Jade Reed
12 Filipino American Celebrities With Huge Global Influence
Filipino Americans have made an incredible mark on the global stage, bringing talent, creativity, and cultural pride to entertainment, music, sports, and beyond.
From chart-topping singers to blockbuster movie stars, these trailblazers have not only achieved massive success but also opened doors for future generations.
Their influence reaches millions of fans worldwide, proving that representation and diversity truly matter in shaping pop culture.
1. H.E.R.
Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson, known professionally as H.E.R., has taken the music world by storm with her mysterious persona and undeniable talent.
Born to a Filipina mother and an African American father, she emerged with soulful R&B tracks that blend classic influences with modern production, earning multiple Grammy Awards before turning 25.
Her guitar skills and powerful vocal range set her apart from many pop stars today.
She writes deeply personal lyrics centered on love, identity, and empowerment that resonate widely.
Beyond music, H.E.R. uses her platform to advocate for social justice and equality, extending her influence far beyond the charts.
2. Hailee Steinfeld
Hailee Steinfeld earned an Oscar nomination at just 14 years old for her breakout performance in True Grit, launching one of Hollywood’s most versatile careers.
She has since balanced acclaimed dramatic roles with crowd-pleasing franchises like Bumblebee and the Pitch Perfect films.
Beyond acting, Steinfeld has carved out a successful music career, delivering catchy pop hits such as “Love Myself” and “Starving.”
She also voices the lead character in the animated Spider-Man franchise, reaching new generations of fans.
With Filipino roots through her maternal grandfather, Steinfeld’s diverse background adds depth to her wide-ranging appeal.
3. Olivia Rodrigo
At just 21 years old, Olivia Rodrigo has already become one of the biggest pop stars on the planet.
Her debut album SOUR shattered streaming records and turned her into an overnight sensation with hits like “drivers license” and “good 4 u.”
What sets Olivia apart is her raw, emotionally honest songwriting about heartbreak, growing pains, and young adulthood.
Her lyrics resonate deeply with fans who see their own experiences reflected in her music.
Half-Filipina through her father’s side, Rodrigo’s success brings meaningful Filipino representation to mainstream pop while she continues dominating charts worldwide.
4. Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger rose to fame as the powerhouse lead vocalist of The Pussycat Dolls, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time.
Her commanding vocal range and magnetic stage presence helped turn songs like “Don’t Cha” and “Buttons” into defining pop anthems of the 2000s.
After the group, she launched a successful solo career and became a familiar face on television as a judge on The X Factor and The Masked Singer.
With a Filipino father, Scherzinger often speaks proudly about her heritage, drawing inspiration from her family’s culture while continuing to shine in music, television, and philanthropy worldwide.
5. apl.de.ap
Allan Pineda Lindo, known professionally as apl.de.ap, co-founded the Black Eyed Peas and helped shape some of the most influential pop and hip-hop hits of the modern era.
Songs like “Where Is the Love?,” “I Gotta Feeling,” and “Boom Boom Pow” dominated charts and reached audiences worldwide.
Born in Angeles City, Philippines, and later adopted by an American family, he has remained deeply connected to his roots.
apl.de.ap frequently returns to the Philippines for charity work, including building schools in his hometown.
His global success helped break barriers for Filipino artists in mainstream American music while proudly spotlighting Filipino culture on an international stage.
6. Bruno Mars
Born Peter Gene Hernandez, Bruno Mars is a global superstar whose infectious energy and musical brilliance have made him one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Raised in Hawaii by a Filipina mother and a Puerto Rican father, he was immersed in music and performance from a young age.
His ability to blend funk, pop, R&B, and soul has produced timeless hits that appeal across generations.
Songs like “Uptown Funk,” “Just the Way You Are,” and “24K Magic” have dominated charts worldwide.
With over 15 Grammy Awards and billions of streams, Mars remains one of modern music’s most influential performers.
7. Jo Koy
Joseph Glenn Herbert Sr., known professionally as Jo Koy, has become one of the world’s most successful stand-up comedians through sharp, relatable storytelling rooted in his upbringing.
Born to a Filipina mother, he often draws from real-life experiences with his family, introducing millions to Filipino culture, food, and traditions through his Netflix specials.
Jo Koy regularly sells out arenas around the globe, a rare achievement in comedy.
He also directed and starred in Easter Sunday, a mainstream comedy featuring a predominantly Filipino cast.
His success has helped normalize Filipino representation in entertainment while opening doors for more diverse voices in comedy.
8. Darren Criss
Darren Criss rose to fame as Blaine Anderson on the hit series Glee, where his singing and acting quickly made him a fan favorite.
His nuanced portrayals of LGBTQ+ characters earned widespread praise and a devoted following.
Criss later won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his chilling performance as Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace, proving his dramatic range beyond musical theater.
He has also starred on Broadway and released original music, highlighting his songwriting talents.
With a Filipina mother from Cebu, Criss often speaks proudly about his heritage, embracing its influence on his identity and career.
9. Dave Bautista
Before becoming a Hollywood heavyweight, Dave Bautista dominated the wrestling world as a six-time WWE World Champion.
His transition from sports entertainment to blockbuster films has been both unexpected and inspiring.
Audiences know him best as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, where his dry humor and physical presence stood out.
He has also delivered acclaimed performances in Dune and Blade Runner 2049, proving his dramatic range.
Of Filipino descent through his father, Bautista often speaks about how his heritage shaped his resilience and work ethic.
His career highlights the power of reinvention through discipline, talent, and bold choices.
10. Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens became a household name portraying Gabriella Montez in Disney’s massively successful High School Musical franchise, which turned her into a teen icon for an entire generation.
Following that breakout, she transitioned into more mature roles in films like Spring Breakers and Tick, Tick… Boom!, showcasing her versatility.
Hudgens has also found success starring in Netflix holiday movies that became seasonal favorites. Alongside acting, she launched a music career and released two studio albums early on.
Of Filipino descent through her father, Hudgens frequently acknowledges her heritage, embracing it as an important part of her identity and public journey.
11. Lou Diamond Phillips
Lou Diamond Phillips has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than four decades, beginning with his breakout role as Ritchie Valens in the biographical film La Bamba.
The performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination and immediately established him as a formidable talent.
He went on to appear in acclaimed films and television series including Stand and Deliver, Young Guns, and Longmire, showcasing impressive range.
Phillips has also built a respected theater career, earning a Tony Award nomination for his Broadway work.
Born in the Philippines to a Filipina mother and a Scottish father, his mixed heritage has contributed to a distinctive presence that has allowed him to portray an unusually wide variety of characters.
12. Mark Dacascos
A highly respected actor, martial artist, and television personality, Mark Dacascos is known for blending physical precision with natural on-screen charisma.
He rose to prominence in action films such as Only the Strong, Brotherhood of the Wolf, and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, earning a loyal global fanbase.
Beyond film, Dacascos became a familiar presence to mainstream audiences as the long-running Chairman on Iron Chef America.
Born to a Filipina mother and an American father, he has spoken openly about his Filipino heritage.
He often credits it—alongside his martial arts upbringing—for shaping his discipline, humility, and lasting influence in entertainment.
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