why spanish actors (Such as Banderas/Penelope Cruz) play mestizos/Mexican roles ?
546728
Why did David Carradine (caucasian) play a Chinese man in "Kung Fu"?  Why did Anthony Quinn (Mexican) always play a Greek man?  Because somewhere along the line someone in Hollywood decided that the public wouldn't accept a real person of theat culture/ethnicity in that role.
842180
I'd say that the majority are mestizo.  The rest are probably mostly of spanish descent with a small amount of other nationalities that have migrated there through the years.
42129
because of what they do... we somehow see ourselves or the persons we want to be in the roles they portray...
452040
antonio banderas face and hair\nbrad pitt body\nmy pesonality
553997
Seems like you are using the term "latin" in the old and original context, that is, someone with roman heritage or to be more particular, someone from Lacio. If the average mexican used the term with that meaning, it's very likely he'd be wrong.\n\nAnyway, the meaning of the term "latino" (latin), as used today in Latin-america, means someone who's born in a country with a language derived from latin. You can check that meaning in the dictionary of the Real Academy of the Spanish Language, it has other meanings as well and it all depends the context and region where it’s used.\n\nSo, when someone "happily" claim to be "latin" (a mexican in this case), means his/her roots are in a country where the native language is a romance language and I can tell you that's the usual way the term is used among mexicans. I live among "latins" and they claim to be that, they don't claim to be full (or half) blooded italians, they'd usually recognize themselves as mestizos from a racial point of view.\n\nSo, when someone is looking for a "latin" look, it'd be good to know what he means by a "latin" look, since different meanings are accepted in the spanish language. Antonio Banderas, as far as I remember, has usually played characters that imply a spanish heritage.\n\nMy feelings is that sometimes the meanings of the term “latin” are ignored, and when the meaning taken is that used centuries ago, the results can be very misleading. The problem I find is the different meanings of the word are sometimes ignored. I wouldn't be surprised that a mexican denied that italians are "latins" just by ignorance of the other meanings of the word. I think what's important is to know exactly how the term is used by the speaker and in what context it's used rather than taking the word as it had only one meaning.\n\nThose are my feelings as a mexican that happens to have some italian heritage (apart from spanish and arabic) and is aware about how his mexican pals use the word "latin".
836534
I'm sure its just for entertainment.... They are really good actors....
989125
Try renting the 1998 Spanish film it's based on. The english translation is Open Your Eyes.  It's directed by the same man who did 1999's The Others with Nicole Kidman.
18413
Locations, for one thing. Mexico is at the bottom of North America whereas Spain is tagged along with Portugal and France.\n\nAlso, the Spaniards (although I don't know if this applies to this modern day) were considered Europeans – along with the English, the Dutch, the French, etc. What's more, and I’m pretty sure this does not really relate to the question, Mexicans are Catholics primarily because of the Spanish’s doing.
1020603
Have you ever heard of Charro? Then there is Jeff Garcia, fair complexion, red hair freckles....need I go on? As was pointed out, Spanish for Arroyo and like Charro a blonde. Latin Americans are Indian, or Indian and Spanish etc.
710207
Some people's accents are very malleable.  These people are usually great language learners and very good mimics.  Actors, for example.
77423
Spanish people are catholics. And you know the story of Judas. How he betrayed with a kiss, right?\n\nOkay, so it's a way of telling that they will betray each other, one way or the other.\n\nBut then again it might be a cultural thing. You know, like British shaking hands when they meet, Americans gossiping after a person the moment he walks away. That sort of thing.
852073
The spanish are caucasians..\nThere are also some Spaniards of moorish / arab heritage  in Spain...
532077
His real name is Jose San Chez Martinez. Most people don't realize that he has a Mexican background.\nHe played Private Beneto in the movie, "The Alamo" but spends most of his talent on Broadway.\nHe did put out a Latino album in the early 80's but it wasn't much of a hit.\nHe has always enjoyed his role as the Lucky Charms leprechaun and has never feared be typecast.\n\nHere is some more FACTS I looked up:\nHe was born in 1937 in L.A., but was raised by his uncle and aunt who were migrant workers.\nHe had no formal education but was discovered by a Broadway producer at a roadside stand in 1954. He was singing songs from "The Wizard of Oz" in spanish and the producer was mesmerized.\nHe tried out for an Irish role in 1964 and thats when he was discovered and cast as "Lucky"
122533
Well I'm sure a Latin actress from Hollywood would be a lot more recognizable than one from an independent film.  Independent films are movies with a really small budget.  Most of the actors and actresses in them aren't very well known (Napoleon Dynamite was an independent film).  But Hollywood movies have millions of dollars for budgets.  So there isn't much difference, they are both actresses, just one is in a major movie and the other is in a low budget movie.
1016354
that spanish group?! i dont know. all of my mexican friends love that group.
51314
No. It's a myth that Spanish men are more than glad to glory about.  ALL men like sex.  Trust me.  And I am a woman.  It's not true.  Spanish men just like to try and live up to that reputation.
659906
I dated a mexican - he was actually from Spain. He was very nice and ended up being a great friend.\nWhat does race have to do with anything?