Cinco de Mayo may be a more popular holiday stateside that it is in Mexico, but even so, we figured we'd take this opportunity to highlight some of the achievements of Mexican-American stars who have broken through in Hollywood.
1. Selena Gomez
Selena was born in Grand Prairie, Texas to a Mexican-American father. She's named after Tejano pop star Selena.
2. Demi Lovato
Demi was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her father is of Mexican descent.
3. Eva Longoria
Eva was born in Corpus Christi to Tejano parents. She holds an MD in Chicano Studies from California State University.
4. Louis C.K.
Louis was born in Washington, DC but lived in Mexico City from infancy until the age of 7. His first language was Spanish and he remains a Mexican citizen.
5. Salma Hayek
Salma was born in Mexico to a singer and an oil executive. She's been one of the hottest stars in Hollywood since her role in Desperado helped her crack the US market.
6. Mario Lopez
Mario was born to teo parents of Mexican descent. He gained fame as a teen on Seved By The Bell and remains in the spotlight to this day.
7. Guillermo del Toro
Guillermo was born in Guadalajara to a strict Catholic family. He is now one of Hollywood's most in-demand directors thanks to his work on such films as Hellboy and Pacific Rim
8. George Lopez
George Lopez was born in LA and raised by his maternal grandmother. His commentaries on Mexican-American life have helped make him one of the most successful comics in the US.
9. Cheech Marin
Cheech was born in LA to a secretary and a police officer. His work with comedy partner Tommy Chong has made him one of the most influential Mexican-American comedians.
10. Robert Rodriguez
Acclaimed director Robert Rodriguez was born to Mexican-American parents in San Antonio. He made his mark with El Mariachi in 1992 and has since directed a string of successful Hollywood films.
11. Cesar Milan
Cesar Milan was born in Mexico in 1969. His work as a dog trainer and his acclaimed reality show have made him a sensation in America.
12. Gael Garcia Bernal
Gael was born in Mexico to an actor and a model. He's continued the showbiz tradition and his acting has gained him worldwide fame.
13. Lynda Carter
Lynda was born in Phoenix to a mother of Mexican descent. She went on to play Wonder Woman...need we say more?
Celebrities like Selena Gomez and Salma Hayek have paved the way for future entertainers of Mexican descent and the list of stars from south of the border who have achieved global success is growing every day.
Mexican-American director Robert Rodriguez recently launched El Rey, an English language television network targeted at Latino audiences and highlighting the achievements of Mexican-Americans in the media.
El Rey is just the latest in a long line of cultural coups that reflect the changing face of the American population as well as the essential on-going contributions made by actors, writers, directors and singers of Mexican heritage.
Check out the gallery above for a list of some of the biggest Mexican-American stars in show business today.
Some were born in Mexico, some in the US, but all are appreciated in both nations for their unique talents.
Selena Gomez' new album is expected to enjoy blockbuster sales while George Lopez continues to enjoy global popularity. Both serve to remind us of the wide array of incredible skills Mexican-Americans have brought to the world of entertainment.
Asked once about her cultural heritage, Salma Hayek replied, "I have tried my whole life to represent my Mexican roots with honor and pride." Despite their varied backgrounds and strengths, that's a task all of the entertainers on our list have accomplished admirably.