Guyana has produced a remarkable array of talent across various fields, from entertainment and sports to music and literature. Here are some of the most notable celebrities and public figures with Guyanese roots:
Film & Television
- Letitia Wright – Born in Georgetown, she gained international acclaim for her role as Shuri in Marvel’s Black Panther series.
- CCH Pounder – An accomplished actress known for roles in NCIS: New Orleans, Avatar, and The Shield.
- Shaunette Renée Wilson – Recognized for her performances in The Resident and Black Panther.
- Golda Rosheuvel – A British-Guyanese actress celebrated for portraying Queen Charlotte in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
- Shakira Caine – A former actress and fashion model, she is also known as the wife of actor Sir Michael Caine.
Music
- Eddy Grant – A pioneering reggae and pop musician, famous for hits like “Electric Avenue” and “Gimme Hope Jo’anna”.
- Natural Black (Mortimer Softley) – A reggae artist known for his conscious lyrics and contributions to the genre.
- Lisa Punch – Singer-songwriter and former Miss World Guyana 2015; she gained recognition on ABC’s Rising Star and won the Miss World Talent segment with her original song “One Last Time”.
- Samuel Medas – A contemporary gospel artist making waves in the Caribbean music scene.
Sports
- Shamar Joseph – A rising star in West Indies cricket, he hails from the remote village of Baracara and has made significant strides in international cricket.
- Mark McKoy – An Olympic gold medalist in the 110m hurdles for Canada, originally from Guyana.
- Colin Croft – A former West Indies fast bowler, now a respected cricket commentator.
Literature & Arts
- John Agard – An award-winning poet and playwright, celebrated for his works that explore identity and culture.
- Grace Nichols – A poet known for her writings that delve into Caribbean heritage and women’s experiences.
Celebrities with Guyanese Heritage
- Rihanna – While primarily associated with Barbados, the global pop icon’s mother is Guyanese, highlighting her Caribbean roots.
- Leona Lewis – The British singer, famed for “Bleeding Love,” has Guyanese ancestry through her father.
- Melanie Fiona – The Canadian R&B artist, known for hits like “It Kills Me,” is the daughter of Guyanese parents.
