The Mambo Kings tells the story of César and Nestor Castillo, brothers and aspiring musicians who flee from Cuba to America in search of the American Dream.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Antonio BanderasNestor Castillo | Nestor Castillo |
 Armand AssanteCesar Castillo | Cesar Castillo |
 Cathy MoriartyLanna Lake | Lanna Lake |
 Maruschka DetmersDelores Fuentes | Delores Fuentes |
| PPablo CalogeroRamon - The Mambo Kings Band | Ramon - The Mambo Kings Band |
 Scott CohenBernardito - The Mambo Kings Band | Bernardito - The Mambo Kings Band |
 Desi Arnaz Jr.Desi Arnaz Sr. | Desi Arnaz Sr. |
| MMario GrilloMario - The Mambo Kings Band | Mario - The Mambo Kings Band |
| RRalph IrizarryPito - The Mambo Kings Band | Pito - The Mambo Kings Band |
 Pete MacnamaraJohnny Bing - The Mambo Kings Band | Johnny Bing - The Mambo Kings Band |
| JJames MedinaManny - The Mambo Kings Band (as Jimmy Medina) | Manny - The Mambo Kings Band (as Jimmy Medina) |
| MMarcos QuintanillaWillie - The Mambo Kings Band | Willie - The Mambo Kings Band |
 Tito PuenteHimself | Himself |
| VValerie McIntoshTracy Blair | Tracy Blair |
 Cordelia GonzálezAnna María | Anna María |
 Colleen FitzpatrickRedhead on Bus | Redhead on Bus |
 Jonathan Del ArcoYoung Cesar | Young Cesar |
 Carlos GómezCreep | Creep |