What is Selena Gomez's ethnicity?

Gomez is of Mexican and Italian descent. Her father's family is from Texas with Mexican roots.

Does Selena Gomez speak Spanish?

Gomez has said she understands full Spanish conversations but struggles to respond fluently. She has recorded songs in Spanish and wants to become fully bilingual.

Why is Selena Gomez named Selena?

She was named after the legendary Tejana singer Selena Quintanilla. Gomez has called the name a testament to her heritage's influence on her life and career.

Is Selena Gomez Mexican?

She is half Mexican. Her father is of Mexican descent and her mother is of Italian descent.

TV Interviews

Q: Is Selena Gomez Latina?

Yes. Selena Gomez is half Mexican on her father's side and half Italian on her mother's side.

Alfonso Ribeiro in gray suit talking to a reporter at event

Alfonso Ribeiro giving an interview at an event, 2013

By Jack Rico

2013/05/31 at 12:00am

Interviews Opinion & Analysis Pop Culture

Why A ‘Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air’ Reunion Will Never Happen

05.31.2013 | By Jack Rico |

For all you fans of the 90’s TV show Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, we hate to break it to you, but any ideas of a Will Smith and friends television reunion on NBC are out of the question. At least that is the case according to Alfonso Ribeiro, one of the co-stars of the show. Read More

Selena Gomez smiling close-up with hoop earrings

Selena Gomez, American singer and actress of Mexican descent

By Jack Rico

2008/09/13 at 12:00am

Interviews Latinos In Hollywood TV Interviews

Is Selena Gomez Latina? Her Mexican and Italian Heritage Explained

09.13.2008 | By Jack Rico |

Quick Answer: Yes, Selena Gomez is Latina. She is half Mexican on her father’s side and half Italian on her mother’s side. She was named after the legendary Tejana singer Selena Quintanilla.

Before Selena Gomez became one of the most visible stars in pop culture, she spoke with ShowBizCafe about being Latina and carrying her Mexican heritage into mainstream entertainment.

Born on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, Gomez grew up steeped in her Mexican roots, named after the most iconic Tejana in history. Now, at the promising age of 16, she is already being heralded as the next Jennifer Lopez. Gomez, who has quickly been establishing herself as a Latina powerhouse, has already marked her territory in television and music, with her sights set on dominating the film industry next. But how much do we know about the Latina heritage of the Wizards of Waverly Place star?