Gloria, Gloria
Gloria Estefan is a hero in our house and for nothing more than being Cuban and famous. Growing up, my mami always gave me updates on Gloria’s life, her music career, her family, gossip. And yes, we referred to her as Gloria as if we had a very personal, I know you in real life type relationship (we do not, in fact, know her at all).
My mami was overjoyed when she had children. She was distraught when she had her bus accident. She followed her recovery every step of the way. My mami even knows Gloria’s life story from her life in Cuban to her journey to the United States. My mami loves Gloria. I thought my mami was a bit batty to be so obsessed with Gloria but now that I’m older I get why she loves her so.
I find myself following somewhat in my mami’s footsteps. Like mami, I search out famous Cubanos to support. You could be a terrible actor or awful singer but if you’re Cuban I’m going to check out your work. It’s much like my love for really bad Latino entertainment solely for the sake of showing support. My husband, like usual, thinks I’m nuts. Like the time we were watching Jennifer Lopez’s Shall We Dance and I got excited about Bobby Cannavale, a Cubanito born in my own little Union City, New Jersey.
In case you’re like me, here’s a little round up of my favorite bet-you-didn’t-know-they-were-Cuban Cubans.
- Ex-Real World participant Rachel Campos-Duffy
- Leann Rimes loving Eddie Cibrian
- Lawrence Fishburn’s wife, Gina Torres
- Actress and singer Christina Milian
- Fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez
I’ve got a motherload of a list going, this is just a small sampling. Are you as obsessive as my mami about supporting your famous country men and women? I love to support all Latino artists not just the Cubanos so I’d love for you to share some less well known Latino celebrities. I may not talk about on a first name basis but I’ll be their cheerleader nonetheless.
Hi! I came accross this website and I love it.. I live in Miami, but I am not of Cuban descent but it’s almost like I was because of growing up here.. An awesome Cuban actor, Danny Pino, from Cold Case.. Him and Andy Garcia are my favorite Cuban American actors..
Hoy es el cumpleano de Gloria Estefan. Mi mejor amiga es prima de su mama que tambien se llama Gloria. No voy a decir cuanto cumple
Oscar Torre! The “I do what I gotta do” hired thug in the short-lived TV series “Cane.” Who has a role in the upcoming movie, “Legacy.” (Why do I know this stuff?)
Marta
[...] I’ve written before about my grandpa and how much I love him. It has been interesting growing my own family with him so many miles [...]
Gloria’s music es increible! “Alma Caribena” is full of wisdom, story, heartache and love. One of my all time favorite albums. Ella tiene la voz del mundo latina.
I had NO idea Bobby Cannavale was Cuban! That might explain my crush… and Narciso Rodriguez?! Always thought he was Puerto Rican as well as, Christina Milian. I’m not sure why that put me in a good mood… strange.
Thanks!
I have another reason to love Glorita. A friend of mine had a grandson who died of cancer quite young. While he was at the hospital, Gloria would come in regularly to visit with the kids. There was never any press there, and she asked the hospital to keep her visits on the downlow. Those visits had nothing to do with publicity, and everything to do with Gloria’s big heart. God bless her.
Gloria was the first concert I ever went to. I must have been like 9 or 10, and it was the coolest.thing.ever. Ahhh.
Omg. I thought I was the only one who was so obsessed! I’m the gringa and mi cubanazo thinks it’s weird for sure…or he just doesn’t care. Whatevs. By the way, Narciso Rodriguez’s perfume is my fave…seriously…the best ever.