The Mexican actress Salma Hayek celebrates 58 today
Salma Hayek’s big break in Hollywood came with the 1995 film “Desperado,” and in 2002, her career reached new heights with the portrayal of the iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in the biographical film “Frida,” which she also produced and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her the first Mexican actress to be nominated in that category
The Mexican actress Salma Hayek celebrates 58 today
The actress, producer, and director Salma Hayek was born Salma Hayek Pinault on September 2, 1966, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico. Of Lebanese and Spanish descent, Hayek was raised in a devout Catholic family. Her father, Sami Hayek Domínguez, is a Lebanese Mexican oil company executive, and her mother, Diana Jiménez Medina, is an opera singer and talent scout. From a young age, Hayek showed a strong interest in performing arts, particularly acting.
Hayek attended a Catholic school in Louisiana at the age of 12 but returned to Mexico after being expelled for mischievous behavior. She later studied International Relations at the Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, though her passion for acting led her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.
Hayek’s early career began in Mexican television, where she gained fame for her role in the popular telenovela “Teresa” (1989). Her performance made her a household name in Mexico, and she soon decided to pursue a career in Hollywood. Moving to Los Angeles in the early 1990s, Hayek faced initial challenges due to her accent and limited English skills. However, her determination and talent quickly set her apart.
Her big break in Hollywood came with the 1995 film “Desperado,” directed by Robert Rodriguez, in which she starred opposite Antonio Banderas. The film’s success established Hayek as a rising star. She continued to build her career with roles in films like “From Dusk Till Dawn” (1996), “Fools Rush In” (1997), and “Wild Wild West” (1999).
In 2002, Hayek’s career reached new heights with her portrayal of the iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo in the biographical film “Frida,” which she also produced. The role earned her critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, making her the first Mexican actress to be nominated in that category. The film was a labor of love for Hayek, who spent years working to bring Kahlo’s story to the screen.
Beyond acting, Hayek has established herself as a successful producer. She produced the hit television series “Ugly Betty” (2006-2010), which won several awards, including a Golden Globe. Her work as a producer highlights her commitment to telling diverse and meaningful stories.
Salma Hayek married French businessman François-Henri Pinault in 2009. The couple has a daughter, Valentina Paloma, born in 2007. Hayek is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in advocating for women’s rights, combating domestic violence, and supporting disadvantaged communities. She has been involved in various charitable organizations and is a vocal supporter of gender equality in the film industry. Today she celebrates 58.
Watch a clip of the 2002 acclaimed film “Frida” starring Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo
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