Miami is located on the Southern tip of Florida and has a population of almost half a million people. As a major center in finance, commerce, the arts and international trade, it is a city that holds an incredible amount of diversity. That diversity is contributed in part by the large population of residents from Hispanic or Latino roots. In 2010 the Globalization and World Cities Research Network ranked Miami as 33rd in the world as a leader in culture, finance, entertainment, fashion and eduction. Considering this factor, it is easy to see how and why so many notable people have emerged from the city.
Sydney Poitier was born in Miami in 1927 and spent most of his life in the city. He married a Canadian born actress of Lithuanian descent, and fathered four daughters. The affect of growing up in such a diverse city is very evident in his personal life, as well as his choices of acting roles.
Victoria Jackson is another actor born in Miami. She studied at Dade Christian School and Florida Bible College in Hollywood, Florida. Ms. Jackson was raised in a conservative Christian home and later in life became involved in politics. She is most noted for her recurring roles on the television show Saturday Night Live.
Eva Mendes, also born in Miami, is of Cuban descent. She spent her early years in Miami, but moved to Los Angeles with her family at a young age. She remains deeply connected to her Cuban roots, is fluent in Spanish and was raised as a Roman Catholic.
Andy Garcia was born in Cuba but has called Miami his home since he was five years old. He began his acting career at Florida International University and soon moved on to Hollywood. There is a story, that some believe is just an urban myth, wherein a guest at the Deauville Beach Resort happened to be in an elevator with Mr. Garcia at the resort. The actor asked the guest if he had a cigarette, and upon giving him one, Mr. Garcia thanked the guest with a $100 bill.
David Caruso is perhaps most famous for his role as Lieutenant Horatio Caine on the television series CSI: Miami. Although he was born in Queens, New York, starred on NYPD Blue and is of Irish and Sicilian descent, many still believe he is originally from Miami
Gloria Estefan is probably the most famous resident of Miami. She was born in Cuba but her family fled to the US during the Cuban Revolution. As the most successful crossover Latin music performer to date, Ms. Estefan is, at least in part, responsible for the growing popularity of this genre.
Enrique Iglesias is the third child of Julio Iglesias and was born in Madrid, Spain. He moved to Miami in 1979 in an effort to further his musical career. He attended the University of Miami, but dropped out before finishing his degree. Instead he traveled to Toronto, Canada to record his first album.
These are just a few of the most famous actors and musicians who were born or now reside in Miami. The popularity of sports also draw many talented athletes to the city, as do the five professional and four college teams located there. If you are planning a vacation, why not take a look at Miami vacation packages? With all the choices available for entertainment, sporting events and beaches in the area, it is sure to be a memorable experience. Perhaps a stay at the Deauville Beach Resort Miami will garner a chance encounter with a celebrity.
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