About Famous People From Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, a small island nation in the northeast Caribbean that is smaller than the state of Connecticut and has had many famous people associated with it. From sports stars to scientists, from actors to musicians, Puerto Rico has produced its share of individuals who have gone on to great renown. This article will touch on some of the most famous people to come from Puerto Rico.

History

Actor Jose Ferrer hailed from Puerto Rico, the first Latin to win an Academy Award. Rita Moreno, who garnered an Oscar, a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy comes from Puerto Rico. Richard Carmona was the United States Surgeon General from 2002 to 2006, as was Antonia Covella during the 1990s, and both hailed from Puerto Rico. Julio Mercado was the first Puerto Rican to be named Deputy Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Time Frame

Agustin Ramos Calero was the most decorated soldier from Puerto Rico in the US Army, killing 10 Germans and capturing 21 more in 1945. One of the most infamous Puerto Ricans was the would-be-assassin Oscar Collazo, who tried to kill President Truman on November 1st, 1950. He failed and received a life sentence that was commuted after 29 years by President Carter. In 1937 Oscar Garcia Rivera, Sr. became the first Puerto Rican to be elected to public office in the continental United States, as a New York Assemblyman.

Types

Actor Adam Rodriguez, star of "CSI Miami" is from Puerto Rico as are actors Freddie Prinze Jr., Frankie Muniz, Jimmy Smits, the late Raul Julia, and Roselyn Sanchez. Latin singing sensation Ricky Martin and Chuck Negron, lead singer of "Three Dog Night" are also Puerto Rican. Joseph Acaba was the first Puerto Rican astronaut. Sports stars from Puerto Rico include Butch Lee, the first man from his island to play in the NBA, former All-Star Bernie Williams of the Yankees, and the Hall of Fame great Roberto Clemente of the Pirates.

Effects

Perhaps no famous Puerto Rican did more for his countrymen than Clemente. Still idolized today despite having died in 1972 in a humanitarian mission to bring earthquake relief to Nicaragua, Clemente blazed a hard trail for other Latins in Major League Baseball. He was generous with his fame and wealth, using it to improve conditions in Puerto Rico. His excellence made it clear that not just Puerto Ricans but all ballplayers from Latin America deserved their chance to play in the big leagues.

Expert Insight

Clemente died with exactly 3,000 hits, collecting a double off of the Mets' Jon Matlack at the end of the 1972 season. Perhaps the greatest outfield arm in the game belonged to Roberto, who won batting titles and two World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was named MVP of the 1971 fall classic as the Pirates upset the Baltimore Orioles in 7 games.