In addition to beaches and sunshine, the Dominican Republic is famous for Merengue, Bachata, and Baseball. But who are these Dominican celebrities who have brought international fame to the country?
Here is our selection of the
10 Most Famous Dominicans
### No. 1 – David Ortiz: Big Papi’s lasting fame
From the streets of Santo Domingo to the big stages of Major League Baseball, David Ortiz, affectionately known as “Big Papi,” has left his mark on the sport. As a hitter for the Boston Red Sox, Ortiz shone with 10 All-Star nominations and three World Series titles (2004, 2007, 2013). Off the field, Ortiz is also considered a role model for young athletes. His fame was cemented with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022.
### No. 2 – Marileidy Paulino: The Dominican Lightning
Runner Marileidy Paulino, nicknamed “Rayo Dominicano,” is the pride of all Dominicans. She wrote sports history in the most recent 2024 Olympic Games in Paris when she won the women’s 400 meters; being the first Dominican woman to win an Olympic gold medal for her country. She had previously already added gold and silver medals at the 2022 World Athletics Championships to her collection of national and international records. Paulino is rightly considered one of the top athletes in the world today.
### No. 3 – Amelia Vega: A Versatile Inspiration
Amelia Vega, the first Miss Universe from the Dominican Republic, shines with beauty and versatility. In addition to her success in beauty pageants, Vega has made a name for herself as an artist, mother and author. As the wife of basketball star Al Horford, she manages to balance career and family life and serves as an inspiration to many young women.
### No. 4 – Oscar de la Renta: The Pinnacle of Elegance
Born in the Dominican Republic, Oscar de la Renta rose to become one of the most famous fashion designers in the world. He began his career in Europe and eventually conquered the United States with his vision of elegance. From iconic ball gowns to sophisticated everyday wear, his designs always keep a touch of glamour.
### No. 5 – The Mirabal Sisters: The Butterflies
The Mirabal sisters, known as “Las Mariposas,” are revered for their efforts against the Trujillo dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. Their fight for justice and freedom made them enduring symbols of women’s resistance and courage against their oppressors. In conmemoration, the UN declared in 1999 November 25th as the “International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women”. The Mirabal sisters were murdered by Trujillo’s henchmen on November 25, 1960.
### No. 6 – Zoe Saldaña: The Tireless Fighter
Zoe Saldaña is a Dominican-American actress who rose to international fame in Hollywood. With her iconic roles in blockbuster films such as “Avatar” and “Guardians of the Galaxy”, she is considered by many to be a role model for her dedication and tireless efforts to make it to the top in the highly competitive film industry.
### No. 7 – Junot Díaz: A Voice of Dominican Literature
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Díaz has captivated readers with his profound storytelling. His works, including “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” and “Drown”, are rich with Dominican cultural nuances and experiences. Díaz’s ability to transform personal narratives into universal stories makes him a significant voice in contemporary literature.
### No. 8 – Manny Pérez: A Dominican Star on the International Screen
Dominican actor Manny Pérez has gained international recognition with his charismatic performances. His roles in films such as “La Soga,” “The Last Witch Hunter” and “Riddick” show his ability to portray complex characters. Pérez’s talent has made him one of the most famous representatives of the Dominican Republic in the US film industry.
### No. 9 – Natti Natasha: The Queen of Latin Urban Music
Natti Natasha has made an international name for herself as one of the leading voices of Latin Urban Music. With hits such as “Criminal” and “Sin Pijama” she reaches billions of views on YouTube and continues to break records. Her collaborations with famous artists such as Daddy Yankee, Ozuna and Becky G have established her place in the music industry.
### No. 10 – Juan Luis Guerra: A Legendary Music Icon
Juan Luis Guerra is THE towering figure in Latin music. His music, which combines Merengue, Bachata and other Latin genres, has brought the sounds of the Dominican Republic to the world stage. He is not afraid of politically influenced lyrics either. Throughout his career, Guerra has won several Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, cementing his status as a music legend.
—> Meet more Dominican celebrities here on MamasLatinas.
—> Read about them in Spanish here.
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