Salma Hayek

Biography

Born in southeast Mexico, daughter of a Lebanese father and a Mexican mother, Hayek began her career in Mexican TV soap operas in late 80's. After having some success with titles such as Nuevo Amanecer and Teresa, Hayek left a relatively easy career in Mexican TV and traveled to Los Angeles, searching for the promised land: Hollywood. After some minor roles, Hayek began to be noticed as a good actress in Desperado (1995). She returned to Mexico to film Callejón de los Milagros, El (1995) and was nominated for an Ariel (Mexican Academy Award). Hayek is considered to be the first Mexican actress to become a Hollywood movie star since Dolores Del Río.

Personal quotes

"I keep waiting to meet a man who has more balls than I do."

"I act tall!"

"I don't believe in the so-called Latino explosion whenit comes to movies. Jennifer Lopez doesn't have an accent. She grew up in New York speaking English not Spanish. Her success is very important because she represents a different culture, but it doesn't help me. I grew up in Mexico, not the US, and the fact is that there just aren't any parts for Latin actresses. I have to persuade people that my accent won't be a problem, but an asset. Everyone's afraid of doing something a bit risky. Everyone wants a $20 million hit and anything they think might get in the way of that kind of success is considered a liability."