)
*Michael Stuart, singer
*Miguelito Ortíz, salsa singer
*Millie Corretjer,singer
*Mon Rivera, trombonist and singer
*Myrta Silva, singer, composer
*N.O.R.E./Noreaga, rapper
*Narciso Figueroa, "Father of the Modern Danza"
*Natalie and Nicole Albino, "Nina Sky" R&B
*Nino Segarra, salsa singer
*Noel Estrada, composer of "En Mi Viejo San Juan"
*Noelia, singer (daughter of Yolandita Monge)
*Noro Morales, pianist, composer, arranger and band leader
*Nydia Caro, singer
*Obie Bermúdez, singer and composer
*Odilio González, singer
*Olga Tañón, singer/composer
*Omar Rodríguez-López, composer and guitarist
*Oscar Hernández, salsa musician (composer of "Sex and the City" theme)
*Ozzie Meléndez, trombonist
*Pablo Casals, renowned classical musician
*Papo Lucca, lead pianist of "La Sonora Ponceña"
*Pedro Flores, composer
*Pedro Ortíz Dávila, "Davilita", bolero singer
*Pete "El Conde" Rodríguez, salsa singer
*Mark Morales (a.k.a. "Prince Markie Dee"), rapper, producer
*Puchi Balseiro, composer
*Quique Domenech, musician, composer
*Rafael A. Nazario, Composer, songwriter, arranger, producer, pianist
*Rafael Alers, danza composer, "first" Puerto Rican to compose a Hollywood musical score
*Rafael Cepeda, composer, "The Patriarch of the Bomba and Plena"
*Rafael Cortijo, salsa band leader
*Rafael Hernández, Composer of "Preciosa" and "Lamento Borincano"
*Rafael Ithier, founder of "El Gran Combo" orchestra
*Rafael José Díaz, "Rafael José", singer and television host
*Rafael Muñoz, orchestra leader
*Rafi Escudero, musician, singer, composer
*Ralphi Rosario, producer/deejay/musician (one-half of musical duo Rosabel)
*Raphy Leavitt, composer, director and founder of "La Selecta"
*Ray Barretto, percussionist, jazz and salsa leader
*Ray Sepúlveda, salsa singer
*Ray Toro, lead guitarist My Chemical Romance
*Rene Farrait, former member of "Menudo"
*René Pérez, singer Calle 13 (band)
*Richie Ray, singer, composer, known as "The King of Salsa"
*Enrique Martín ("Ricky Martin"), singer, former member of "Menudo"
*Ricky Meléndez, former member of "Menudo"
*Robert Clivillés, Freestyle producer/member and founder of C + C Music Factory
*Roberto Roena, percussionist and band leader
*Robi Dräco Rosa, singer, composer, former member of "Menudo"
*Ron Reyes, singer for Black Flag, 1979–1980
*Roy Brown, folklore singer, composer
*Roy Rosselló, former member of "Menudo"
*Ruth Fernández, singer
*Safire, singer
*Shalim Ortíz, singer/actor
*Sophy, singer
*Sylvia Rexach, singer, composer
*Many Espinal ("Tego Calderón"), reggaeton singer
*David Sánchez ("Tempo"), reggaeton artist
*Tite Curet Alonso, ballad and salsa composer
*Tito Gómez, salsa singer
*Tito Lara, singer
*Tito Nieves, salsa singer
*Ernesto Puente, Jr. ("Tito Puente"), musician, composer and producer
*Pablo "Tito" Rodríguez, singer and band leader
*Tito Rojas, salsa singer
*TKA, freestyle trio
*Tomás “Maso” Rivera, child music prodigy who went on to compose over 1,000 instrumental compositions for the cuatro, among which he treasured the waltz
*Tommy Olivencia, salsa singer
*Tommy Torres, singer, composer, musician
*Tony Croatto, singer/composer of Puerto Rican folk songs
*Tony Orlando, singer, (Puerto Rican mother)
*Tony Touch, singer
*Tony Vega, salsa singer
*Toñito Ledee, salsa singer
*Tru-Life, rapper
*Val Ramos, international Flamenco guitarist
*Vicente Carattini, singer and composer of Puerto Rican Christmas themes
*Luis Lozada ("Vico C"), rapper
*Víctor "Manuelle" Ruiz, singer
*Wilkins Vélez, singer and composer
*Willie Colón, salsa composer
*Willie Rosario, composer, timbalero, bandleader
*Wisin and Yandel, reaggaeton artists, also known as "El Duo de la Historia"
*Xavier Serbia, former member of "Menudo"
*Yahuba García, conga player, songwriter
*Yolanda Vadiz, gospel singer
*Yolandita Monge, singer
*Yomo Toro born "Víctor Guillermo Toro" renown musician, guitarist, and "cuatrista"
*Dr. Zoraida Santiago, singer and composer

Criminals and outlaws

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who were infamous and well known Criminals and outlaws. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Salvador Agron, criminal and poet
*Roberto Cofresí, infamous pirate
*Antonio Correa Cotto, infamous outlaw
*Lydia Echevarría, actress, criminal [ [http://www.biographybase.com/biography/Echevarria_Lydia.html Bio.] ]
*Antonio García López "Toño Bicicleta", infamous outlaw
*Isabel la Negra, madam of a notorious brothel
*Filiberto Ojeda Ríos,"commander in chief" ("Responsible General") of the Boricua Popular Army
*José Padilla, convicted supporter of terrorism
*Tony Tursi, mobster

Diplomats

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who are notable Diplomats. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

*César Benito Cabrera, U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius and the Seychelles

*Gabriel Guerra-Mondragón, former U.S. Ambassador to Chile
*Luis Guinot, former U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica
*Hans Hertell, former U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
*Spencer Matthews King, former U.S. Ambassador to Guyana
*Teodoro Moscoso, former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela and head of Alliance for Progress (see also politicians)
*Admiral Horacio Rivero, former U.S. Ambassador to Spain (see also military)

Educators and scientists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers in the fields of Education or science All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Joseph M. Acaba, educator, first Puerto Rican astronaut
*Dr.Ursula Acosta, educator and one of the founding members of the Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía (Puerto Rican Genealogical Society) [ [http://www.eogen.com/SPG Sociedad Puertorriqueña de Genealogía] ]
*Dr.Ricardo Alegría, anthropologist, archaeologist, educator
*Dr.Carlos Albizu Miranda, psychologist, educator, first Hispanic Educator to have a North American University renamed in his honor and one of the first Hispanics to earn a Ph.D. in Psychology in the United States. [ [http://www.mia.albizu.edu/web/about_cau/carlos_albizu_founder_of_cau.asp Carlos Albizu University] ]
*Dr.Margot Arce de Vázquez, educator, founder of the Department of Hispanic Studies in the University of Puerto Rico
*Dr.Pilar Barbosa, UPR professor, author and first modern-day Official Historian of Puerto Rico
*Dr. Pedro Beauchamp, the first Puerto Rican specialist certified by the American Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Board, performed the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) technique on the island in 1985. [http://gyncare.net/editores.htm Gyncare] ]
*Dr.Jaime Benítez, former Resident Commissioner, longest serving chancellor and president of the University of Puerto Rico
*Professor Frank Bonilla, academic who became a leading figure in Puerto Rican Studies.cite web|accessdate=2007-05-17
url=http://utopia.utexas.edu/explore/latino/narratives/08bonilla_frank.html
title=Frank Bonilla became major figure in Puerto Rican studies
work=US Latinos and Latinas & World War II
publisher=University of Texas]
*Dr.Rafael L. Bras, former chair of Civil Engineering at MIT and one of the world's leading experts in hydrometeorology and global warming.
*, electronic engineer, aerospace technologist
*Dr.María Cadilla, educator, Women rights activist
*Dr.Richard H. Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General from 2002 - 2006
*Dr.Nitza Margarita Cintrón, scientist, Chief of NASA's (JSC) Space and Health Care Systems Office
*Dr.Antonia Coello Novello, first Hispanic and first woman U.S. Surgeon General (1990-93)
*Rafael Cordero, educator declared Venerable in 2004 by Pope John Paul II; process for beatification is now in motion with Benedictine Fr. Oscar Rivera as Procurator of the Cause.
*Dr.Juan R. Cruz,NASA scientist who played an instrumental role in the design and development of the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) parachute.
*Dr., Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist. First Puerto Rican to work for NASA
*Eugenio María de Hostos (see also Politicians and Authors)
*Angelo Falcón, political scientist, author of "Atlas of Stateside Puerto Ricans" (2004) and co-editor of the book, "Boricuas in Gotham: Puerto Ricans in the Making of Modern New York City" (2004).
*Dr.José Ferrer Canales, educator, writer and activist
*Juan R. Correa-Pérez, Ph.D., scientist, clinical andrologist and embryologist
*Dr.Enectalí Figueroa, astronaut applicant and astrophysicist in NASA who pioneered the development of position-sensitive detectors.
*Dr.Orlando Figueroa, mechanical engineer, Director of Mars Exploration in NASA
*Dr.Joxel García, first Puerto Rican Assistant Secretary for Health (ASH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and an Admiral in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. [ [http://www.hhs.gov/ophs/assistantsecretaryhealth/index.html Admiral Joxel García's HHS Bio] ]
*Dr. Antonio García Padilla, current president, UPR, former Dean of UPR Law School
*Dr.Luis González Vale, current Official Historian of Puerto Rico
*Olga D. Gonzalez-Sanabria, NASA engineer, Member of Ohio's Women Hall of Fame
*Dr.Sixto González, scientist, first Puerto Rican Director of the Arecibo Observatory
*Amri Hernández-Pellerano, engineer
*, aerospace engineer, aerospace technologist
*Eugenio María de Hostos (see also Politicians and Authors)
*, electronic engineer, aerospace technologist
*Dr.Gerónimo Lluberas, physician, writer, educator, medical missionary
*, computer engineer, aero-space technologist
*Lissette Martínez, electronic engineer, rocket scientist
*Dr.Concha Meléndez, educator, writer poet
*Ana G. Méndez, educator, founder of the Ana G. Mendez University System
*Sylvia Méndez, educator and civil rights activist, played an instrumental role in the landmark Mendez v. Westminster case
*Dr. Edwin Muñiz, Ph.D., M.D., Ed. D., was the first person of Hispanic heritage to be named Aerospace Physiologist in the United States Air Force and NASA.(See also Military)
*Ana María O'Neill, educator and women's rights advocate
*Dr.Carlos Ortiz Longo, mechanical engineer, Chief of Crew Health Care Systems and Exercise Countermeasures in NASA
*Dr.Antonia Pantoja, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
*Dr.Ángel Ramos, Superintendent of the Sequoia Schools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
*Rev. Peter Ramos Silva, Ph.D., (educator) founded, The Christian University (La Universidad Cristiana) [ [http://www.launiversidadcristiana.org/ Peter Ramos Silva, Ph.D.] ]
*Mercedes Reaves, research engineer and scientist who is responsible for the design of a viable full-scale solar sail and the development and testing of a scale model solar sail at NASA Langley Research Center.
*Ron Rivera, inventor of, and workshop organizer about, life-saving water filters based on pottery [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/14/health/14rivera.html Ron Rivera, Potter Devoted to Clean Water, Dies at 60.] ]
*Dr.Juan A. Rivero, professor, founded the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo in Mayagüez, has discovered numerous animal species and has written several books.
*Ana Roque, educator and suffragist
*Dr.Miriam Rodón-Naveira, Ph.D., Puerto Rican NASA scientist who was the first Hispanic woman to hold the Deputy Directorship for the Environmental Sciences Division within the National Exposure Research Laboratory.
*Dr.Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas, dentist, scientist, discovered the bacteria which causes dental cavity (See also: Military)
*Miguel Rodríguez, mechanical engineer, Chief of the Integration Office of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office
*Dr.Pedro Rodríguez, inventor, mechanical engineer
*Monserrate Román, scientist, microbiologist, helped build the International Space Station.
*Rev. Noel Santiago, Ph.D., founded, Christian Centers Apostolic Ministry (Ministerio Apostólico Centros Cristiano) [http://www.christiancenters.net]
*Dr. Eduardo Santiago Delpin is a surgeon who wrote the first book in Spanish about organ transplant. [ [http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&ie=UTF-8&q=Dr.+Eduardo+Santiago+Delpin&start=0&sa=N Dr. Eduardo Santiago Delpin] ]
*Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, pioneer in black history
*Ninfa Segarra, President of the New York City Board of Education 2000-2002.
*Dr.Félix Soto Toro, electrical engineer, astronaut applicant
*Dr.Agustín Stahl, scientist
*Fermín Tangüis, businessman, agriculturist and scientist who developed the Tanguis cotton in Peru and saved that nation's cotton industry. [http://www.ftanguis.edu.pe/modelodevida.html Un Modelo de Vida (A role model in his lifetime)] ]
*Nilita Vientos Gaston, educator, defended the use of Spanish in the courts of Puerto Rico

Governors

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have served as Governors or First Ladies of the island. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.
*Aníbal Acevedo Vilá, 8^th elected governor of Puerto Rico from 2005 to present day.
*Sila Calderón, first female and 7^th elected governor of Puerto Rico from 2001 to 2005.
*Luis A. Ferré, 3^rd elected governor of Puerto Rico from 1969 to 1973. (see also Industrialists)
*Rafael Hernández Colón, 4^th elected governor of Puerto Rico from 1973 to 1977, and then again from 1985 to 1993.
*Luis Muñoz Marín, 1^st elected governor of Puerto Rico from 1949 to 1965.
*Jesus T. Piñero, first Puerto Rican to be named governor of the Island by a U.S. President; served from 1946 to 1949.
*Juan Ponce de León II, first Puerto Rican to be temporary governor, from 1506 to 1512.
*Carlos Romero Barceló, 5^th elected governor of Puerto Rico from 1977 to 1985.
*Dr. Pedro Rosselló, 6^th elected governor of Puerto Rico from 1993 to 2001.
*Roberto Sánchez Vilella, 2^nd elected governor of Puerto Rico from 1965 to 1969.

First Spouses of Puerto Rico

*Conchita Dapena, First Lady of Puerto Rico (1965-1967), first to divorce incumbent governor
*Kate Donnelly de Romero, First Lady of Puerto Rico (1977-1985), Trustee, Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico
*Luisa Gándara, First Lady of Puerto Rico (2005-present)
*Adolfo Krans, first male Governor's Spouse (2001-2002), businessman and political analyst
*Lila Mayoral Wirshing, youngest First Lady of Puerto Rico (1973-77, 1985-92)
*Inés Mendoza, First Lady of Puerto Rico (1949-1965), revered teacher and cultural leader
*Maga Nevares, First Lady of Puerto Rico (1993-2000)
*Lorencita Ramírez de Arellano, First Lady of Puerto Rico (1969-1970) to die during husband's term
*Jeannette Ramos Buonomo, First Lady of Puerto Rico (1967-1969), retired Appellate Judge, first to marry an incumbent governor

Journalists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Journalists. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.
*Alycia Lane, journalist and news anchor on KYW-TV in Philadelphia.
*Aníbal González Irizarry, former newscaster for "Telenoticias en accion"
*Antonio Ayuso-Valdivieso, owner and publisher of the now defunct daily "El Imparcial"
*Audrey Puente, New York City meteorologist (daughter of Tito Puente)
*Bárbara Bermudo, journalist, co-host of Univisions "Primer Impacto"
*Carmen Dominicci, journalist, co-host of Univisions "Primer Impacto"
*Carmen Jovet, journalist, first Puerto Rican woman named news anchor in Puerto Rico
*César Andreu Iglesias, founding editor of Claridad newspaper; novelist/political activist
*Christopher Crommett, Atlanta-based Exec VP CNN en Español
*Craig Rivera, television journalist (brother of Geraldo Rivera)
*Denisse Oller, Emmy-award winning New York City television news anchor
*Edna Schmidt, anchor for "Telefutura"
*Elizabeth Vargas, former co-anchor ABC World News Tonight
*Geraldo Rivera, journalist
*Guillermo Jose Torres, journalist and news anchor for WAPA-TV
*Jackie Guerrido, journalist and meteorologist for Univisions "Despierta America"
*Jorge L. Ramos, Emmy-award winning New York City television news anchor
*Jose Andino y Amezquita, first Puerto Rican journalist. [ [http://escuelajoseandino.blogspot.com/ Escuela Jose Andino y Amezquita] ]
*José Julián Acosta, journalist
*Juan González, New York City investigative journalist
*Kimberly Guilfoyle, Court TV Journalist and former first-lady of San Francisco (Puerto Rican mother)
*Lourdes del Río, investigative journalist on Univision's nightly news broadcast
*Lynda López, New York City television news personality (sister of Jennifer Lopez)
*Manuel Fernández Juncos, journalist, wrote lyrics to "La Borinqueña"
*María Celeste Arrarás, anchor for "Al Rojo Vivo"
*María de Lourdes García, telelvision journalist
*Michele LaFountain, anchor for the Spanish version of ESPN Sports Center
*Myriam Ayala, reporter, WXTV in New York
*Ray Suarez, Senior Correspondent for The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer
*Rubén Sánchez, radio and television journalist [ [http://www.univision.com/content/content.jhtml?chid=10825andschid=10827andsecid=10850andcid=537618 Rubén Sánchez] ]

Judges and law enforcement

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers in the fields of Law Enforcement or as Judges. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

*José Andreu García, former PR Chief Justice and sports official.
*Circuit Judge Jose Cabranes, first Puerto Rican to serve as a federal judge in the continental United States, mentioned as possible Associate Justice
*Faith Evans, Hawaiian-Puerto Rican, first woman to be named U.S. Marshal.
*Gustavo Gelpí, youngest United States District Judge (2006-present)
*Alejandro González Malavé, controversial undercover police officer
*Albert Grajales, Former SIB deputy director and Hall of Fame Martial Arts Instructor.
*Federico Hernández Denton, Puerto Rico's first Consumer Affairs Secretary, current Chief Justice of the Puerto Rico Supreme Court
*Dora Irizarry, Federal District Judge, first female Hispanic state judge in New York.
*Felix Jimenez, first Puerto Rican to make it to the rank of Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) [ [http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/pressrel/pr062702.html Felix Jimenez] ]
*José Meléndez-Pérez, INS Officer who was named in 9/11 Commission Report; denied entry to terrorist in August 2001.
*Julio F. Mercado, first Puerto Rican to achieve the position of Deputy Administrator (DA) of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on March 2000. This is the second highest position in the DEA and it is also a U.S. Presidential Appointment. Prior of becoming the DA, he was the Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office. [ [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb5243/is_200003/ai_n20065079] ]
*Roberto Rivera-Soto, first Puerto Rican and Latino New Jersey State Supreme Court Justice.
*Clemente Ruiz Nazario, first Puerto Rican U.S. Federal Judge of Puerto Rico
*Vanessa Ruiz, is an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals, the highest court for the District of Columbia.
*Aaron Cecil Snyder, controversial Chief Justice and U.S. Attorney in Puerto Rico.
*Sonia Sotomayor, first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a U.S. Circuit Court judge.
*Pedro Toledo, retired FBI senior agent and longest-serving state police superintendent.
*Circuit Judge Juan R. Torruella, first Puerto Rican to serve as Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
*José Trías Monge, former Chief Justice and Attorney General of Puerto Rico, author
*Carmen Consuelo Vargas, first female Puerto Rican federal district judge and Chief Judge.
*Irma Vidal Santaella, first Puerto Rican woman admitted to the New York State Bar and first Puerto Rican woman to be elected to the New York Supreme Court.

Military

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have served as in the Military. All future additions to this section must provide a reliable verifiable source which cites the person's notability, otherwise it will be removed.

In order to avoid any confusion, the names in the military section have been placed in alphabetical order by first name and not by rank. In the case that a person has two surnames, the last surname will be used as the base, unless both surnames are connected or joined by a "dash"/ "y" / "de" or "Del" then the first surname will be used. In jobs order:
*Rear Admiral Dr. Alberto Díaz, Jr., U.S. Navy, first Hispanic Director of the San Diego Naval Medical District
*Sergeant Ángel Méndez, USMC, awarded the Navy Cross in Vietnam and is being considered for the Medal of Honor. He saved the life of his Lieutenant - Ronald D. Castille, who went on to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.
*Sergeant First Class Agustín Ramos Calero, U.S. Army, was the most decorated Puerto Rican soldier in all of the United States during World War II.
*Captain Ángel Rivero Méndez, Spanish Army, fired the first shot against the United States in the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico, invented the "Kola Champagne".
*Private Anibal Irrizarry, U.S. Army, the first Puerto Rican to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (second to the Medal of Honor). In World War II, he singlehanded wiped out two enemy machine gun nests and captured eight enemy soldiers. [The Puerto Rican Diaspora: Historical; By Carmen Teresa Whalen and Víctor Vázquez; Pg. 78; Published 2005 by Temple University Press; ISBN 1592134130] [ [http://www.homeofheroes.com/valor/1_Citations/03_wwii-dsc/army_ij.html Irizarry's DSC Citation] , Retrieved June 6, 2008]
*Captain Antonio de los Reyes Correa, Spanish Army, Puerto Rican hero who defended the town Arecibo from an invasion by defeating the British.
*Brigadier General Antonio Maldonado, U.S.Air Force, who in 1965 became the youngest person to pilot a B-52 aircraft.
*Brigadier General Antonio Rodríguez Balinas, U.S. Army, was the first commander of the Office of the First U.S. Army Deputy Command.
*Brigadier General Antonio J. Ramos, U.S. Air Force, the first Hispanic to serve as commander, Air Force Security Assistance Center, Air Force Materiel Command, and dual-hatted as Assistant to the Commander for International Affairs, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command.
*Brigadier General Antonio Valero de Bernabe, also known as the "Puerto Rican Liberator" fought alongside Simón Bolívar and helped liberate South America from Spanish Colonial rule.
*Colonel Antulio Segarra, U.S. Army, the first Puerto Rican Regular Army officer to command a Regular Army Regiment.
*Colonel Carlos Betances Ramírez, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican to command a battalion in the Korean War.
*PFC. Carlos Lozada, U.S. Army, awarded the Medal of Honor.
*Lieutenant Carmelo Delgado Delgado, Abraham Lincoln International Brigade, the first Puerto Rican and one of the first U. S. citizens to fight and die in the Spanish Civil War.
*Tech4 Carmen Contreras-Bozak, WAC's, became the first Hispanic woman to serve in the Women's Army Corps as an interpreter and in numerous administrative capacities.
*2nd Lieutenant Carmen Dumler, WAC's, one of the first Puerto Rican women Army officers.
*Vice Admiral Diego E. Hernández, U.S. Navy, the first Hispanic to be named Vice Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command.
*PFC. Domingo Arroyo, USMC, first Puerto Rican and U.S. serviceman to die during the Somalian Civil War.
*Rear Admiral Edmund Ernest García, U.S. Navy, During World War II he was commander of the Destroyer USS Sloat and saw action in the invasions of Africa, Sicily, and France.
*Captain Edwin Muñiz, Ph.D., M.D., Ed. D., United States Air Force, was the first person of Hispanic heritage to be named Aerospace Physiologist in the United States Air Force and NASA.(See also Educators and Scientists)
*Major General Enrique Mendez, Jr., U.S. Army, the first Puerto Rican to assume the positions of Army Deputy Surgeon General, Commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. [ [http://209.85.173.104/search?q=cache:_2qlajdl8KwJ:nmhm.washingtondc.museum/collections/archives/aproducts/aoralhistories/mendez.pdf+Enrique+Mendez&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=us&ie=UTF-8 DR. ENRIQUE MENDEZ, JR. ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM] ]
*Captain Eurípides Rubio, U.S. Army, awarded the Medal of Honor.
*Major Fernando E. Rodríguez Vargas,DDS, U.S. Army, discovered the bacteria which causes dental caries.
*PFC. Fernando Luis García, USMC, first Puerto Rican awarded the Medal Of Honor.
*Major Fernando Luis Ribas-Dominicci, U.S. Air Force, perished in Operation El Dorado Canyon.
*SPC. Frances M. Vega, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican female soldier born in the U.S. to die in a war.
*Lieutenant Francisco Gonzalo Marín, Cuban Liberation Army, believed to have designed the Puerto Rican Flag, fought alongside José Martí.
*MGySgt. Frankie Segarra, USMC, First Puerto Rican to reach the grade of Master Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps within his MOS.
*Rear Admiral Frederick Lois Riefkohl, U.S. Navy, was the first Puerto Rican to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and the first to be awarded the Navy Cross.
*Rear Admiral George E. Mayer, U.S. Navy, first Hispanic Commander of the Naval Safety Center.
*Colonel Héctor Andrés Negroni, U.S. Air Force, first Puerto Rican graduate of the United States Air Force Academy.
*Brigadier General Hector E. Pagan, U.S. Army, the first Hispanic of Puerto Rican descent to become Deputy Commanding General of the U.S.Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. [http://www.soc.mil/swcs/Pagan%20bio.pdf Brigadier General Hector E. Pagan] ]
*Sp4c Héctor Santiago-Colón, U.S. Army, awarded the Medal of Honor.
*Second Lieutenant Hila Levy , U.S.Air Force, made history in 2007 when she became the first Puerto Rican Rhodes scholar. [http://www.usafa.af.mil/uploads/temp/rhodesScholar2008/levyRhodesScholarship.html United States Air Force Academy, Cadet makes history as Rhodes recipient, By Megumi Johnston] ] [http://www.topix.com/world/puerto-rico/2007/11/afa-cadet-first-puerto-rican-rhodes-scholar Puerto Rico, Nov 27, 2007, AFA cadet first Puerto Rican Rhodes scholar] ]
*Admiral Horacio Rivero, U.S. Navy, first Puerto Rican and second Hispanic four-star admiral.
*Captain Humbert Roque Versace,U.S. Army, first Army P.O.W. to be awarded the Medal of Honor for actions in captivity.
*Staff Sergeant Humberto Acosta-Rosario, U.S. Army, only Puerto Rican still listed as Missing In Action
*Sergeant First Class Jorge Otero Barreto, U.S. Army, the most decorated soldier in the Vietnam War (38 decorations) - 3 Silver Star Medals, 5 Bronze Star Medals with Valor, 5 Purple Heart Medals and 5 Air Medals. [ [http://www.cityoflorain.org/calendar/?e=36222 City of Lorain] ]
*Rear Admiral José M. Cabanillas, U.S. Navy, In World War II he was Executive Officer of the USS Texas and participated in the invasions of Africa and Normandy(D-Day).
*Sergeant Major José Luis Santiago, USMC, has the distinction of being the 2nd Battalion 9th Marines first Hispanic Sergeant Major and it's first Sergeant Major since its reactivation on July 13, 2007.
*Sergeants Jose and Francisco Diaz, Puerto Rican militia, were two brothers in the Toa Baja Militia who helped defeat Sir Ralph Abercromby and defend Puerto Rico from a British invasion in 1797. [http://www.nps.gov/archive/saju/14.html Abercromby's Siege] ]
*2nd Lieutenant Juan Alonso Zayas, Spanish Army, fought in the Siege of Baler, Philippines.
*Captain Juan de Amezquita, Puerto Rican Militia, defeated Captain Balduino Enrico (Boudewijn Hendricksz), who in 1625 was ordered by the Dutch to capture Puerto Rico.Historias de Puerto Rico by Paul G. Miller, (1947) pgs. 221–237.]
*Major General Juan César Cordero Dávila, U.S. Army, commanding officer of the 65th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War becoming one of the highest ranking ethnic officers in the Army.
*General Juan Rius Rivera, Commander-in-Chief of the Cuban Liberation Army.
*Major General Lester Martinez Lopez, MD, MPH, U.S. Army, first Hispanic to head the Army Medical and Research Command. [ [http://www.govexec.com/features/0702/HSpublichealth.htm Government executive] ]
*Captain Linda Garcia Cubero, United States Air Force, was the first Hispanic woman graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and the first to graduate from an American Military Academy.
*SPC. Lizbeth Robles, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican female soldier born in Puerto Rico to die in Iraq.
*Major General Luis R. Esteves, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican and Hispanic to graduate from the United States Military Academy and organizer of the Puerto Rican National Guard.
*Brigadier General Luis Padial, Spanish Army, played an essential role in the abolishment of slavery in Puerto Rico.
*General Manuel Goded Llopis, Spanish Army, was a high ranking general who fought alongside Generalisimo Francisco Franco in the Spanish Civil War
*Captain Manuel Rivera, Jr., USMC, First Puerto Rican and U.S. servicemen to die in Operation Desert Shield.
*Captain María Inés Ortiz, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican nurse to die in combat and first Army nurse to die in Iraq.
*Captain Marion Frederic Ramírez de Arellano, U.S. Navy, was the first Hispanic submarine commander. He was awarded two Silver Stars and a Bronze Star for his actions against the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II.
*Captain Miguel Henríquez, Captain Spanish Navy, defeated the British in Vieques.
*Brigadier General Mihiel "Mike" Gilormini, USAF, World War II hero, recipient of 5 Distinguished Flying Cross's and founder of the Puerto Rico Air National Guard.
*Staff Sergeant Modesto Cartagena, U.S. Army, most decorated Hispanic in history.
*Major General Orlando Llenza, U.S. Air Force, is the second Puerto Rican to reach the rank of Major General (two-star General) in the United States Air Force.
*Brigadier General Pedro N. Rivera, M.D., U.S. Air Force, the first Hispanic to be named medical commander in the United States Air Force.
*Master Sergeant Pedro Rodríguez, U.S. Army, awarded two Silver Stars Medals in one week.
*Lieutenant General Pedro Del Valle, U.S. Marine Corps, first Hispanic three-star Marine general who played an instrumental role in the defeat of the Japanese forces in World War II.
*Rear Admiral Rafael Celestino Benítez, U.S. Navy, highly decorated submarine commander who led the rescue effort of the crew members of the USS Cochino during the Cold War.
*Pvt. Rafel Toro, USMC, served in the 2nd Nicaraguan Campaign and awarded the Navy Cross.
*PFC. Ramón Núñez-Juarez, USMC, listed as Missing in Action during the Korean War and posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, second highest medal after the Medal of Honor, that can be awarded by the Department of the Navy.
*Admiral Ramón Power y Giralt, Spanish Navy, distinguished himself in 1808-1809 with the defense of the Spanish Colony of Santo Domingo against an invasion from Napoleon's French forces by enforcing a blockade in support of Spanish ground troops. See also, Politicians, below.
*Colonel Raúl G. Villaronga, U.S. Army (Ret.) was the first Puerto Rican to be elected as Mayor of a Texas city (Killeen). (see also "Politicians" section) [ [http://classof1959.aggienetwork.com/newsletter.html Villaronga Newsletter] ]
*Brigadier General Ricardo Aponte, U.S. Air Force, former Director of the Innovation and Experimentation Directorate, United States Southern Command, the first Puerto Rican to hold said position.
*Vice Admiral, Dr. Richard Carmona, former U.S. Surgeon General, served under President George W. Bush.
*CWO3 Rose Franco, USMC, first Hispanic woman Chief Warrant Officer in the Marine Corps.
*Brigadier General Rubén A. Cubero, U.S. Air Force, first Hispanic Dean of the United States Air Force Academy.
*Brigadier General Rudolph W. Riefkohl, U.S. Army, the first Puerto Rican to receive a "Tombstone promotion" to Brigadier General which technically makes him the first Hispanic general in the regular Army.
*Major General Salvador E. Felices, U.S. Air Force, first Puerto Rican general in the U.S. Air Force.
*Lieutenant Colonel Teófilo Marxuach, U.S. Army, fired the first shot in World War I on behalf of the United States.
*Colonel Virgil R. Miller, U.S. Army, Regimental Commander of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II, the most decorated unit in U.S. military history and the rescue of the Lost Battalion of Texas.
*Major General William A. Navas, Jr., U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican named Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
*Sergeant. Zak Hernández, U.S. Army, killed in Panama on the eve of President George H. W. Bush's visit. His accused murderer, Pedro Miguel González Pinzón, was acquitted and later elected President of Panamá's National Congress, an event which has generated protests from the governments of the United States and Puerto Rico.

Politicians

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers in the field of Politics. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

*Héctor Luis Acevedo, former Mayor of San Juan, 1996 PDP gubernatorial candidate
*Carmen E. Arroyo, first Puerto Rican woman elected to any state assembly, chair New York Hispanic Legislative Caucus
*Joaquín Balaguer, former president of Dominican Republic (Puerto Rican father)
*Dr. José Celso Barbosa, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Statehood Movement"
*Antonio R. Barceló, founder of the Puerto Rican Liberal Party, first president of the Senate of Puerto Rico
*Ángel O. Berríos, former Mayor of Caguas
*Juan Bosch, former president of Dominican Republic (Puerto Rican mother)
*Blanca Canales, nationalist who led the Jayuya revolt
*Dr. Gilberto Concepción de Gracia, founder of the Puerto Rican Independence Party
*José Coll y Cuchi, founder of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party
*Pedro Cortés, Pennsylvania Secretary of State, first Hispanic president, Association of Secretaries of State
*Federico Degetau, the first resident commissioner to the United States
*Maurice Ferré, former Mayor of Miami, Florida
*Dr. Antonio Fernós-Isern, first Puerto Rican cardiologist and Resident Commissioner.
*Fernando Ferrer, former Bronx (New York City) borough president and New York City mayoral candidate
*Luis Fortuño, current Resident Commissioner (2004-present), 2008 NPP primary gubernatorial aspirant
*Bonnie García, California State Assemblywoman (only Latina Republican in state government)
*Robert "Bob" García, former New York State Assemblyman, State Senator and U.S. Representative
*Oscar Garcia Rivera, Sr., former New York State Assemblyman, in 1937 he became the first Puerto Rican to be elected to public office in the continental United States and in 1956, he also became the first Puerto Rican to be nominated as the Republican candidate for Justice of the City Court. [http://www.east-harlem.com/mt/archives/cat_people_news.html East Harlem News] ]
*Isabel Gonzalez, young Puerto Rican mother who pathed the way for Puerto Ricans to be given United States citizenship. [ [http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/jaeh/27.4/erman.html Journal of American Ethnic History] ]
*Eugenio María de Hostos, (see also Educators)
*Evelyn Mantilla, Connecticut House of Representatives
*Kenneth McClintock, President of the Puerto Rico Senate
*Félix Ortiz, New York state assemblyman, author of nation's first cellphone driving ban
*Eddie Pérez, reelected Mayor of Hartford, Connecticut
*Adam Clayton Powell IV, New York State Assemblyman, son of former congressman
*Roberto Prats, co-chair of winning Hillary Clinton primary campaign, Democratic State Chair and former senator and PDP congressional candidate
*Ernesto Ramos Antonini, former Speaker of Puerto Rico's House of Representatives
*Charles Rangel, United States Congressman (Puerto Rican father) [ [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/11/nyregion/11spanish.html? NY Times] ]
*Felisa Rincón de Gautier, first woman to be elected Mayor of an American capital city.
*José E. Serrano, most senior Puerto Rican congressman, Chair of House Appropriations subcommittee on Financial Services
*José M. Serrano, New York state senator, son of the congressman
*Carlos Vizcarrondo, former Speaker, Puerto Rican House of Representatives; current Puerto Rico Court of Appeals judge
*Francisco Mariano Quiñones, the first president of Puerto Rico's Autonomic Cabinet
*Francisco Ramírez Medina, President of the Republic of Puerto Rico (September 23, 1868), during the Grito de Lares revolt
*George Pabey, Mayor of East Chicago, Indiana
*Gloria Tristani, first Hispanic woman appointed as one of the five commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
*Griselio Torresola, nationalist who died in attempt to assassinate President Harry S. Truman in 1950
*Hermán Badillo, first Puerto Rican to serve in U.S. Congress
*Hernán Padilla, former Mayor of San Juan, founder Puerto Rican Renewal Party
*Joe Negrón, Florida state representative and Republican candidate for congressional seat left vacant after the Mark Foley scandal
*John Quiñones , first Puerto Rican Republican elected to Florida House of Representatives
*Jorge Santini, current two-term Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico and Vice President of the New Progressive Party, former senator
*Dr. José de Diego, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Independence Movement"
*Juan Bernardo Huyke, acting governor of Puerto Rico in 1923.
*Juan Marí Bras, founder of the Movimiento Pro Independencia and the modern Puerto Rican Socialist Party
*Julio Vizcarrondo, abolitionist [ [http://www.biografiasyvidas.com/biografia/v/vizcarrondo.htm Vizcarrondo Bio] ]
*Lolita Lebrón, Nationalist leader and activist
*Luis Gutiérrez, Illinois congressman
*Luis Muñoz Rivera, senator, last surviving drafter of Puerto Rico Constitution
*Luis Muñoz Rivera, former Resident Commissioner, journalist, politician (father of Luis Muñoz Marín), died 1916
*Manuel Rojas, leader of the Grito de Lares revolt
*Manuel Zeno Gandía, Puerto Rico patriot and leader of cooperative movement in Puerto Rico
*Manuela Santiago Collazo, former Mayor of Vieques (1985-2000)
*Margarita López, former New York City councilwoman/activist
*María de Lourdes Santiago, first female Puerto Rico Independence Party (PIP) member to be elected to the Puerto Rican Senate
*Mariana Bracetti, leader of the Lares Revolutionary Council
*Mathias Brugman, leader of the Grito de Lares
*Lcdo. Miguel A. García Méndez, youngest Speaker of the House in Puerto Rico's history. The Mayagüez General Post Office named after him.
*Nydia Velázquez, first Puerto Rican congresswoman, Chair of House Small Business Committee
*Olga A. Méndez, first Puerto Rican New York State Senator
*Dr. Olga Viscal Garriga, nationalist
*Oscar Collazo, one of two nationalists who attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman
*Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos, founder of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party
*Pedro Cortés, Pennsylvania's Secretary of State, President-elect of National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS)
*Pedro Pierluisi, former PR Attorney General, 2008 NPP candidate for Resident Commissioner
*Rafael "Churumba" Cordero Santiago, former Mayor of Ponce
*Dr. Ramón Emeterio Betances, "The Father of the Puerto Rican Nation", main leader of the Grito de Lares revolution
*Ramón Luis Rivera, Mayor of Bayamón 1977-2001
*Roberto Rexach Benítez, former Senate President, educator, current columnist for El Vocero newspaper
*Rogelio Figueroa, 2008 gubernatorial candidate and founder of Puerto Ricans for Puerto Rico Party (PPR) [ [http://www.porpuertorico.com/rogeliogobernador/index.html Rogelio Figueroa] ]
*Román Baldorioty de Castro, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Autonomy"
*Rosie Méndez, New York City councilwoman/activist
*Rubén Berríos-Martínez, president of the Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP)
*Samuel Rivera, Mayor of Passaic, New Jersey
*Santiago Iglesias, founder of the first Puerto Rico Socialist Party, labor activist and former Resident Commissioner
*Segundo Ruiz Belvis, leader of the Grito de Lares revolt
*Teodoro Moscoso, Jr., architect of Operation Bootstrap, former U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela (1961-1964)
*Tito Kayak, political activist
*Victoria Muñoz Mendoza, 1992 PDP candidate for governor (daughter of Luis Muñoz Marín)
*Col. Raúl G. Villaronga (Ret.), Mayor of Killeen, Texas

Puppeteers

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans, as described by this list's header, who have led notable careers as puppeteers. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise they will be removed.

*Antulio Kobbo Santarrosa, "La Cháchara", "La Condesa", "La Comay"
*Filipo Tirado, "Pepe Locuaz"

Religion

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who are notable religious leaders. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.
*Alberto Cutié, priest and television host, Puerto Rican born priest/television host
*Carlos Manuel Rodríguez a.k.a. "Charlie", beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001
*Bishop David Andrés Álvarez-Velázquez, Episcopal Diocese of Puerto Rico
*Father Diego de Torres Vargas, first to write about the history of Puerto Rico.
*Father Francisco Ayerra de Santa María, Puerto Rico's first poet
*Bishop Francisco Reus-Froylan (ret.), first Puerto Rican bishop in worldwide Anglican community
*Fray Iñigo Abbad y Lasierra, priest and historian
*Sor Isolina Ferré, Catholic nun awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
*Rev. Jorge Raschke, outspoken evangelist
*José Luis de Jesús Miranda, controversial religious leader who referrers to himself as the Antichrist.
*Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi, first Puerto Rican to become a bishop
*Juanita García Peraza, "Mita", founder of "Mita" religion
*Luis Cardinal Aponte Martínez, only Puerto Rican to become a Roman Catholic cardinal
*Sister María Domínguez, beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II
*Rev. Nicky Cruz, former gangster turned minister
*Archbishop Roberto González Nieves, Catholic Diocese of San Juan
*Bishop Rubén González, Diocese of Caguas, prominent in Navy-Vieques protests
*Teófilo Vargas Sein, "Aaron", current leader of "Mita" religion
*Rev. Yiye Ávila, pentecostal leader

ports

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as sportspersons . All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.
*Abdiel Colberg, first Hispanic pro-rollerblader
*Ada Vélez, first Puerto Rican female boxer, to win a championship
*Alberto Mercado, Olympian boxer, only American citizen in 1980 Olympics
*Alex Sánchez, boxer/ former champion
*Butch Lee, basketball player, first Puerto Rican to play in NBA
*Alfredo Escalera, boxer, former world champion
*Ángel Cordero, Jr., jockey, member of Jockey Hall of Fame
*Ángel "Cholo" Espada, boxer/former champion
*Angelita Lind, track and field athlete
*Anita Lallande, former Olympic swimmer
*Antonio "Tonito" Rivera, boxer a.k.a. "El Gallo" WBA Super Welterweight Champion
*Aristides Gonzales, boxer, first olympic medalist under flag of Puerto Rico, 1984 Summer Olympics
*Benjamín Agosto, figure skater and Olympic medalist
*Bernie Williams, baseball player, New York Yankees
*Brandon Silvestry, professional wrestler
*Carlitos Colón, professional wrestler
*Carlos Quintana, professional boxer, former World Boxing Organization's welterweight champion
*Carlos Arroyo, basketball player, Orlando Magic
*Carlos Beltrán, baseball, center fielder New York Mets
*Carlos "Sugar" De León, first boxer to win cruiserweight title twice
*Carlos Delgado, baseball player, New York Mets
*Carlos Ortiz, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
*Carly Colón, professional wrestler
*Carmelo Anthony, basketball player, Denver Nuggets (Puerto Rican father)
*Charlie Pasarell, tennis player
*Chris Armas, soccer player, (Puerto Rican mother).
*Christian Dalmau, BSN basketball player
*Daniel Santiago, basketball player
*Dr. David "Kike" Bernier, retired fencer, former Secretary of Sports and Recreation
*Dick Versace, first person of Puerto Rican descent to have coached an NBA team.
*Ed Figueroa, baseball pitcher, first Puerto Rican to win 20 games in Major League
*Edgar Martínez, former baseball player
*Edwin "El Chapo" Rosario, member of International Boxing Hall of Fame (2006)
*Emilio "Millito" Navarro, first Puerto Rican to play in Negro Leagues
*Enrique Figueroa, sailing
*Ernesto Pastor, bullfighter and only Puerto Rican member of the Bullfighting Hall of Fame
*Esteban De Jesús, boxer, former world champion
*Eva Cruz, volleyball player
*Felix Magath, German soccer star and coach (Puerto Rican father)
*Félix "Tito" Trinidad, boxer/ former world champion
*Fernando J. Canales, swimmer, first Puerto Rican to reach final Championships
*Filiberto Rivera, Former UTEP star point guard and current point guard on Puerto Rico National Basketball team.
*Fres Oquendo, professional boxer
*Georgie Torres, holds BSN scoring record
*German Rieckehoff, former president of Puerto Rican Olympic Committee
*Gigi Fernández, tennis player, Olympic gold medalist
*Gilberto Rodríguez, martial artist, founder of the Garyu Rico Do system, member of the Latin-American Martial Arts Hall of Fame. [cite web| url=http://combatwarriormag.com/LAMASHOF07.html| title=Latin-American Martial Arts Hall of Fame Awards 2007| publisher=Combat Warrior E-Magazine| accessdate=2008-09-18]
*Héctor 'Macho' Camacho, boxer/ former world champion
*Hiram Bithorn, baseball player, first Puerto Rican in Major League Baseball
*Iván Calderón, baseball player
*Iván Calderón, boxer/world champion
*Iván Rodríguez, baseball player, New York Yankees
*Ivelisse Echevarría, inducted into the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame (2003)
*Ivonne Harrison, track and field athlete
*Javy López, baseball player, Atlanta Braves
*Jerome Mincy, basketball player
*Jesse Vassallo, swimmer, current president, PR Swimming Federation and member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame
*Joe Cortez, boxing referee
*John John Molina, boxer/former world champion
*John Ruíz, first Hispanic heavyweight boxing champion
*Jonny Moseley, skier, first Puerto Rican to belong to the U.S. Ski Team
*Jorge "Peco" González, marathon runner
*Jorge Posada, baseball player, New York Yankees
*Jose "Cheo" Cruz, baseball player whose number was retired by the Astros
*José "King" Román, boxer, first Puerto Rican to fight for world heavyweight title
*José "Piculín" Ortiz, a.k.a. "Piculín", former basketball player, PDP candidate for elective office in 2008
*José "Chegui" Torres, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
*Juan "Chi-Chi" Rodríguez, golfer, member of Golf Hall of Fame
*Juan "Pachín" Vicéns, basketball player, led the Ponce Lions team to six championships.
*Juan "Johnny" Báez, former basketball player, most recent recipient of Puerto Rico Olympic Medal of Honor
*Juan Evangelista Venegas, boxer/ first Puerto Rican to win Olympic medal
*Juan "Igor" Gonzalez, former baseball player
*Julio Kaplan, chess grandmaster
*Julio Toro, basketball coach
*Konnan, professional wrestler
*Kristina Brandi, tennis player
*Laura Daniela Lloreda, member of Mexican National Volleyball Team
*Lisa Fernández, softball, Olympic gold medalist
*Lisa Marie Varon, WWE wrestler
*Luis Olmo, first Puerto Rican to hit home run in World Series
*Luis Ortiz, boxer, first Puerto Rican to win a Silver Olympic medal.
*Marco Rivera, football player, first Puerto Rican selected to Pro Bowl
*María Elena Batista, Olympic, PanAm and Central American games swimmer
*Mario "Quijote" Morales, BSN basketball player
*Maritza Correia, first black Puerto Rican woman in U.S. Olympic Swimming Team
*Mark Watring, equestrian
*Miguel Cotto, professional boxer
*Mike Lowell, baseball player, Boston Red Sox
*Nino Escalera, baseball player, first hispanic in the Reds franchise.
*O.J. Santiago, football player
*Orlando 'Peruchín' Cepeda, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame
*Pedro Montañez, boxer and member of Boxing Hall of Fame
*Pedro Morales, wrestler, member of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame
*Ramón Rivas, NBA and International basketball player
*Raúl Papaleo, Puerto Rican National Volleyball Team
*Raymond Dalmau, basketball player
*Dr. Rebekah Colberg, "The Mother of Puerto Rican Women's Sports"
*Reggie Jackson, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame (Puerto Rican father)
*Richard Amon, former NCAA volleyball player for UCLA, international volleyball instructor and coach. [ [http://www.cavb.org/2007/04/07.html Successful beach Volleyball Clinic in Cairo organized by CAVB] ]
*Roberto Alomar, former baseball player, MLB All-Star
*Roberto Clemente, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame
*Ron Rivera, football player, first Puerto Rican in the National Football League
*Rubén Rossy, martial artist, member of the International Jiu-Jitsu Hall of Fame. [cite web| url=http://www.itbf.de/index.php?id=99| title=Grand Master Dr. Rúben A. Rossy| publisher=International Taekwon-Do and Budosports Federation| accessdate=2008-09-18]
*Rubén Gómez, first Puerto Rican to pitch and win World Series game.
*Rubén Rodríguez, basketball player
*Samuel Serrano, boxer/ former world champion
*Sandy Alomar, Jr., baseball player
*Sandy Alomar, Sr., baseball player
*Savio Vega, former WWF wrestler
*Sixto Escobar, boxer, first Puerto Rican world champion and member of Boxing Hall of Fame
*Víctor Pellot, a.k.a. "Vic Power", baseball player, second black Puerto Rican in Major League Baseball
*Wilfredo Benítez, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
*Wilfredo Gómez, boxer/former world champion and member of Boxing Hall of Fame
*Wilfredo Vázquez, boxer/ former champion
*William Solano, martial artist, member of the International Karate Hall of Fame. [cite web| url=http://www.combatwarriormag.com/GMWilliamBSolano.html| title=Grandmaster William "Bill" Solano, Hanshi| publisher=Combat Warrior E-Magazine| accessdate=2008-09-18]

Taínos

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who were notable Taínos or Taínas. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

*Agüeybaná (Great Sun), Taíno chief, "supreme cacique"
*Agüeybaná II (The Brave), cacique and brother of Agueybaná, led the Taíno rebellion of 1511 against Juan Ponce de Leon and his men.
*Arasibo, cacique, area of Arecibo
*Caguax, cacique, area of Caguas
*Guarionex, cacique of Otoao (Utuado)
*Hayuya, cacique, area of Jayuya
*Jumacao, cacique, area of Humacao
*Orocobix, cacique, area of Orocovis
*Urayoán, cacique, area that presently spans between Añasco and Mayagüez, orders the drowning of Diego Salcedo

Visual artists

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, who have led notable careers as Visual artists . All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.
*Alfonso Arana, painter, founder of the "Fundación Alfonso Arana".
*Jean-Michel Basquiat, painter (Puerto Rican mother)
*Tomás Batista, sculptor of "El Jibaro Puertorriqueño" monument and Zeno Gandía statue
*Ángel Botello, painter and sculptor
*Antonio Broccoli Porto, painter and sculptor from San Juan
*José Buscaglia Guillermety, sculptor
*José Campeche, first renowned Puerto Rican artist
*Lindsay Daen, New Zealand-born artist, sculptor of La Rogativa statue in San Juan
*Jan D'Esopo, painter and sculptor
*Elizam Escobar, painter and activist
*Francisco Oller, Puerto Rican impressionist artist & painter
*James De La Vega, mural artist
*Obed Gómez, contemporary artist known as the "Puerto Rican Picasso"
*Luis Hernández Cruz, professor and graphic artist
*Soraida Martínez, contemporary painter known for creating socially conscious Verdadism art style since 1992
*Antonio Martorell, painter, graphic artist and diplomat
*Abdías Méndez Robles, painter
*Fernando Pintado, text based artist. works mainly painting and drawing, as well as artist's books. [ [http://www.fernandopintado.com Fernando Pintado] ]
*Julio Rosado del Valle internationally known abstract expressionist. [ [http://www.puertoricanpainter.com/pages/history_of_puertoricanpainter.htm History of Puerto Rican Painting] ]
*Gaddier Rosario, painter, graphic artist and photographer [ [http://lavozhispanact.com/05222008will/opinion_Patricia.htm Gaddier Rosario] ] [http://www.gaddier.com Gaddier web]

Miscellaneous

The following section lists the names of Puerto Ricans as described by this List's header, of notable people that do not qualify to be placed in any of the above sections. All future additions to this section must be placed in alphabetical order and provide a reliable verifiable source, otherwise it will be removed.

*José Enrique Arrarás, educator, politician, attorney, public servant and sports leader
*Miguel Arteta, film/television director "The Good Girl", TV series "Six Feet Under"
*Arthur Avilés, dancer/choreographer
*Wilo Benet, celebrity chef, owner of Payá and Pikayo restaurants.
*Clara Benítez, was the matriarch of the Benítez boxing family and a socialite
*Félix Benítez, engineer who designed the Normandie Hotel.
*Felipe Birriel, "El Gigante de Carolina", was the tallest Puerto Rican
*David Blaine, illusionist/magician (Puerto Rican father)
*Edgardo Díaz, founder of Menudo
*Inez García, cause celebre of the feminist movement
*Juan Manuel García Passalacqua, political commentator, lawyer
*Alfred D. Herger, television Host, psychologist
*María Elena Holly, widow of rock legend Buddy Holly
*Ángel Juarbe, Jr., reality television contest winner/New York City firefighter who died in the September 11 attacks
*Heinrich/Henry Klumb, German-born architect responsible for many Puerto Rico designs from 1944 to 1984
*Crazy Legs, breakdancer, president of Rock Steady Crew
*Clara Livingston, Puerto Rico's first female aviator. [ [http://www.theseasonedtraveler.com/episodes/ep211.htm The seasoned traveler] ]
*Daisy Martínez, actress and host of PBS cooking show, "Daisy Cooks!"
*Frankie Martínez, dancer/choreographer who founded the ABAKUÁ Afro-Latin Dance Company [ [ http://www.salsanewyork.com/magazine/articles/interview_frankie_martinez.htm Interview Frankie Martinez] ]
*Walter Mercado, astrologer
*Emiliano Mercado del Toro, WW I vet, was once world's oldest person
*Silverio Pérez, show host, musician and author
*Rosa Hilda Ramos, only female Puerto Rican Goldman Environmental Award ("green Nobel prize") recipient [cite web|title=Premio internacional para líder comunitaria|language=Spanish|author=Carmen Millán-Pabón|publisher=El Nuevo Día|url=http://www.elnuevodia.com/diario/noticia/puertoricohoy/noticias/premio_internacional_para_lider_comunitaria/391754]
*Sylvia Rivera transgendered/GLBT activist
*Jai Rodríguez, actor "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy"
*José Rodríguez, head of CIA division (2004-2008)
*Anthony Romero First Hispanic and gay Executive Director of the ACLU
*Xavier Romeu, controversial PRIDCO Executive Director
*Antonio Sánchez, radio and television personalityRamona Trinidad Iglesias-Jordan, was once world's oldest person

ee also

*Lists of people by nationality
*List of residents of San Juan, Puerto Rico
*Military history of Puerto Rico
*65th Infantry Regiment
*

References

External links

* [http://www.current.com "Nuyorican Power"] View Current TV's program on the power of Puerto Rican culture in the United States: "Nuyorican Power", produced by Evan Stone and Carrie Pyle for Current TV, 2008 (features Rita Moreno, Giannina Braschi, Pedro Pietri, Marc Anthony, and others).