The 15 Most Famous Guatemalan Celebrities Right Now: From Hollywood Stars To Olympic Gold Medalists

Guatemala, the Heart of the Mayan World, has produced an incredible roster of talent that is making a significant impact on the global stage today. From Hollywood blockbuster stars and Grammy-winning musicians to the co-founder of one of the world's most popular language apps, Guatemalan celebrities are redefining what it means to be a global influencer. This list, updated for December 2025, focuses on the most current and internationally recognized figures who are actively shaping popular culture, technology, and sports. The nation's cultural ambassadors are achieving historic milestones, proving that talent from Central America can dominate any industry. Whether it’s through groundbreaking cinematic roles, chart-topping music, or a historic Olympic victory, these individuals are a source of immense national pride and international fascination.

The Global Icons: Actors, Musicians, and Tech Titans

The most recognizable Guatemalan figures are those who have successfully crossed over into mainstream international markets, becoming household names across the Americas and Europe.

1. Oscar Isaac: The Hollywood A-Lister

Oscar Isaac Hernández Estrada is arguably the most recognizable Guatemalan actor in Hollywood today. Born in Guatemala City, his career trajectory has seen him move from indie darling to a major blockbuster star. His filmography is extensive and critically acclaimed:

• Full Name: Oscar Isaac Hernández Estrada
• Born: March 9, 1979, in Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Occupation: Actor, Producer
• Notable Works: *Inside Llewyn Davis*, *Ex Machina*, *Star Wars* sequel trilogy (as Poe Dameron), *Dune* (as Duke Leto Atreides), *Moon Knight*.
• Recent Updates: Isaac remains highly active, with several major projects announced, including the upcoming films *Flesh of the Gods*, *Francis and the Godfather*, and *London*. His continued presence in major franchises solidifies his status as a top-tier global celebrity.

2. Ricardo Arjona: The Ballad King of Latin Music

Ricardo Arjona is one of the most commercially successful and influential Latin American singer-songwriters of all time. His introspective, often socially conscious lyrics and distinct voice have earned him a massive, dedicated following. His career highlights are numerous, including multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. His music—a blend of pop, rock, and Cuban-influenced ballads—has produced countless hits.

• Full Name: Edgar Ricardo Arjona Morales
• Born: January 19, 1964, in Jocotenango, Guatemala
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Musician
• Notable Works: Albums *Animal Nocturno*, *Historias*, *Quinto Piso*, and hit songs "Mujeres," "Dime Que No," and "El Problema."
• Recent Updates: Arjona continues to tour extensively, with his highly anticipated "LO QUE EL SECO NO DIJO" tour scheduled for the United States in 2025, demonstrating his enduring popularity and influence in Latin music.

3. Luis von Ahn: The Tech Innovator

While not a traditional "celebrity," Luis von Ahn's impact on global technology and education has made him a world-famous figure. He is the co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, the world's most popular language-learning platform. Von Ahn is also a pioneer of crowdsourcing, known for inventing CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA. A computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, his work has literally touched billions of internet users worldwide.

• Full Name: Luis von Ahn
• Born: 1978, in Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Occupation: Entrepreneur, Computer Scientist, CEO of Duolingo
• Notable Works: Co-inventor of CAPTCHA and reCAPTCHA, Co-founder/CEO of Duolingo.
• Recent Updates: Von Ahn remains at the forefront of the tech world, with Duolingo surpassing 50 million daily active users and introducing major AI-powered innovations in 2024.

Historic Achievements and Cultural Trailblazers

The following group of celebrities includes those who have achieved historic firsts for Guatemala and those who are leading the way in film and music with their unique cultural perspectives.

4. Adriana Ruano Oliva: Guatemala’s Olympic Gold Hero

Adriana Ruano Oliva secured her place in Guatemalan history by winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal. Her victory was a monumental moment for the nation and instantly elevated her to a national hero status.

• Full Name: Ana Lucía Ruano Oliva
• Born: June 26, 1995, in Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Occupation: Sports Shooter (Trap)
• Notable Works: Gold Medal in the Women's Trap event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
• Recent Updates: Her historic win in July 2024 has made her the most talked-about athlete in Guatemalan history, a true symbol of perseverance, having transitioned from an Olympic-level gymnast to a world-class shooter following a career-ending spinal injury.

5. Gaby Moreno: The Grammy-Winning Songstress

Gaby Moreno is a singer-songwriter and producer known for her captivating blend of blues, jazz, soul, and Latin American folk music. She is a celebrated figure in both the Latin and Americana music scenes. Moreno's work often features multilingual lyrics and deep cultural roots, earning her a Latin Grammy for Best New Artist and a Grammy nomination for her 2022 album *Alegoría*.

• Full Name: María Gabriela Moreno Bonilla
• Born: December 16, 1981, in Guatemala City, Guatemala
• Occupation: Singer-songwriter, Producer
• Notable Works: Albums *Postales*, *Ilusión*, and *Alegoría*. She also co-wrote the theme song for the TV show *Parks and Recreation*.
• Recent Updates: Her latest album, *Dusk*, released via Cosmica Artists, features a notable collaboration with fellow Guatemalan Oscar Isaac on the song "Luna de Xelajú," a beautiful homage to their shared heritage.

6. María Mercedes Coroy: The Rising Star of Mayan Cinema

María Mercedes Coroy is an actress of Kaqchikel Maya descent whose powerful performances have brought international attention to Guatemalan and Indigenous cinema. She is a crucial figure in the movement to increase representation of Indigenous people in film, with her roles often exploring complex social and cultural themes.

• Full Name: María Mercedes Coroy
• Born: September 3, 1994, in Santa María de Jesús, Sacatepéquez, Guatemala
• Occupation: Actress
• Notable Works: *Ixcanul* (2015), *La Llorona* (2019), and her major Hollywood appearance as the character Namora in the Marvel film *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* (2022).

More Influential Guatemalan Figures (Topical Authority Entities)

Guatemala's influence extends far beyond the main stars, with a deep pool of talent in sports, literature, and digital media. These figures contribute significantly to the country's global recognition.

A. Sports and Athletics

• Kevin Cordón (Badminton): A four-time Olympian and a national hero in his sport. Cordón is one of the most successful Central American badminton players, known for his surprise run to the semi-finals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
• Erick Barrondo (Race Walker): Barrondo won Guatemala's first-ever Olympic medal—a silver—in the 20 km race walk at the London 2012 Games, setting the stage for future athletic success like Ruano's.
• Ana Sofía Gómez (Gymnast): A celebrated artistic gymnast who represented Guatemala at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, becoming a popular figure for her competitive spirit.

B. Literature and Arts

The country boasts a rich literary tradition, cemented by a Nobel Prize winner.

• Miguel Ángel Asturias (Writer): The most famous Guatemalan writer, he won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1967. His works, such as *Men of Maize*, are foundational to Latin American literature.
• Luis Cardoza y Aragón (Writer/Art Critic): A renowned poet, essayist, and art critic who was a major figure in 20th-century Latin American art and literature.
• Manuel Gabriel Tzoc Bucup (Poet/Artist): A contemporary Indigenous poet and visual artist whose work brings a modern, queer perspective to Guatemalan arts.

C. Social Media and Digital Influence

The rise of digital platforms has created a new generation of Guatemalan celebrities with massive followings.

• Gaby Asturias (Influencer/TV Presenter): A prominent model and television presenter who has a massive following on social media, making her one of the top digital influencers in the country.
• Kimberly Flores (Fitness Influencer): A popular model and fitness enthusiast whose content focused on family and lifestyle has garnered a significant audience both domestically and internationally.
• Juanfer (Social Media Personality): One of the top-ranked influencers in Guatemala, known for his engaging content across various platforms.

The Enduring Legacy of Guatemalan Talent

The current generation of Guatemalan celebrities demonstrates an unprecedented level of global reach and influence. From the groundbreaking work of an Indigenous actress like María Mercedes Coroy, who brings Mayan culture to Hollywood, to the entrepreneurial genius of Luis von Ahn, who is changing global education through Duolingo, the nation’s representatives are diverse and impactful. This surge of talent, highlighted by the historic Olympic gold of Adriana Ruano Oliva, confirms Guatemala’s growing importance in the international landscape of culture, technology, and achievement.