Set in the Latinx neighborhood of Washington Heights in New York, Jon M. Chu’s film version of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical In The Heights has a diverse cast of characters of all ages. Featuring a roster of Hispanic and Latino actresses and actors, with some of them still new to film acting, In The Heights offers a rich and diverse exploration of a colorful and unique neighborhood. Each of the characters represents the various facets of the immigrant experience.
All the performances feel realistic and vibrant, and each actress and actor fully embody their unique characters. With its dazzling musical numbers and moving storyline, Chu and screenplay writer Quiara Alegría Hudes populate In The Heights with likable characters played by a mostly new cast distinct from the Broadway version. Reflecting the plurality of the environment they live in, the ages of the characters range across multiple generations. Here are all the main characters in In The Heights, in chronological order from oldest to youngest.
Abuela Claudia
Starting with the eldest member of the main cast, the neighborhood’s much-loved matriarch is Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz), who is in her late 60s. Abuela’s age gives her the warmth and wisdom required for her to take care of the various members of the community, including being the surrogate mother for Usnavi De La Vega (Anthony Ramos).
Kevin Rosario
The next oldest main character is Kevin Rosario (Jimmy Smits), who is in his 40s. He’s a hard-working businessman and father to the young Nina Rosario (Leslie Grace). Kevin makes many sacrifices and devotes all of his time and energy to ensuring that his daughter Nina can attend and complete her studies at Stanford.
Benny
One of In The Heights’ liveliest and most passionate characters is Benny (Corey Hawkins), a 24-year-old car dispatcher who works for Kevin’s company. Benny is well-liked by many in Washington Heights, and he is deeply in love with Nina, although he struggles at times to connect with her as she has moved far away from Washington Heights to attend Stanford.
Usnavi De La Vega
The main character and narrator of In The Heights is the 24-year-old Usnavi De La Vega (Anthony Ramos), the owner of a bodega in Washington Heights. Usnavi yearns to leave Washington Heights to run his late parent's bar in the Dominican Republic. He is also in love with Vanessa, although he needs encouragement from his friends to eventually start a relationship with her.
Nina Rosario
The daughter of Kevin and also the girlfriend of Benny is Nina Rosario, an ambitious and intelligent 19 year old college student at Stanford. Nina is also best friends with Vanessa Morales (Melissa Barrera), whom she confides her troubles and aspirations to. The younger 12-year-old version of Nina (Ariana Greenblatt) also appears in In The Heights.
Vanessa Morales
The love interest of Usnavi is Vanessa Morales, a 19-year-old woman who dreams of leaving Washington Heights to seek a career in fashion design. Vanessa works as a shampoo girl at the local hair salon along with her friend Carla (Stephanie Beatriz), but she aspires to become more independent and leave Washington Heights to live on her own.
Sonny de la Vega
The youngest main cast member of In The Heights is Sonny de la Vega (Gregory Diaz IV), the 15-year-old cousin of Usnavi who helps him run his bodega. Sonny aspires to attend college, but is unable to do so because of his parents’ undocumented status. Usnavi eventually helps Sonny find a way to attend college with the help of a lawyer.