Great moments for Hispanic characters on TV

February 19, 2016 at 12:33AM
Lynda Carter stars in the title role of the 1970s television show "Wonder Woman." Shown is an October 1976 handout photo, courtesy of ABC Television.
Lynda Carter stars in the title role of the 1970s television show “Wonder Woman.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

There haven't been many milestones for Hispanic performers on TV, but they've made the most out of their moments in the spotlight:

"Wonder Woman" (1975-79): A bigger secret than Diana Prince was a caped crusader? Actress Lynda Carter was half Hispanic, a little known fact that may have your head spinning.

"Dora the Explorer" (2000- ): Some of the kids who learned bits of Spanish from this animated heroine are probably just entering college.

"Ugly Betty" (2006-10): The series died out all too soon, but not before star America Ferrera took home a Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild award and an Emmy.

"Glee" (2009-15): The dramedy's commitment to inclusion was perhaps best wrapped up in the character of Naya Rivera's Santana, who managed to be Hispanic, lesbian and coldhearted, all at the same time.

"Modern Family" (2009- ): Yes, Sofia Vergara is a key player in this ensemble comedy, but it's her role as a spokeswoman for everything from State Farm to Synthroid that has truly made her a force.

"Brooklyn Nine-Nine" (2013- ): This police-procedural comedy doesn't get enough props for casting two very different, very funny Hispanic women, Stephanie Beatriz and Melissa Fumero.

Neal Justin

about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

See More