The Roma, also known as Romani people or Gypsies, have contributed greatly to various aspects of society. From art and music to sports and activism, there are many notable individuals who have emerged from Roma ethnic. Here is a list of ten famous people from Roma ethnicity:
- Charlie Chaplin: The iconic silent film actor and comedian had Roma ancestry through his mother.
- Pablo Picasso: One of the most influential artists of the 20th century, Picasso had a Roma grandmother.
- Rita Hayworth: This Hollywood actress, known for her roles in films such as “Gilda,” had Roma ancestry through her father.
- Django Reinhardt: A legendary jazz guitarist, Reinhardt was of Roma descent and pioneered the genre of Gypsy jazz.
- Yul Brynner: The Academy Award-winning actor, best known for his role in “The King and I,” had Roma heritage through his maternal grandmother.
- Ion Cioaba: An influential activist and leader of the Roma community in Romania, Cioaba spent his life fighting for Roma rights.
- Florin Cioaba: The son of Ion Cioaba, Florin succeeded his father as the leader of the Roma community and continued his advocacy work.
- Matéo Maximoff: A renowned Roma writer, Maximoff’s novels and short stories shed light on the Roma culture and experience.
- Esma Redžepova: This Macedonian singer, known as the Queen of Romani Music, popularized Roma music globally and advocated for social causes.
- Pinto Colvig: As the voice for iconic cartoon characters Goofy and Pluto, Colvig, known as the “Man of a Thousand Voices,” had Roma ancestry.
These individuals have made significant contributions in their respective fields, challenging stereotypes and enriching the cultural landscape. Their accomplishments serve as a reminder of the diverse talent and heritage within the Roma community.
Most Famous Roma Celebrities
Here is a list of famous celebrities who have Roma roots:
- Yul Brynner – The Russian-born actor, best known for his role in “The King and I,” had Roma ancestry on his maternal side. He often embraced his Roma heritage and was proud of his roots.
- Rita Hayworth – The iconic Hollywood star, known for her roles in films like “Gilda” and “Cover Girl,” had Roma ancestry. Her father, Eduardo Cansino, was of Spanish Roma descent.
- Michael Caine – The British actor, known for his roles in films like “The Dark Knight” trilogy and “The Italian Job,” has Roma roots. Caine’s maternal grandmother was of Romani descent.
- Charlie Chaplin – The legendary comedian and actor, best known for his character “The Tramp,” had Romani roots. His mother, Hannah Chaplin, was of Roma descent.
- Rosemary Clooney – The American singer and actress, known for hits like “Come On-a My House” and “Mambo Italiano,” had Roma ancestry. Clooney’s mother, Marie Frances Guilfoyle, had Romani roots.
- Peter Sellers – The British actor and comedian, famous for his roles in films like “The Pink Panther” series and “Dr. Strangelove,” had Roma heritage. His maternal grandmother was of Romani descent.
- Sting – The English musician and lead singer of the band The Police, known for hits like “Every Breath You Take,” has Roma roots. His mother, Audrey Sumner, had Romani ancestry.
- Elvis Presley – The “King of Rock and Roll,” known for his iconic hits like “Jailhouse Rock” and “Heartbreak Hotel,” had Roma ancestry on his mother’s side. His maternal great-great-grandmother was Roma.
- Matteo Garrone – The Italian film director, known for films like “Gomorrah” and “Tale of Tales,” has Roma roots. He has incorporated Roma themes in some of his works.
These celebrities with Roma roots have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and have often embraced and celebrated their heritage. Their success serves as a reminder of the diverse backgrounds and talents that exist within the Roma community.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Roma heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Factsheet About Roma People
| Country | Population | Percentage of Roma Population |
| Albania | 12,000,000 | 2.0% |
| Bulgaria | 7,000,000 | 4.9% |
| Czech Republic | 10,500,000 | 2.1% |
| Greece | 10,400,000 | 2.5% |
| Hungary | 9,800,000 | 3.2% |
| Macedonia | 2,100,000 | 9.7% |
| Romania | 19,500,000 | 3.3% |
| Slovakia | 5,500,000 | 2.4% |
| Serbia | 7,000,000 | 1.4% |
References to the Roma Ethnic Group
Here are some references to dig deeper about the Roma ethnic group:
- RomArchive: This digital archive offers a wide range of resources on Roma culture and history.
- Roma Decade: This website provides information about the Decade of Roma Inclusion, an international initiative to improve the social inclusion of Roma people.
- European Roma Rights Centre (ERRC): The ERRC is an international public interest law organization that advocates for the rights of Roma people.
- UK Government Ethnicity Facts and Figures: This resource provides statistical data and information about the Roma, Gypsy, and Traveller communities in the United Kingdom.
- Roma Education Fund: This organization works to support the access and quality of education for Roma children in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe.
These resources can provide comprehensive information on the history, culture, rights, and challenges faced by the Roma ethnic group. They cover a range of topics including education, social inclusion, and advocacy efforts.
That concludes the information we can provide about famous Roma individuals. Thank you for reading.
