From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of highly notable people who were either born in Puerto Rico, are descendants of Puerto Ricans or have chosen Puerto Rico as their homeland. Their contributions to the social and cultural structures of society in some cases are not limited only to Puerto Rico. Unlike the List of Puerto Ricans, those listed here have never denied being Puerto Rican and have met one or more of the requirements set by pre-determined criteria. This list is also maintained by a group of volunteers.

When adding a name to the list, please place it in the proper sub-category in alphabetical order by last name and state the criteria met.

Flag of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico

Contents 1 Artist 1.1 Actors, actresses, and comedians 1.2 Authors, playwrights and poets 1.3 Composers, musicians and singers 1.4 Painters and sculptors 1.5 Others 2 Beauty queens and supermodels 3 Business People and industrialists 4 Criminals and Outlaws 5 Educators and scientists 6 Politicians 6.1 Governors 7 Journalists 8 Military 9 Religion 10 Sports 10.1 American football 10.2 Baseball 10.3 Basketball 10.4 Boxing 10.5 Equestrianism 10.6 Professional wrestling 10.7 Softball 10.8 Swimming 10.9 Tennis 10.10 Other 11 Taínos 12 Others

• Adalberto Rodríguez, "Machuchal" comedian
• Alicia Moreda, soap opera actress, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Angela Meyer, actress, comedian and producer, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Benicio del Toro, actor (Traffic), Academy award winner
• Blanca de Castejon, international actress
• Braulio Castillo, soap opera actor, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Carmen Belen Richardson, comedian/actress, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Chita Rivera, "Broadway Legend", winner of 2 Tony Awards
• Eddie Miró, TV host, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Erik Estrada, actor (TV series CHiPs, Sealab 2021)
• Esai Morales, actor (La Bamba)
• Esther Sandoval, actress, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Freddie Prinze, comedian/actor (TV series Chico and the Man) (Puerto Rican mother)
• Freddie Prinze, Jr., actor (Scooby-Doo) (Puerto Rican grandmother)
• Gladys Rodríguez, comedian/soap opera actress, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Hector Elizondo, actor (Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries)
• Henry Darrow, actor, "Manolito" (TV series The High Chaparral)
• Henry Silva, actor (The Manchurian Candidate, Dick Tracy (film))
• Ivonne Belen, documentary director and producer
• Jacobo Morales, actor (Bananas)
• Jennifer López, actress (Selena, The Cell) and pop singer.
• Joaquin Phoenix, actor (Signs, Gladiator) (born in Puerto Rico)
• John Leguizamo, actor (Moulin Rouge!, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar) (Puerto Rican on Father's side)
• José Ferrer, actor (Cyrano de Bergerac), first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award
• Jose Miguel Agrelot, "Don Cholito", comedian
• Jose Vega Santana, "Remi" the Clown
• Jimmy Smits, actor (TV series L.A. Law, The West Wing, and NYPD Blue; movie Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)
• Juano Hernandez, actor, the first Puerto Rican star in the Negro Film Industry
• Lucy Boscana, actress, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Luis Antonio Rivera, "Yoyo Boing" comedian, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Luis Guzman Actor and Comedian
• Luis Vigoreaux, TV host, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Mapy Cortes, actress, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Mara Croatto, soap opera actress
• Miriam Colon, actress (Scarface)
• Myrna de Casenave, actress/comedian, pioneer of Puerto Rican television
• Norma Candal, comedian, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Paquito Cordero, TV producer/comedian, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Ramón (Diplo) Rivero, comedian, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television
• Raul Davila, actor, (TV series All My Children)
• Raúl Juliá, actor (Kiss of the Spider Woman, The Addams Family)
• Rita Moreno, actress, winner of an Oscar, a Tony Award, an Emmy Award and a Grammy Award
• Roselyn Sanchez, actress (Rush Hour 2)
• Rosie Perez, actress (White Men Can't Jump, Fearless)
• Sylvia Del Villard, actress, dancer and choregrapher
• Tommy Muñiz, TV producer/comedian, pioneer in Puerto Rico's television

• Abelardo Diaz Alfaro, writer
• Alejandrina Benitez de Gautier, poet
• Alejandro Tapia y Rivera, writer and poet, "The Father of Puerto Rican Literature"
• 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, historian and writer
• 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
• Jesús Colón, writer, father of "Nuyorican" movement
• Dr. José Antonio Dávila, poet
• Jose Gautier Benitez, poet
• José Rivera, playwright, first Puerto Rican nominated for an "Oscar" in "Best Adopted Screenplay" category
• Juan Antonio Corretjer, poet
• Julia de Burgos, poet, considered one Puerto Rico's greatest poets
• Dr. Manuel A. Alonso, poet and author
• Lola Rodríguez de Tió, poet, wrote lyrics to the revolutionary "Borinqueña"
• Luis Llorens Torres, poet
• Luis Palés Matos, poet of Afro-Caribbean themes
• Luis Rafael Sanchez,playwright
• Magali García Ramis, writer, journalist, wrote "Felices Días Tio Sergio"
• Manuel Mendez Ballester, writer
• Dr. Manuel Zeno Gandía, wrote "La Charca", the first Puerto Rican novel
• Maria Bibiana Benitez, playwright and Puerto Rico's "first" poets
• Marie Teresa Rios, author of the book on which the popular 1960's television sitcom The Flying Nun was based on. She was also the mother of Humbert Roque Versace, Medal of Honor recipient.
• Mercedes Negron Muñoz, "Clara Lair", poet
• Miguel Algarín, poet, writer and co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
• Miguel Piñero, playwright, writer, co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
• Nemesio Canales, essayist and poet
• Olga Nolla, poet and wirter
• Pedro Pietri, poet, playwright, co-founder of the Nuyorican Poets Cafe
• Piri Thomas, writer, poet
• René Marqués, playwright
• Dr. Rosario Ferré, writer
• Dr. Salvador Brau, historian
• Tomas Blanco, writer and historian
• Virgilio Dávila, poet

• Angel "Cuco" Peña, musician, composer and producer
• Angel Mislan, composer of Danzas
• Antonio Paolí, opera singer, first person in history to record an entire opera
• Arturo Somohano,composer, Symphony orchestra conductor
• Bobby Capo, singer, composer
• Bobby Cruz,salsa singer
• Braulio Dueño Colón, composer of "Canciones Escolares"
• Carlos Ponce, singer
• Carmen Delia Dipini, singer
• Cesar Concepcion, salsa singer
• Charlie Palmieri, pianist, bandleader
• Chayanne, singer
• Cheo Feliciano,singer
• Daddy Yankee, reggaeton singer
• Daniel Santos, composer, singer of boleros
• Danny Rivera, singer
• Don Omar, Reggaeton Rap Artist
• Eddie Palmieri, bandleader (won 7 Grammy Awards)
• Ednita Nazario, singer
• Fat Joe, Rap Artist
• Federico A. Cordero, composer and classical guitarist
• Felipe Rodriguez, "La Voz", bolero singer
• Felipe Rose, the Indian from The Village People, singer
• Gilberto Monroig, bolero singer
• Gilberto Santa Rosa, salsa singer
• Glenn Monroig,composer, singer, sang the "first" rap song in Spanish
• Dr. Graciela Rivera, opera singer
• Héctor Lavoe, salsa singer
• Herman Santiago, rock n roll singer, composed song "Why Do Fools Fall in Love"
• Iris Chacón, singer and vedette
• Ismael Miranda, "El Niño Bonito de la Salsa", singer and composer
• Ismael Quintana, salsa singer
• Ismael Rivera, "El Sonero Mayor", salsa singer
• Ivy Queen, rapper, known as "The Queen of Reggaeton"
• Jennifer López, singer and actress
• 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
• Joe Cuba,bandleader, considered to be "The Father of the Boogaloo"
• Joe Negroni, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, member of the Teenagers
• John Benitez, "Jellybean Benitez", music producer and remixer
• José Enrique Pedreira, Danza composer
• José Feliciano, singer, composed "Feliz Navidad"
• Jose Ignacio Quinton, pianist/composer of danzas
• Juan F. Acosta, composer of folklore music
• Juan Morel Campos, composer of Danzas
• Julita Ross, singer of Danzas
• Julito Rodriguez, singer
• Justino Díaz, opera singer
• Lucecita Benítez, singer
• Luciano Quiñones, danza composer
• Luis "Perico" Ortiz, salsa singer, musician, composer, musical arranger and producer
• Manuel Gregorio Tavarez, composer known as "The Father of the Puerto Rican Danzas"
• Marc Anthony, singer
• Marta Casals Istomin, cellist, former President of Manhattan School of Music, widow of musicians Pablo Casals and Eugene Istomin
• Myrta Silva, singer, composer
• Narciso Figueroa, "Father of the Modern Danza"
• Noel Estrada, composer of "En Mi Viejo San Juan"
• Nydia Caro, singer
• Olga Tañon, singer, composer, (4 Grammys)
• Oscar Hernandez, salsa musician (composer of Sex and the City theme song)
• Pablo Casals, (Puerto Rican on his mother's side), cellist and composer
• Pedro Flores, composer
• Pedro Ortiz Davila, "Davilita", bolero singer
• Pellin Rodriguez, salsa singer
• 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 singer
• Rafael Hernández Marín, Composer of "Preciosa" and "Lamento Borincano"
• Rafael Ithier, founder of "El Gran Combo" orchestra
• Rafi Escudero, salsa singer
• Raphy Leavitt, composer, director and founder of "La Selecta"
• Ray Barretto, salsa singer, jazz and salsa musician
• Richie Ray, singer, composer, known as "The King of Salsa"
• Ricky Martin, singer former member of "Menudo"
• Roberto Roena, Band Leader of Apollo Sound Orchestra, Bongoes and percussion, dancer
• Ruth Fernandez, singer
• Sylvia Rexach, singer, composer
• Tego Calderon, Reggaeton Rap Artist
• Tite Curet Alonso, salsa composer El Periódico de Ayer and Las Caras Lindas
• Tito Puente, musician, composer and producer
• Tito Rodriguez, singer
• Tony Croatto, singer/composer of Puerto Rican folk songs
• Tony Vega, Salsa singer
• Vicente Carattini, singer and composer of Puerto Rican Christmas themes
• Wilkins, singer and composer
• Willie Colón, salsa singer
• Willie Rosario, composer, bandleader

• Angel Botello, painter and sculptor
• Antonio Broccoli Porto, painter and sculptor from San Juan, awarded an UNESCO Medal in December 2000.
• Alfonso Arana, painter, founder of the Fundación Alfonso Arana.
• Francisco Oller, painter, the only Latin American painter to play a role in the development of Impressionism.
• José Campeche, first renowned Puerto Rican artist
• Lorenzo Homar, graphic artist
• Obed Gómez, contemporary artist known as the "Puerto Rican Picasso"
• Tomas Batista, sculptor of "El Jibaro Puertorriqueño" monument

• John Rivas creator of Bonzzo the comic strip and NASA's Bonzzo Award.
• Ricardo Alvarez Rivon, creator of "Turey"

• Astrid Muñoz, supermodel, one of the first Latinas to break stereoype image of the Latina in Europe.
• Chay Santini, supermodel
• Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993
• Deborah Carthy-Deu, Miss Universe 1985
• Denise Quiñones, Miss Universe 2001
• Marisol Malaret, first Puerto Rican Miss Universe, 1970
• Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003 (mother is Puerto Rican)
• Wilnelia Merced, Miss World, 1975
• Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006

• Aida Alvarez, first Hispanic woman and the first Puerto Rican to hold a position in a U.S. President's Cabinet
• Angel Munoz, founder of the Cyberathlete Professional League - widely regarded as the father of esports
• Angel Ramos, founder of Telemundo television network
• Carlota Alfaro, fashion
• Fernando Fernandez, "Ron del Barrilito" and "Alcoholado Santa Ana"
• Gilbert Mamery, radio station owner, publicist, musicologist and media personality
• Gildo Massó, founder of Massó Enterprises and Casa's Massó
• Herb Scannell, Former Chairman of MTV Networks and president of Nickelodeon Networks
• José Juan García, "CheJuan", founder of Hogares Crea
• Joseph A. Unanue, president and CEO of Goya Foods, son of founder
• Juan Serralles, founder of "Don Q" rum and the Serralles distillery
• Lisa Quiroz, founding publisher of People en Español magazine, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Responsibility for Time Warner
• Lisette Nieves, founder of "ATREVETE"
• Luisa Capetillo, labor leader
• Luis A. Ferré, philanthropist, founder of Ponce Cement, and president of Porto Rico Iron Works (see also Governors)
• Oscar de la Renta, fashion designer (Father was Puerto Rican)
• Maria Vizcarrondo-De Soto, first Puerto Rican President and CEO of United Way of Essex and West Hudson*
• Miguel Ruíz, founder of Café Yaucono
• Ramiro L. Colon, first administrator of Cooperativa de Cafeteros de Puerto Rico, Café Rico (official coffee of the Vatican)
• Ramon Lopez Irizarry, inventor of Coco Lopez
• Richard Carrion, Chairman of the Board Banco Popular, chairman International Olympic Committee's Finance Committee
• Salvador Vassallo, founder of Vassallo Industries Inc. (Industrias Vassallo Inc.), Vassallo Distribution Center, and Vassallo Molding Corp.
• Samuel A. Ramirez, Sr., President and founder of "Ramirez & Co.", the largest Hispanic investment banking firm in Wall Street
• William R. Cumpiano, world renowned author, master builder of Cuatros and teacher of the art of luthiery

• Antonio Correa Cotto, infamous outlaw, subject of three movies
• Antonio Garcia Lopez "Toño Bicicleta", infamous outlaw, subject of movie
• Filiberto Ojeda Rios, leader of the Boricua Popular Army
• Isabel la Negra, madam of a notorious brothel, subject of movie
• Roberto Cofresí, Puerto Rico's most famous pirate
• Salvador Agron, criminal and poet, Pual Simon's "Capeman" is based on his life

• Dr. Agustin Stahl, scientist
• Dr. Alfonso Eaton, Mechanical Engineer, Aero-Space Technologist. First Puerto Rican to work for NASA
• Ana G. Mendez, educator, founder of the Ana G. Mendez University System
• Ana María O'Neill, educator and women's rights advocate
• Dr. Angel Ramos, Superintendent of the Sequoia Schools for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Dr. Antonia Pantoja, awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Arturo Alfonso Schomburg, pioneer in black history
• Dr. Carlos A. Liceaga, electronic engineer, aero-space technologist
• Dr. Carlos Ortiz Longo, mechanical engineer, Chief of Crew Health Care Systems and Exercise Countermeasures in NASA
• Dr. Concha Melendez, educator, writer poet
• Debbie Martinez, computer engineer, aero-space technologist
• Dr. Enectali Figueroa Astronuat applicant and astrophysicist in NASA who pioneered the development of position-sensitive detectors.
• Eugenio Maria de Hostos (see also Politicians)
• Dr. Felix Soto Toro, electrical engineer, astronaut applicant
• Dr. Fernando E. Rodriguez Vargas, dentist, scientist, discovered the bacteria which causes dental cavity
• Judge José A. Cabranes,educator, first Puerto Rican to serve as a U.S. Circuit Court judge in the federal court in the continental United States.
• Dr. Jose Ferrer Canales, educator, writer and activist
• Joseph M. Acaba, educator, first Puerto Rican astronaut
• Dr. Jose Rafael Passalacqua Santiago, Cardiologist, poet.
• Dr. Margot Arce de Vázquez, educator, founder of the Department of Hispanic Studies in the University of Puerto Rico
• Dr. María Cadilla, educator, Women rights activist
• Miguel Rodríguez, mechanical engineer, Chief of the Integration Office of the Cape Canaveral Spaceport Management Office
• Nilita Vientos Gaston, educator, defended the use of Spanish in the courts of Puerto Rico
• Dr. Nitza Margarita Cintron,scientist, Chief of NASA's (JSC) Space and Health Care Systems Office
• Dr. Norman Maldonado, physician and fmr UPR president
• Olga D. Gonzalez, NASA engineer, Member of Ohio's Women Hall of Fame
• Dr. Orlando Figueroa, mechanical engineer, Director of Mars Exploration in NASA
• Dr. Pedro Rodriguez, inventor, mechanical engineer
• Dr. Pilar Barbosa, UPR prof, author and first modern-day Official Historian of Puerto Rico
• Rafael Cordero,educator beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II
• Dr. Rafael L. Bras, former chair of Civil Engineering at MIT and one of the world's leading experts in hydrometeorology and global warming.
• Dr. Ricardo Alegria, anthropologist, archaeologist, educator
• Dr. Sixto Gonzalez, scientist, first Puerto Rican Director of the Arecibo Observatory
• Dr. Samuel O. Ortiz, professor of educational psychology at St. John's University, leading authority on bilingual and bicultural education
• Sylvia Mendez, educator and civil rights activist, played an instrumental role in the Mendez v. Westminster case, the landmark desegregation case of 1946 that successfully ended de jure segregation in California and which would set a precedent for the better-known Brown vs. Board of Education seven years later and pave the way for integration and the Civil Rights Movement.

• Angel O. Berrios, former mayor of Caguas
• Dr. Antonia Novello, U.S. Surgeon General under President George H. W. Bush
• Dr. Antonio Fernós-Isern, first Puerto Rican cardiologist and Resident Commissioner.
• Antonio R. Barcelo, founder of the Puerto Rican Liberal Party
• Blanca Canales, nationalist who led the Jayuya revolt
• Carmen E. Arroyo first Puerto Rican woman elected to any state assembly in the United States
• Ernesto Ramos Antonini, former president of the Camara of Representatives of Puerto Rico
• Eugenio Maria de Hostos, (see also Educators)
• Federico Degetau, the first resident commissioner to the United States
• Felisa Rincón de Gautier, first woman to be elected mayor of an American capital city.
• Francisco Mariano Quiñones, the first president of Puerto Rico's Cabinet
• Francisco Ramirez Medina, President of the Republic of Puerto Rico (September 28, 1868), during "El Grito de Lares" revolt
• Dr. Gilberto Concepcion de Gracia, founder of the Puerto Rican Independence Party
• Griselio Torresola, one of two nationalists who attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman
• Herman Badillo, first Puerto Rican to serve in U.S. Congress
• Hernan Padilla, former Mayor of San Juan, founder Puerto Rican Renewal Party
• Dr. José Celso Barbosa, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Statehood Movement"
• Jose Coll y Cuchi, founder of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party
• Dr. Jose de Diego, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Independence Movement"
• Jose Serrano, most senior Puerto Rican congressman
• Juan Marí Bras, founder of the Puerto Rican Socialist Party
• Kenneth McClintock, President of the Senate
• Lolita Lebron, nationalist
• Luis Muñoz Rivera, Resident Commissioner in Washington, D.C.
• Manuel Rojas, leader of the "Grito de Lares"
• Mariana Bracetti, leader of the Lares Revolutionary Council
• Maria de Lourdes Santiago, first female "PIP" member to be elected into the Puerto Rican Senate
• Mathias Brugman, leader of the Grito de Lares
• Nydia Velázquez, first Puerto Rican congresswoman
• Olga A. Mendez, first Puerto Rican New York State Senator
• Oscar Collazo, one of two nationalists who attempted to assassinate President Harry S. Truman
• Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos, founder of the Nationalist Party
• Dr.Ramon Emeterio Betances, main leader of the Grito de Lares revolution
• Roman Baldorioty de Castro, "The Father of Puerto Rico's Autonomy"
• Ruben Berrios-Martinez, president of the Puerto Rican Independence Party
• Santiago Iglesias, labor activist and Resident Commissioner to Washington
• 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)

• Aníbal Acevedo Vila, 8th elected governor of Puerto Rico
• Carlos Romero Barceló, 5th elected governor of Puerto Rico
• Jesus T. Piñero, first Puerto Rican to be named Governor by the U.S.
• Juan Ponce de León II, first Puerto Rican to be temporary governor
• Luis A. Ferré, 3rd elected governor of Puerto Rico (see also Industrialists)
• Luis Muñoz Marín, 1st elected governor of Puerto Rico
• Dr. Pedro Rosselló, 6th elected governor of Puerto Rico
• Rafael Hernández Colón, 4th elected governor of Puerto Rico
• Roberto Sánchez Vilella, 2nd elected governor of Puerto Rico
• Sila María Calderón, first female and 7th elected governor of Puerto Rico

• Denisse Oller, Emmy-award winning New York City television news anchor
• Elizabeth Vargas, former co-anchor ABC World News Tonight
• Geraldo Rivera, journalist
• Jose Julian Acosta, journalist
• Manuel Fernandez Juncos, journalist, wrote lyrics to "La Borinqueña"

• Sergeant First Class Agustin Ramos Calero, U.S. Army, was the second most decorated soldier in all of the United States during World War II
• Rear Admiral Dr. Alberto Diaz, Jr., U.S. Navy, first Hispanic Director of the San Diego Naval Medical District
• Capt. Angel Rivero Mendez, Spanish Army, fired the first shot against the Americans in the Spanish-American War in Puerto Rico, invented the "Kola Champagne"
• Capt.Antonio de los Reyes Correa, Spanish Army, defeated the British in Arecibo
• Brigadier General Antonio Rodriguez Balinas, U.S. Army, the first commander of the Office of the First U.S. Army Deputy Command.
• Brigadier General Antonio Valero de Bernabe, fought alongside Simón Bolívar
• Col. Carlos Betances Ramirez, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican to command a battalion in the Korean War
• PFC Carlos Lozada, U.S. Army, awarded Medal of Honor
• Tech4 Carmen Contreras-Bozak, became the first Hispanic woman to serve in the Women’s Army Corps as an interpreter and in numerous administrative capacities
• 2 Lt. Carmen Dumler, WAC's, one of the first Puerto Rican women Army officers
• Vice Admiral Diego E. Hernandez, the first Hispanic to be named Vice Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command.
• PFC Domingo Arroyo, Jr., USMC, first Puerto Rican and U.S. serviceman to die during the Somalian Civil War
• Captain Euripides Rubio, U.S. Army, awarded Medal of Honor
• Rear Admiral Frederick Lois Riefkohl, U.S. Navy, first Puerto Rican to graduate from the United States Naval Academy and to be awarded the Navy Cross Medal.
• Major, Dr. Fernando E. Rodriguez Vargas, U.S. Army, discovered the bacteria which causes dental cavity
• PFC Fernando Luis Garcia, USMC, first Puerto Rican awarded the Medal Of Honor
• Major Fernando L. 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
• Lt. Francisco Gonzalo Marin, Cuban Liberation Army, fought alongside José Martí, designed Puerto Rican flag
• Colonel Hector Andres Negroni, First Puerto Rican graduate of the United States Air Force Academy
• Sp4c Hector Santiago-Colon, U.S. Army, awarded Medal of Honor
• Admiral Horacio Rivero, U.S. Navy, first 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 Southeast Asia during captivity.
• Staff Sgt.Humberto Acosta-Rosario, U.S. Army, only Puerto Rican still listed as Missing in Action
• Rear Admiral Jose M. Cabanillas, U.S. Navy, In WWII he was Executive Officer of the USS Texas and participated in the invasions of Africa and Normandy(D-Day).
• Major General Juan Cesar Cordero Davila, 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
• SPC Lizbeth Robles, U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican female soldier born in Puerto Rico to die in Iraq
• Brigadier General Luis Padial, Spanish Army, played an essential role in the abolishment of slavery in Puerto Rico
• Major General Luis R. Esteves, U.S. Army, organized the Puerto Rican National Guard
• Capt. Manuel Rivera, Jr., USMC, First Puerto Rican and U.S. servicemen to die in Operation Desert Shield
• Capt. Marion Frederic Ramirez de Arellano, U.S. Navy, was a submarine commander who was awarded two Silver Star Medals and a Bronze Star Medal for his actions against the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II.
• Capt. Miguel Henriquez, Spanish naval captain, pirate, 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 Sgt. Modesto Cartagena, U.S. Army, most decorated Hispanic in history
• Lieutenant General Pedro Del Valle, U.S. Marine Corps, first Hispanic three-star Marine general
• Rear Admiral Rafael Celestino Benitez, U.S. Navy, highly decorated submarine commander who led the rescue effort of the crew members of the USS Cochino during the Cold War.
• Admiral Ramon Power y Giralt, Spanish Navy, distinguished himself in 1808-1809 with the defense of the Spanish Colony of Santo Domingo against an invasion from French forces by enforcing a blockade.
• Vice Admiral, Dr.Richard Carmona, U.S. Surgeon General under President George W. Bush
• Brigadier General Ricardo Aponte, U.S. Air Force, currently the Director of the United States Southern Command, the first Puerto Rican to hold said position.
• CWO3 Rose Franco, USMC, first Hispanic woman Chief Warrant Officer in the Marine Corps
• Brigadier General Ruben A. Cubero, U.S. Air Force, former Dean of the Air Force Academy
• Major General Salvador E. Felices, U.S. Air Force, first Puerto Rican general in the U.S. Air Force
• Lieutenant Colonel Teofilo Marxuach, U.S. Army, fired the first shot in World War I on behalf of the United States
• Major General William A. Navas, Jr., U.S. Army, first Puerto Rican named Assistant Secretary of the Navy

• Carlos Manuel Rodríguez a.k.a. "St. Charlie", beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001
• Father Diego de Torres Vargas, first to write about the history of Puerto Rico.
• Father Francisco Ayerra de Santa Maria, Puerto Rico's first poet
• Sor Isolina Ferre, Catholic nun awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom
• Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi, first Puerto Rican to become a bishop
• Juanita García Peraza, "Mita", founder of "Mita" religion
• Luis Cardinal Aponte Martínez,first Puerto Rican to become a cardinal
• Sister Maria Dominguez, beatified in 2004 by Pope John Paul II
• Rev. Nicky Cruz, former gangster turned minister
• Archbishop Roberto Gonzalez Nieves, Catholic Diocese of San Juan
• Rev. Yiye Avila, pentecostal leader

• Marco Rivera, American football player, first Puerto Rican selected to the Pro Bowl
• Ron Rivera, American football player, first Puerto Rican in the National Football League

• Edgar Martinez, baseball player
• Emilio "Millito" Navarro, first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues
• Hiram Bithorn, baseball player, first Puerto Rican in Major League Baseball
• Ivan "Pudge" Rodríguez, baseball player, Detroit Tigers
• Jose "Cheo" Cruz, baseball player, his uniform number was "retired" by the Houston Astros
• Luis Olmo, first Puerto Rican to hit a home run in a World Series
• Orlando 'Peruchin' Cepeda, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame
• Roberto Alomar, baseball player
• Roberto Clemente, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame
• Reggie Jackson, baseball player, member of Baseball Hall of Fame (Puerto Rican on father's side)
• Rubén Gómez (baseball player), first Puerto Rican to pitch and win a World Series game.
• Victor Pellot, a.k.a. "Vic Power", baseball player, second black Puerto Rican in Major League Baseball

• Butch Lee, basketball player, first Puerto Rican to play in the NBA
• Carlos Arroyo, basketball player, Orlando Magic
• Carmelo Anthony, basketball player, Denver Nuggets (Puerto Rican father)
• Dick Versace, first person of Puerto Rican descent to coach an NBA team (Indiana Pacers)
• Jose Ortiz, basketball player
• Juan "Johnny" Báez, basketball player, recipient of "Puerto Rico Olympic Medal of Honor"
• Juan "Pachín" Vicéns, basketball player, led the Ponce Lions team to six championships
• Mario "Quijote" Morales, BSN basketball player
• Ruben Rodríguez, basketball player

• Ada Velez, the first Puerto Rican female boxer, to win a championship
• Alberto Mercado, Olympian boxer, the only American citizen in the 1980 Olympics
• Alfredo Escalera, boxer -Former champion
• Angel "Cholo" Espada, boxer, former champ
• Carlos Ortiz, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
• Edwin "El Chapo" Rosario, member of International Boxing Hall of Fame (2006)
• Félix "Tito" Trinidad, boxer-Former champion
• Hector 'Macho' Camacho, boxer-Former champion
• John Ruíz, first Hispanic heavyweight boxing champion
• José "Chegui" Torres, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
• Jose "King" Roman, boxer, first Puerto Rican to fight for the world heavyweight title
• Juan Evangelista Venegas, boxer, the first Puerto Rican to win an Olympic medal
• Luis Ortiz, boxer, first Puerto Rican to win a Silver Olympic medal in boxing
• Pedro Montañez, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
• Sixto Escobar,Puerto Rico's first boxing champion, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
• Wilfred Benitez, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
• Wilfredo Gómez, boxer, member of Boxing Hall of Fame
• Wilfredo Vazquez, boxer-Former champion

• Angel Cordero Jr., jockey, member of Jockey Hall of Fame
• Bold Forbes, thoroughbred champion
• Mark Watring, equestrian

• Carlos Colon, Jr., professional wrestler
• Pedro Morales, professional wrestler, member of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Hall of Fame
• Savio Vega, professional wrestler, former WWE wrestler

• Ivelisse Echevarria, softball, inducted into the International Softball Federation Hall of Fame (2003)
• Lisa Fernandez, softball, Olympic gold medalist

• Jesse Vassallo, swimmer, member of International Swimming Hall of Fame
• Maritza Correia, swimmer, first black Puerto Rican woman in U.S. Olympic Swimming Team

• Gigi Fernández, tennis player, won 17 Grand Slam doubles titles and two Olympic Gold Medals, once ranked as the no. 1 woman doubles player in the world
• Kristina Brandi, tennis player
• Luis Haddock, tennis player

• Abdiel Colberg, only Hispanic pro-rollerblader
• Angelita Lind, track and field athlete
• Benjamin Agosto, figure skating, ice dancer and Olympic medalist,
• Dr. David "Kike" Bernier, fencing, member of Puerto Rican National Fencing Team
• Enrique Figueroa, sailing
• Ernesto Pastor, bullfighter in the Hall of Fame
• Felix Magath, soccer, first Puerto Rican to play in the FIFA World Cup, as part of the German team (mother is German)
• German Rieckehoff, former president of Puerto Rican Olympic Committee
• Jonny Moseley, skier, first Puerto Rican to belong to the U.S. Ski Team
• Juan "Chi-Chi" Rodríguez, golfer, member of Golf Hall of Fame
• Raul Papaleo, volleyball, Puerto Rican National Volleyball Team
• Dr. Rebekah Colberg, multi-sport Olympic medalist and champion, known as "The Mother of Puerto Rican Women's Sports"
• Janice Olivencia, golf player

• Agüeybaná, Taíno chief, "supreme cacique"
• Agüeybaná II, brother of Agueybaná
• Arasibo, cacique, area of Arecibo
• Caguax, cacique, area of Caguas
• Hayuya, cacique, area of Jayuya
• Jumacao, cacique, area of Humacao
• Orocobix, cacique, area of Orocovis, Barranquitas, Morovis, Aibonito, Corozal.
• Urayoán, cacique, area that presently spans between Añasco and Mayagüez, ordered the drowning of Diego Salcedo

• Carmen Consuelo Vargas-Cerezo, first female Puerto Rican federal judge
• Christopher Aponte, world renowned dancer and choreographer
• David Blaine, illusionist/magician (Puerto Rican father)
• Edgardo Diaz, founder of Menudo
• Felipe Birriel, "El Gigante de Carolina", was the tallest Puerto Rican
• Juan R. Torruella, first Puerto Rican to serve as Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeals
• Maria Elena Holly, was the wife of one of the founding fathers of rock and roll, Buddy Holly.
• Sonia Sotomayor, first Puerto Rican woman to serve as a U.S. Circuit Court judge
• Walter Mercado, astrologer