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A little known fact about Cinco de Mayo is that it exists to commemorate the Mexican army's victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Contrary to popular belief, it is NOT Mexico’s Independence Day.
The 5th of May is actually not a Federal holiday south of the border; it is more of an international holiday -- a way for other countries to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride.
So, in celebration of the Mexican-American connection, we’d like to take this opportunity to countdown the five most influential (and easy on the eyes, let’s face it) Mexican-American actresses in Hollywood today.
5) Lynda Carter
The 1970s sex symbol who brought Wonder Woman to life is half Mexican and half Irish-America. She won Miss World USA in 1972 and has consistently been working on the stage and screen ever since. Recently, she has been touring the US with her one woman cabaret act, “An Evening with Lynda Carter.”
4) Sara Ramírez
Ramírez was born in the beach city of Mazatlán, Mexico and moved to San Diego at the age of eight. A graduate of the Juilliard School in NYC, she made her debut on Broadway in 1998 in Paul Simon’sThe Capeman. She won the Tony Award in 2005 for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for her role in Spamalot. Today, you can catch her on Thursday nights on Grey’s Anatomy. She plays orthopedic surgeon Dr. Callie Torres, currently one of only two recurring lesbian/bisexual characters on primetime TV – the other being her on-screen paramour played by the adorable Jessica Capshaw.
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3) Jessica Alba
Alba inherited her Mexican roots from her father. She burst onto the scene in 2000 as Max Guevera, the lead character in James Cameron’s Dark Angel. From there she has been a mainstay on pretty much every top 10 list from People’s Most Beautiful People to FHM’s Sexiest Women in the World. She most recently starred in the romantic comedy Valentine’s Day, the horror/thriller The Eye and the Fantastic Four. She is slated to star in the next installment of the Meet the Fockers franchise, set for release later this year.
2) Salma Hayek
Hayek hails from Coatzacoalcos, Mexico and has showbiz in her blood--her mother is an opera singer. In 1995 Robert Rodriguez cast her opposite Antonio Banderas in Desperado and from there Hayek became a shining star in Hollywood. She was nominated for Best Actress for her performance in Frida and more recently starred in Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant. Hayek’s next flick, the Adam Sandler comedy Grown Ups, is scheduled for release in 2010.
1) Eva Longoria Parker
Longoria made the transition from model to actress with the breakthrough role of Gabrielle Solis on ABC’s hit show Desperate Housewives. Before landing on Wisteria Lane she made appearances on daytime soaps like General Hospital and The Young and the Restless. Her modeling career is a success as well; Longoria has appeared on the cover of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and is one of the national spokeswomen for L'Oréal.
So, let’s raise a Corona or a shot of Patron in honor of these amazing and accomplished women.
¡Salud!
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