Dozens of men and women born in Jalisco, both living and deceased, can be found among Mexico’s long list of luminaries who have contributed to the national landscape in multiple fields, whether cultural, sporting, academic, political or otherwise.
Here, we provide a sample of a some of the most influential figures to have come out of this state. Apologies to the excluded!
Isaac Hernandez
Famed ballet dancer who started at a young age, winning many prizes, has become an international superstar. Formerly a principal with the English National Ballet, he now dances with the San Francisco Ballet. Winner of the prestigious Benois de la Danse in 2018.
Guillermo del Toro
Film director and author has won three Academy Awards, three BAFTAs, and an Emmy in a stellar career. Has had a lifelong fascination with monsters, which he considers symbols of great power. Standout films include “The Shape of Water,” “Hellboy” and “The Devil’s Backbone.”
Vicente Fernández
Mexican cultural icon known as the king of ranchero music. Starting his career as a busker, he recorded 100 albums, contributed to more than 30 films and won three Grammys. Nicknamed “Chente,” he was named by Rolling Stone as the greatest Mexican singer of all time.
Juan Rulfo
Writer, screenwriter, and photographer best known for two literary works, the 1955 novel “Pedro Páramo,” and the collection of short stories “El Llano en llamas” (1953), considered by Jorge Luis Borges to be one of the greatest texts written in any language.
Valentín Gómez Farías
The only Mexican president to come from Jalisco, this physician and liberal politician held the post twice, in 1833, during the First Mexican Republic, and in 1846, during the Mexican–American War. Chiefly tried to curtail the power of the Army and Catholic Church.
Irene Robledo
Much honored Mexican educator was a co-founder of the modern era of the University of Guadalajara. Studied in the United States to be a homeopathic doctor, dentist and social worker before dedicating her life to teaching. Her personal motto was,“For a more human humanity.”
Carlos Santana
Famed guitarist was born in Autlán de Navarro in 1947, and moved to San Francisco with his family as an adolescent. Known for pioneering a fusion of rock and roll and Latin American jazz in the late 1960s and early 70s, winning ten Grammys. His most loved tracks: “Black Magic Woman” and “Oye Como Va.”
María Izquierdo
Painter and early feminist known for being the first Mexican woman to have her artwork exhibited in the United States. One of only a few female artists to be on same level as Mexico’s great muralists, she helped opened the door for many female artists. Her imagery had its main roots in Mexican traditions.
José Pablo Moncayo
One of Mexico’s most important composers whose masterworks best symbolize the essence of the national aspirations and contradictions of Mexico in the 20th century. Perhaps best known for “Huapango,” a bright, short orchestral arrangement of popular dances from the eastern state of Veracruz.
Katya Echazarreta
She became the first Mexican-born woman in space as part of Space for Humanity’s Citizen Astronaut Program, launched on June 4, 2022. An electrical engineer at NASA, she was chosen from more than 7,000 applicants and took part in a mission lasting around 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of 60 miles.
Lorena Ochoa
Guadalajara-born professional golfer retired at the peak of her career in 2011 at age 28 to start a family. The two-time major winner was the top-ranked female golfer in the world for 158 consecutive weeks from April 2007 to May 2010. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2017.
Luis Barragán
Architect, engineer and sculptor whose minimalist work has influenced contemporary architects both visually and conceptually. Won the prestigious Pritzker Prize, the highest award in architecture, in 1980. Designed a dozen private homes in Guadalajara’s Colonia Americana, and many sculptures all over Mexico.
José Clemente Orozco
Arguably Jalisco’s most eminent citizen. An artist who specialized in political murals that established the Mexican Mural Renaissance together with Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Works can be seen in Guadalajara’s Cabañas Institute and Statehouse.