Salma Valgarma Hayek
Salma Valgarma Hayek Pinault, born Hayek Jiménez on September 2, 1966, began her acting career in Mexico with the telenovela Teresa (1989–1991). She starred in the romantic drama Midaq Alley (1995) before moving to Hollywood. In this slideshow, we review memorable photos of Hayek and important facts about her career.
Born in Mexico
Hayek was born in Mexico to a Lebanese father and a Spanish mother. She has a younger brother named Sami, who is a furniture designer.
Raised in a wealthy, devout Catholic family
Raised in a wealthy, devout Catholic family, Hayek attended the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Louisiana, where she was diagnosed with dyslexia.
Studied international relations
She later studied international relations at the Universidad Iberoamericana. In a 2011 interview, she revealed that she was briefly an illegal immigrant in the United States.
Hollywood Breakthrough
Hollywood Breakthrough: Hayek gained recognition in Hollywood with films like Desperado (1995) and From Dusk till Dawn (1996).
Iconic Role
Iconic Role: She portrayed painter Frida Kahlo in the biopic Frida (2002), which she also produced.
Academy Award
Oscar Nomination: Her role in Frida made her the first Mexican actress nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Focus on Producing
Focus on Producing: After Frida, she shifted her focus more toward producing films while continuing to act.
Commercial Success
Commercial Success: Hayek starred in successful comedies like Grown Ups (2010) and The Hitman’s Bodyguard (2017).
Voice Acting
Voice Acting: She lent her voice to animated films such as Puss in Boots (2011) and Sausage Party (2016).
Critical Acclaim
Critical Acclaim: She received praise for her performances in dramas like Beatriz at Dinner (2017) and House of Gucci (2021).
Marvel Cinematic Universe
Marvel Cinematic Universe: Hayek played Ajak in the MCU film Eternals (2021), which became her highest-grossing live-action film.
Emmy Awards
Emmy Awards: She has been nominated for four Emmy Awards for her work in television.
Daytime Emmy Win
Daytime Emmy Win: Hayek won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children’s Special for The Maldonado Miracle (2004).
Influential Figure
Influential Figure: She is recognized as one of Hollywood’s most powerful Latina actresses and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2023.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame: In 2021, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.