The Top 15 Famous People from Panama You Never Knew

Here is a list of the top 10 famous individuals from Panama, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state:

• Rubén Blades – Renowned musician, actor, and politician known for his contributions to salsa music and his acting roles in Hollywood films.
• Roberto Durán – Former professional boxer considered one of the greatest lightweight boxers of all time, famously known as “Manos de Piedra” (Hands of Stone).
• Mireya Moscoso – First female President of Panama, known for her efforts in promoting democracy and social development in the country.
• Eric Arturo Delvalle – Former President of Panama, who was ousted after attempting to remove military leader Manuel Noriega from power.
• Justo Arosemena – Founding father of Panama, politician, and statesman who played a crucial role in the separation of Panama from Colombia.
• Salvador Rodríguez – Professional boxer born in Panama, who became the WBA Flyweight Champion and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
• John McCain – Late U.S. Senator from Arizona, born in the Panama Canal Zone, known for his military service and political career.
• Desiree Linden – Elite long-distance runner born in California, who won the Boston Marathon in 2018, becoming the first American woman to do so in 33 years.
• Christine Sinclair – Canadian soccer player, born in Burnaby, British Columbia, with a Panamanian mother. She is considered one of the greatest female footballers of all time.
• Noah Segan – Actor born in California, with Panamanian descent, known for his roles in films such as “Looper” and “Brick.”

1. Rubén Blades – With his distinctive voice and socially conscious lyrics, Rubén Blades is a legendary figure in the world of salsa music. He has released numerous popular albums and has won multiple Grammy Awards. Besides music, Blades is also a talented actor and has starred in movies such as “Predator 2” and “The Counselor.” Furthermore, he had a notable career in politics, serving as Panama’s Minister of Tourism from 2004 to 2009.

2. Roberto Durán – Born in Panama City, Panama, Roberto Durán is widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers of all time. His aggressive style and exceptional boxing skills earned him the nickname “Manos de Piedra” (Hands of Stone). Durán held multiple world titles at lightweight, welterweight, light-middleweight, and middleweight divisions, and faced legendary opponents such as Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns.

3. Mireya Moscoso – As the first female President of Panama, Mireya Moscoso made history during her presidency from 1999 to 2004. Her administration focused on improving social programs and promoting human rights. She is particularly remembered for her efforts to strengthen democracy in Panama and foster economic development.

4. Eric Arturo Delvalle – Eric Arturo Delvalle became Panama’s President in 1985, but his term was cut short when he attempted to remove military leader Manuel Noriega from power. Delvalle’s actions led to his removal from office, but his courageous stance against Noriega earned him respect both nationally and internationally.

5. Justo Arosemena – Justo Arosemena was a key figure in Panama’s struggle for independence from Colombia in the mid-19th century. He played a vital role in drafting Panama’s first constitution and is considered one of the founding fathers of the country. Arosemena’s legacy continues to inspire the Panamanian people, and he is celebrated as a national hero.

6. Salvador Rodríguez – Born in Panama City, Salvador Rodríguez achieved great success in the world of professional boxing. As the WBA Flyweight Champion, Rodríguez had an impressive record of 47 wins, 2 losses, and 3 draws. His skill and determination in the ring earned him a spot in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

7. John McCain – Although he was born in the Panama Canal Zone, John McCain went on to become a prominent American political figure. Serving as a U.S. Senator from Arizona for over three decades, McCain was known for his military service in the Vietnam War and his unwavering dedication to public service.

8. Desiree Linden – Born in Chula Vista, California, Desiree Linden is a long-distance runner who made history by winning the Boston Marathon in 2018. Her victory made her the first American woman to win the prestigious race in 33 years. Linden’s perseverance and determination continue to inspire aspiring runners around the world.

9. Christine Sinclair – Although born in Burnaby, British Columbia, Christine Sinclair, the captain of the Canadian women’s soccer team, has Panamanian roots. Sinclair has enjoyed a stellar career, winning numerous awards and accolades, including two Olympic bronze medals. With over 180 international goals, she is recognized as one of the greatest female footballers of all time.

10. Noah Segan – This seasoned actor, born in California, has Panamanian heritage. Segan has appeared in a variety of films, but is best known for his collaborations with director Rian Johnson in movies such as “Brick,” “Looper,” and “Knives Out.” His diverse talent and impressive performances have garnered him a strong following in the film industry.

Most Famous Celebrities from Panama

Here is a list of the top 5 famous celebrities from Panama, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state:

• Ruben Blades – Renowned musician, singer, actor, and political activist. Born in Panama City, Panama, he gained international recognition with his salsa music and has won multiple Grammy Awards.
• Jaime Penedo – Esteemed professional soccer player who was born in Panama City, Panama. Penedo played as a goalkeeper and had successful stints in several clubs around the world, including the LA Galaxy in California.
• Justine Pasek – Former Miss Panama and Miss Universe 2002. While she was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine, she later moved to Panama and represented the country in the renowned beauty pageant.
• Roberto Durán – World-famous former professional boxer born in Guararé, Panama. Known as “Hands of Stone,” Durán is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time and held multiple world championships across different weight classes.
• Salvador Rodriguez – Notable journalist and writer born in Panama City, Panama. Rodriguez gained prominence as a sports journalist, particularly for his coverage of the boxing world. He has written for major publications, including the LA Times, where his work has been highly regarded.

1. Ruben Blades:

Ruben Blades is a multi-talented artist who has left an indelible mark on the world of music and entertainment. With his mesmerizing voice and captivating performances, he is known for his influential contributions to salsa music. Blades transcended the boundaries of traditional Latin music, incorporating elements of jazz, rock, and Afro-Cuban rhythms into his compositions.

2. Jaime Penedo:

Jaime Penedo is a highly skilled Panamanian soccer player who has made a name for himself both in Panama and internationally. As a goalkeeper, he earned a reputation for his impressive reflexes, agility, and leadership skills on the field. Penedo spent a significant portion of his career playing for the LA Galaxy in California, making him a beloved figure among soccer fans in the state.

3. Justine Pasek:

Justine Pasek gained fame after being crowned Miss Universe in 2002, representing Panama. Though born in Ukraine, she moved to Panama later in life and proudly represented her adopted country in the prestigious beauty pageant. Pasek has since become an influential figure in the fashion and entertainment industry.

4. Roberto Durán:

Roberto Durán is an iconic figure in the world of boxing. Born in Panama, he is known for his incredible skills, fierce determination, and relentless fighting style. Durán held world championships in four different weight classes and is part of the International Boxing Hall of Fame, leaving an enduring legacy in the sport.

5. Salvador Rodriguez:

Salvador Rodriguez has made significant contributions to sports journalism, particularly in the field of boxing. Born in Panama City, he has written extensively about the sport, offering unparalleled insight and analysis. Rodriguez’s work has been published in prestigious publications such as the LA Times, establishing him as a respected authority in the boxing world.

Top Richest Individuals from Panama

Here is a list of the top 5 richest people from Panama, including those with connections to California:

• Carlos Slim Helu: Although born in Mexico, Carlos Slim Helu is of Lebanese descent and has strong ties to Panama. He is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, primarily known for his expertise in telecommunications and investments. Helu owns a significant stake in America Movil, one of the largest mobile operators in the Americas.
• Alberto Motta: Born in Panama, Alberto Motta is a prominent businessman and philanthropist. He comes from a successful family involved in various industries, including shipping and finance. Motta is the chairman of the board of Copa Holdings and Banco General, two major companies in Panama. He also has connections to California as he attended Stanford University, where he earned a degree in industrial engineering.
• Stanley Motta: Stanley Motta, the brother of Alberto Motta, is another influential figure in Panama’s business sector. He has made a fortune through investments in real estate, banking, and tourism. Additionally, Motta is the chairman of Motta Internacional, a leading distribution and logistics company.
• Alejandro Murillo: Born in Panama, Alejandro Murillo is a renowned entrepreneur and investor. He made his wealth through various ventures, primarily in the financial and technology sectors. Murillo is the founder of Quantum Pro, a fintech company that has revolutionized the payment processing industry in Panama. He also has connections to California as he completed his MBA at Stanford University.
• Carlos Francisco Chang Marín: Carlos Francisco Chang Marín is a businessman and investor known for his success in the banking industry. He is the founder and major shareholder of Banco Universal, one of Panama’s largest banks. While he was born in Panama, Chang Marín also has connections to California as he studied at the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained a degree in industrial engineering.

These individuals have achieved tremendous success in their respective fields, amassing significant wealth and playing pivotal roles in Panama’s economy. With their diverse backgrounds and expertise, they have made significant contributions to various industries, driving growth and innovation in the country.

The Most Famous Rappers from Panama

• Mister Jones: Mister Jones, also known as Elvin Jones, is a Panamanian-American rapper born in California. He gained recognition for his unique style that blends reggae and hip-hop, known as “reggae-rap.” His distinctive flow and conscious lyrics have captivated audiences, making him one of the most successful rappers from Panama. Mister Jones has rich expertise in creating music that combines catchy rhythms with socially conscious messages.
• MC Big Deivis: MC Big Deivis, whose real name is David Santana, is a Panamanian rapper known for his expertise in trap music. His powerful delivery and gritty lyrics have garnered him a massive following, both in Panama and internationally. MC Big Deivis rose to fame with his hits like “Coche Bomba” and “El Truco.” His success in the trap genre has solidified his position as one of the wealthiest rappers from Panama.
• El Roockie: El Roockie, born Francisco Javier Borboa Beleño, is a Panamanian rapper and reggaeton artist. His impactful collaborations with prominent reggaeton artists like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar have contributed to his immense popularity. El Roockie’s expertise lies in creating captivating reggaeton tracks with meaningful lyrics and infectious beats, establishing him as one of Panama’s successful rappers.
• Japanese: Japanese, whose real name is Jose Luis Hiram Oliva Jr., is a Panamanian-American rapper hailing from California. He gained fame through his affiliation with the West Coast rap scene and his unique style that fuses hip-hop and reggaeton. Japanese’s expertise lies in creating music that resonates with both Latin and American audiences, blending English and Spanish lyrics seamlessly.
• Buba Clan: Buba Clan is a Panamanian hip-hop trio that consists of rappers known as Owly, Gelu, and Goldo. Their talent and mastery of the rap genre have paved the way for their success. Buba Clan’s lyrics often touch on social issues and personal experiences, allowing them to connect with their audience on a deeper level. Their combined expertise in storytelling and wordplay has skyrocketed Buba Clan’s popularity in Panama and beyond.

In summary, Panama has produced several talented and wealthy rappers, both from within the country and those with connections to California. Artists like Mister Jones, MC Big Deivis, El Roockie, Japanese, and Buba Clan have all made their mark in the music industry, each showcasing their expertise in different areas of rap and hip-hop. Their unique styles and contributions have not only garnered them wealth but have also brought international recognition to Panamanian rap music.

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