Famous Puerto Ricans: T

1967–Present · Santurce · Latin Grammy Award-Winning Singer

Although born in Santurce, Olga Tañón has strong ties to Dorado and has become one of Puerto Rico's most internationally recognized Latin music artists.

1826–1882 · San Juan · Poet • Playwright • Journalist

Poet, playwright, and journalist born November 12, 1826, in San Juan. Tapía y Rivera is considered the father of Puerto Rican literature and was an important figure in the development of the island's literary tradition. His memoir, Mis memorias, was first published in 1927, many years after his death. He died July 19, 1882, in San Juan.

1843–1883 · San Juan · Composer

Composer born November 28, 1843, in San Juan. Tavárez was one of Puerto Rico's best-known danza composers and is considered the "Father of the Puerto Rican Danza." His work played an important role in the development of the danza as a distinctive Puerto Rican musical form. He died July 1, 1883, at age 39 in Ponce.

1940–Present · Naguabo · Public Service

Public servant and civic leader recognized for his contributions to the development of Naguabo and eastern Puerto Rico through community and governmental service.

1887–1961 · San Germán · Historian • Educator • Writer

A respected historian and educator whose research and writings helped preserve Puerto Rico's history and the cultural heritage of San Germán. He is remembered for documenting many aspects of the island's colonial past.

1916–2005 · Aibonito · Art

Celebrated painter, muralist, writer, and television personality whose work became an important part of Puerto Rico's artistic and cultural identity.

1974–Present · Toa Alta · Modeling • Acting • Television

Entertainment Actress, model, author, and television personality who represented Puerto Rico at Miss Universe 1993 and won the international title, becoming one of Puerto Rico's best-known beauty queens.

1931–Present · Influential Figure · Jurist • Novelist

Jurist and novelist born in 1931 in New York City to Puerto Rican immigrant parents. After attending Brooklyn College, Torres pursued a legal career and was eventually appointed to the New York Supreme Court, where he presided over numerous criminal cases. One of his most widely known cases was the 1991 Brian Watkins murder case, involving a young tourist from Utah who was killed on a New York subway platform. Torres also wrote several novels, including Carlito's Way, Q & A, and After Hours.

1943–2009 · Ponce · Boxing

Olympic bronze medalist and world light heavyweight boxing champion who became one of Puerto Rico's most celebrated athletes and later worked as a sports commentator and author.

1947–Present · Rincón · Politics

Puerto Rican public servant and former senator associated with western Puerto Rico.

San Lorenzo · Law • Politics

Puerto Rican attorney and political leader who served in the island's legislature and became an important figure in Puerto Rico's early 20th-century political life.