We’re a week away from Thanksgiving 2023, so it’s probably time to start finalizing the guest list for the big holiday celebration. We all know the family members who are going to show up regardless, but there’s always room to invite a few new friends to the festivities.
For our dream guest list this year, we’ve compiled a list of 10 Latine celebrities, from actors to singers and athletes, that we’d like to invite to our house for Thanksgiving 2023. We’ve chosen them based on all the great things they’ve done this year, all the records set, and the successes that are coming their way based on their talent and sheer perseverance.
1
Pedro Pascal
Aside from (wrongly) not being named the Sexiest Man of the Year, Pascal has had a great 2023. He broke streaming with The Last of Us and The Mandalorian and showed his comedic talents on Saturday Night Live. Now, all he needs is to be cast in a superhero movie and … oh, wait. Plus, he’s so cool, he’d probably bring something to the dinner even after we told him not to.
2
Valentina
As the co-host of Drag Race Mexico, we’re sure Valentina has no qualms about being the life of the party. The RuPaul’s Drag Race veteran is a bicultural beauty who is turning heads at a time in Mexico when the LGBTQ+ communities need it most.
3
Xolo Maridueña
Becoming DC Comics’ newest cinematic superhero deserves a seat at the head of the table. But he’s also the lone Latine superhero to have his own movie, too, so that deserves a toast. The Blue Beetle star still has one last season of Cobra Kai to film and then we’ll see where his exciting career takes him.
4
Young Miko
The Puerto Rican rapper, singer-songwriter, and former fútbol player has garnered a huge following in such a short amount of time. She started uploading her music on SoundCloud, was discovered, and now she’s getting invited to participate in things like Billboard Latin Music Week, performing with Karol G, and joining Bad Bunny on his latest album.
5
Jenna Ortega
Ortega’s stock is at the highest of her career after starring in the hit Netflix series Wednesday, which is soon to go back into production for season 2 now that the SAG-AFTRA strike is over. She also impressed on SNL and even more so on Hot Ones. We’re dying to ask her about Beetlejuice 2 and are looking forward to seeing her outfit for our get-together. If we put out a fruit salad, we’ll add kiwi just for her.
6
Ronald Acuña Jr.
In September, the Atlanta Braves right fielder became the first player in MLB history to hit over 40 home runs and amass 70 stolen bases in his career – and that’s just his most recent feat. He also just got married, so we allow him a +1.
7
Xochitl Gomez
Between Ortega’s viral Wednesday dance and Gomez’s impressive run on Dancing with the Start this season, there would be even more dancing at our Thanksgiving soiree. At only 17 years old, the Marvel superhero is ready for more magnificent things coming her way. And hopefully, she’ll bring her DC prima Sasha Calle as well!
8
Omar Apollo
When Apollo released his debut album, Ivory, last year, we’re sure he had no idea that a meteoric rise would follow. Now, the openly gay Mexican-American artist is opening for Billie Eilish, being honored with awards, and performing on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
9
Amanda Serrano
Don’t take the last dinner roll if Serrano wants it. The boxer became the first-ever unified women’s champion to fight for the title in 12 three-minute rounds. Serrano surely has the stamina in the ring, and we’re guessing with all the calories she burns, she’s going to want seconds.
10
Colman Domingo
If any Latine has a shot at an Oscar nomination this year, it’s with Domingo’s role as civil rights activist Bayard Rustin in the biopic Rustin. Domingo is also gearing up to host his own travel series on AMC, so we’re hoping he might make this year a potluck Thanksgiving and bring over a dish they serve him in one of the exotic places he’s visiting.