Celebrities of Panama

Sports Icons: National Heroes

As you explore Panama, you will undoubtedly encounter names and monuments dedicated to figures who have brought immense pride to the nation. These sports icons are not just athletes; they are national heroes whose stories are woven into the country’s modern identity.

Mariano Rivera: “The Sandman”

Hailing from the small fishing village of Puerto Caimito, Mariano Rivera rose to become a legendary baseball pitcher for the New York Yankees. Widely considered the greatest closing pitcher of all time, his unparalleled success on the world stage is a significant point of national pride and inspiration throughout Panama.

Roberto Durán: “Manos de Piedra” (Hands of Stone)

A world-champion boxer and one of the most formidable fighters in history, Roberto Durán embodies a true rags-to-riches story. His fierce talent and equally fierce national identity have made him a beloved figure, representing the tenacity and spirit of the Panamanian people.

Traveler’s Tip: Look for his statue on Vía Argentina in Panama City’s vibrant El Cangrejo neighborhood, a popular spot for a photo and a tribute to the champion.

Rod Carew: Baseball Hall of Famer

Another baseball legend, Rod Carew was born in Gatún, within the former Panama Canal Zone, and went on to a storied Hall of Fame career with the Minnesota Twins and California Angels. In a fitting tribute, the national stadium in Panama City is named Rod Carew National Stadium in his honor, a landmark you may see during your visit.

Music and Arts Ambassadors

The rhythm of Panama is shaped by its artists. From the salsa music spilling out of a local cafe to a world-renowned festival, these are the creative figures whose work provides a soundtrack and a cultural lens for your journey.

Rubén Blades: The Renaissance Man

The most internationally famous Panamanian musician, Rubén Blades is known for his sophisticated and socially conscious salsa music. His influence extends far beyond music; he is also a successful Hollywood actor, a dedicated activist, and even served as Panama’s Minister of Tourism.

Traveler’s Tip: You are almost guaranteed to hear his music in taxis, local restaurants, and bars. Listening to his album “Siembra” is a wonderful way to connect with the local culture and its social commentary.

Danilo Pérez: A Jazz Maestro

A Grammy-winning jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, Danilo Pérez has carried Panama’s name to the most prestigious stages of the international jazz scene. He is also the founder and artistic director of the annual Panama Jazz Festival, a major cultural event.

Traveler’s Tip: If your travels coincide with the festival, typically held in January, it is a world-class event that draws incredible talent and is well worth attending.

Jordana Brewster: Hollywood Connection

Born in Panama City to an American father and a Brazilian mother, actress Jordana Brewster provides a link between Panama and modern Hollywood. She is most recognized for her prominent role in the “Fast & Furious” film franchise.

Key Historical & Political Figures

To understand the Panama of today, it is helpful to know the figures who shaped its recent history. Their legacies are visible in the country’s infrastructure, politics, and its very sovereignty over the Canal.

Omar Torrijos Herrera: The Treaty Negotiator

As the de facto leader of Panama from 1968 to 1981, General Omar Torrijos Herrera is a monumental figure in the nation’s history. He is best remembered for negotiating the Torrijos-Carter Treaties in 1977, the historic agreement that guaranteed Panama would gain full control of the Panama Canal, a defining moment of national sovereignty.

Traveler’s Tip: You will see his name and legacy connected to major infrastructure projects from his era, including highways and airports, which fundamentally modernized the country.

Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid: A Populist President

A prominent and complex political figure, Dr. Arnulfo Arias Madrid served as president of Panama on three separate occasions. A controversial and staunchly nationalist leader, his influence and populist appeal shaped much of the political landscape of the 20th century. His complex legacy is still debated and helps explain the undercurrents of Panamanian politics you may hear about today.