25 Most Famous People from Uruguay

Photo by Hollywood Hungama. Wikimedia Commons.

25 Most Famous People from Uruguay

Originally Published by Diana C in October 2023 and Updated by Nellian in May 2024 .

Uruguay is a country in South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast; while bordering the Río de la Plata to the south and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast.

The country has a vast wine industry and it is located in the top five producers of wine in South America. Yerba mate is considered the national drink and has become part of Uruguay’s social culture. Chivito is the national snack or meal of the country. Here is a list of the 25 Most Famous People from Uruguay.

1. José Mujica

Photo by Antonio Cruz. Wikimedia Commons.

José Mujica is an Uruguayan retired politician. From 2010 to 2015, Mujica served as the president of Uruguay. A well-known philanthropist, Mujica won the hearts of many for his donation of 90 percent of his monthly salary to charities. Due to his generosity and austere lifestyle, José Mujica has often been referred to as the world’s humblest head of state.

2. Luis Suárez

Luis Alberto Suárez Díaz is a Uruguayan footballer who formerly played  for Premier League club Liverpool. He currently plays as a striker for Major League Soccer club Inter Miami and the Uruguayan national team. At age of 19 Suárez moved to the Netherlands to play for Groningen in the Eredivisie. Suárez transferred to Ajax in 2007. In 2008–09 he was named club Player of the Year.

The following year he was named the club captain, led the Eredivisie in scoring with 35 goals in 33 games and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year. He scored 49 goals in all competitions and Ajax won the KNVB Cup. In the 2010–11 season he scored his one hundredth Ajax goal and joined an elite group of players from the club, including Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp, to do so.

In January 2011, Suárez transferred to Liverpool for €26.5 million. He left the club in 2014 and joined Barcelona, where he stayed until 2020. From 2020 to 2022, he played for Atlético Madrid up to 2022. In 2023, he played for Grêmio, a Brazillian club. Since 2024,  he joined Inter Miami.

3. Mario Benedetti

Photo by Elisa Cabot. Wikimedia Commons.

Mario Orlando Hardy Hamlet Brenno Benedetti Farrugia, known as Mario Benedetti, was an Uruguayan journalist, novelist, and poet, as well as being an integral member of the Generación del 45.

In spite of publishing more than 80 books and being published in twenty languages he was not well known in the English-speaking world, but in the Spanish-speaking world he was considered one of Latin America’s most important writers from the latter half of the 20th-century.

4. Bárbara Mori

Bárbara Mori Ochoa is an Uruguayan-Mexican model, film and television actress. Mori started her career as a fashion model, later she became an actress when she co-starred in 1997 on the smash TV-hit Mirada De Mujer with TV Azteca; then, she starred in the soap opera Azul Tequila.

Her big break came in 2004, with the telenovela Rubí by rival network Televisa, in which she played the main character. She also has starred in several self-produced films and music videos.

5. Horacio Quiroga

Horacio Silvestre Quiroga Forteza was an Uruguayan playwright, poet, and short story writer. He wrote stories which, in their jungle settings, use the supernatural and the bizarre to show the struggle of man and animal to survive.

He also excelled in portraying mental illness and hallucinatory states. His influence can be seen in the Latin American magic realism of Gabriel García Márquez and the postmodern surrealism of Julio Cortázar.

6. Edinson Cavani

Photo by Ardfern. Wikimedia Commons.

Edinson Ro berto Cavani Gómez is an Uruguayan footballerwho plays as a striker for Argentine Primera División club Boca Juniors  since 2023. He also plays for the Uruguayan national team. A very prolific goalscorer, Cavani is well known for ability to score impressive goals and his tireless work-rate.

In 2012, Cavani was listed 10th in The Guardian ‘s list of The 100 best footballers in the world. Cavani began his career playing for Danubio in Montevideo, where he played for two years, before moving to Italian side Palermo in 2007.

He spent four seasons at the club, scoring 34 goals in 109 league appearance. In 2010, Cavani signed for Napoli, who signed him on an initial loan deal before buying him for a total fee €17 million. In the 2011–12 season, he won his first club honour, the Coppa Italia, in which he was top scorer with 5 goals.

7. Natalia Oreiro

Natalia Marisa Oreiro Iglesias is a Uruguayan actress, singer, songwriter, model, television presenter and fashion designer. Oreiro began her career in telenovelas. Since 2008 she has switched to work primarily in films.

Oreiro has worked on social awareness shows and events for organizations like Greenpeace and UNICEF, the latter of which designated her as ambassador for Argentina and Uruguay in September 2011. She has been included in Esquire magazine’s “The Sexiest Woman Alive Atlas” list.

8. Tabaré Vázquez

Tabaré Ramón Vázquez Rosas is a Uruguayan politician who was President of Uruguay from 2005 to 2010. A physician by training, he is a member of the leftist Frente Amplio coalition.

Vázquez was elected president on October 31, 2004, took office on March 1, 2005, and relinquished the office on March 1, 2010. As president, Vázquez presided over considerable improvements in education and working conditions, a significant expansion of the welfare system, and a dramatic reduction in poverty, with the percentage of Uruguayans living in poverty falling from 32% to 20% of the population from 2004 to 2009.

9. China Zorrilla

Photo by Unknown. Wikimedia Commons.

China Zorrilla is an award-winning Uruguayan theater, film and television actress. She has made over 40 appearances in film and TV since 1971. She has lived in Argentina for over 35 years and is active in the TV, theater and cinema of Argentina.

A very popular star in the Rioplatense area, she is regarded as one of the Grand Dames of the South American theater stage. In 2008 Zorrilla was awarded the distinction of Chevalier of the Légion d’honneur by the French Government. In 2011 the Correo Uruguayo released a postage stamp dedicated to Zorrilla, with a print run of 500 copies.

10. Jorge Larrionda

Jorge Luis Larrionda Pietrafesa is FIFA football referee from Uruguay who has officiated at international matches since 1998. He is currently one of the world’s top referees, having had the highest moment of his career during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, in which he officiated four matches, including a semifinal between Portugal and France.

However, his refereeing style has also won him many critics, especially because of the high number of red cards he has shown, earning him the nickname “Red Card Larrionda”. Larrionda has made several controversial decisions during matches involving the United States, and is often vilified amongst American fans.

Larrionda is also well known in South America, having participated in countless matches of continental competitions such as the Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Uruguayo. He was preselected as a referee for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

11. Juan Antonio Lavalleja 

Juan Antonio Lavalleja, born in 1786 in Minas, Uruguay, was a key figure in the country’s independence from Spain and Portugal. He joined the military at a young age and fought in Spanish American wars of independence. In 1825, he led the Treinta y Tres Orientales, a group of 33 men, across the Río de la Plata to start the Uruguayan War of Independence.  They defeated Brazilian forces at the Battle of Sarandí, declaring Uruguayan independence on August 25, 1825. Lavalleja served as governor of Uruguay from 1828 to 1830 and president from 1853 to 1853, but died soon after.

One day, Lavalleja was asked what he would do if he were to win the Uruguayan War of Independence. He replied, “I will go back to my farm and raise cattle.” This simple answer shows that Lavalleja was not motivated by personal ambition, but by a desire to liberate his country.

12. José Batlle y Ordóñez

José Batlle y Ordóñez was a Uruguayan politician and journalist who served as president from 1903 to 1911 and from 1911 to 1915. Born in Montevideo, he came from a wealthy family and began his political career in the late 1870s. He was a member of the Colorado Party and was elected president in 1903.

During his presidency, he implemented progressive reforms such as a social welfare system, expanded public education, and established a state-owned oil company. Batlle y Ordóñez was a strong advocate for democracy and human rights, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all Uruguayans, regardless of social class or political beliefs. His reforms significantly impacted Uruguay, making it one of the most democratic and socially advanced countries in Latin America.

13. Juan Carlos Onetti

Elisa Cabot, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Juan Carlos Onetti, a renowned Uruguayan writer, is known for his existentialist novels and short stories that often explore themes of loneliness, alienation, and despair. Born in Montevideo in 1909, Onetti began writing at a young age and published his first novel, El pozo, in 1939. His most famous novel, La vida breve, was published in 1950 and tells the story of Juan María Brausen, a man trapped in a loveless marriage.

Onetti’s other notable works include Tierra de nadie, Juntacadáveres, Los adioses, and Todos mienten. His work has been praised for its psychological realism and exploration of the human condition. Onetti is considered one of the most important writers of the Latin American Boom, a period of great literary innovation in Latin America in the mid-20th century.

14. Alfredo Zitarrosa

Alfredo Zitarrosa, a Uruguayan singer-songwriter, poet, and journalist, was a significant figure in Uruguayan music. Born in Montevideo in 1936, he began his career as a journalist in the 1950s but later turned to music. His music, a blend of traditional Uruguayan folk music and modern influences, was known for its powerful voice and poetic lyrics.

Zitarrosa’s songs often addressed themes of love, loss, and social justice. Despite being forced into exile in 1976 by the Uruguayan military dictatorship, he returned to Uruguay in 1984 and continued performing and recording until his death in 1989. His music has had a profound impact on Uruguayan culture, making him one of the most important voices in the country.

15. Jaime Roos

Philips 6012, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Jaime Roos, born in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1953, is a renowned Uruguayan singer, composer, and record producer. He began his career in the early 1970s with Opus Alfa, and his first solo album, Candombe del 31, was a critical and commercial success. Roos’ music blends rock, candombe, milonga, tango, and murga, often addressing themes of love, loss, and social justice.

Despite being forced into exile in 1976 by the Uruguayan military dictatorship, he returned to Uruguay in 1984 and continues to perform and record. Roos has released over 20 albums and written music for films and television shows. He has won numerous awards, including the Latin Grammy Award for Best Tropical Song in 2000. As a national icon, Roos’ songs are still sung and loved by Uruguayans of all ages, making him a significant figure in Uruguayan music.

16. Eduardo Galeano

Galeano was an acclaimed Uruguayan journalist, writer and novelist. He is best-known for his 1971 novel, Las venas abiertas de América Latina (Open Veins of Latin America). 

Moreover, the writer once described himself as ,”I’m a writer obsessed with remembering, the past of America and above all that of Latin America. The acclaimed Chilean-American writer, Isabel Allende once described Galeano’s book as, “a mixture of meticulous detail, political conviction, poetic flair, and good storytelling.” Allende said her copy of Galeano’s book was among the few items with she fled her country Chile with in 1973 following a military coup.

17. Diego Forlán 

Ailura, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, CC BY-SA 3.0 AT, via Wikimedia Commons

He is a Uruguayan professional football manager and former famed striker. Forlán is celebrated as a winner of the Pichichi Trophy and the European Golden Shoe. His success at the Uruguay national team was most notable at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he was honored as a top scorer. 

Moreover, Forlán started his career as a youth player with Peñarol and Danubio. His international journey began at the Argentine club, Independiente. He shifted to English leagues joining Manchester United in 2002. He made a name for himself in English football by winning the Premier League in 2002–03 and the FA Cup in 2003–04.

Forlán transitioned to the Spanish football scene in 2004, playing for Villarreal and later d Atlético Madrid.  In 2011, he joined Inter Milan of Italy. He also played for Cerezo Osaka in Japan, Mumbai City in India and Kitchee in Hong Kong. He retired from active play in August 2019 and began his career as a professional football manager.

18. Rubén Rada

He is a Uruguayan percussionist, composer, singer and television personality. Linked with the his local candombe music genre, he has recorded more than thirty albums. His music labelled as candombe beat, blends pop, rock, and more styles with Uruguayan sounds. 

Rada is famed for albums like Montevideo (1996) and Montevideo II (1999). His spotlight moments include sharing a stage with Sting and UB40 at the Palacio de Deportes in Mexico City. He has also recorded under international labels like EMI Latin and Universal Records, gaining him worldwide recognition.

Furthermore, the musician has worked with English- American singer Jon Anderson and Spanish musician Joan Manuel Serrat. Featuring in their albums Deseo and Utopía, respectively. Beyond music, he is also known for voicing the  Argentinian dubbing of The Incredibles (2004).

19. Jorge Drexler

Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A doctor by profession, Drexler doubles as a musician and actor.  The medic is an otolaryngology specialist (dealing with head and neck issues). As an artist, he received international recognition for composing the song, Al Otro Lado del Río. Featured in The Motorcycle Diaries (2004) biopic, the song won Drexler an Academy Award in 2004. This award pushed him to the global limelight.

20. Daniel Viglietti 

This influential  Uruguayan folk singer, guitarist, cum composer, is remembered for his protest songs and activism. Trópicos (1972) is one of his prominent tunes. Alongside other Uruguayan musicians, he founded the independent record label Ayuí/Tacuabé in 1971. The aim of the label was to promote and support valuable Uruguayan musical expressions.

Besides his own compositions, he performed the works of like minded musicians. Such as the Cuban movement, Nueva Trova led by singers Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés. He worked with  Cuban singer Leo Brouwer to perform the songs of Brazil singers Chico Buarque and Edu Lobo. His activism efforts led to his imprisoned in 1972 by his own government.

21. Ida Vitale 

Diario de Madrid, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Vitale is a household name in Uruguayan poetry. She is also a translator, essayist, lecturer and literary critic. She was one of the key figures of the ‘Generation of 45’ art movement and the last surviving member of the group. The group was made up of Uruguayan notable writers who had an impact on their country and region. The group’s name got its name from the period most of the members began writing, between 1945 and 1950. 

Additionally, Vitale moved to Mexico City and fled the country in 1973 following political concerns. She resided in Austin, Texas until 2016 when she returned to her country, Uruguay.  She has been honored with prestigious awards like the Cervantes prize, Alfonso Reyes Prize and Delmira Agustini Medal. She was also featured in one of the BBC’s 100 women listing in 2019. She turned 100 years old in November 2023.

22. Jorge Pacheco Areco

He is celebrated as the 33rd president of Uruguay who served from 1967 to 1972. He was sworn in office when he was vice president after the death of President  Óscar Diego Gestido at the time. After his term as president, he went on to serve as a diplomat.  His presidential regime is remembered for attempts to curb Uruguay’s inflation through price and wage freezes. 

23. Fernando Muslera

Анна Нэсси, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

The professional footballer plays as a goalkeeper for Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray. He also captains the team. He is famed for excellent performances with the Uruguay national team and Galatasaray.

On top of that, he started his career at Montevideo Wanderers in Uruguay. He later joined the national team and in 2007 made an entry to Italian football scene with Lazio.  His stay in Lazio saw him win the 2009 Coppa Italia Final title.  He has played for Galatasaray since 2011. He prides himself in six Süper Lig titles, four Turkish Cups and six Turkish Super Cups.

As a champion for his country, the 2010, 2014, and 2018 FIFA World Cups, established him as a master of his craft. He helped his nation secure fourth place in the 2010 World Cups edition.

24. Maria Julia Alfonso

This iconic ballet dancer and choreographer is celebrated as a key figure in Uruguay’s National Ballet. Her vision helped her promote her promote and nurture ballet in her country. Her legacy thrives through the many dancers she nurtured as well as through the growth of Uruguay’s National Ballet.

25. Eduardo Fabini

http://www.uruguayeduca.edu.uy/, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Uruguayan classical music voice to reckon with. He was a composer and musician known for compositions like Campo, Field and The Island of ceibos which were made into recordings by the Philharmonic Orchestra in New York City. 

Fabini started pursuing his career as early as at four years old. His favorite toy was the accordion. Between 9 to 13 years, he took violin studies. He won a scholarship in 1899 at age 17 that allowed him join the music conservatory in Brussels. His other noteworthy consist school choirs, and fantasy for violin and orchestra works. 

Furthermore, he helped establish the Musical Conservatory of Uruguay in 1907 and the Association of Chamber Music in 1913. Several music schools across Uruguay are also named after him. 

These 25 influential figures are testament to the contribution made by Uruguayan in different spheres within their country and beyond.