Hayek has beaten the odds to become one of the most popular and well-paid Latin female stars in Hollywood, and although she's got looks to kill, beauty can only take someone so far. Salma has proven that she's got the goods to back up her amazing looks.
Hayek was born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico to Sami Hayek, an oil company executive, and Diana Jimenez, an opera singer. Raised in a wealthy, devoutly Catholic family, she went to exclusive private schools in the United States but due to alleged behavioral problems was sent back to Mexico at the age of 17. At 23, Hayek landed the title role in “Teresa” (1989), a successful telenovela, which earned her star status in Mexico. Later, in 1994, Hayek starred in “El Callejón de los Milagros,” which won more awards than any other movie in the history of Mexican Cinema. For her performance Hayek was nominated for an Ariel Award.
Despite limited fluency in English, Hayek moved to Los Angeles, California, in 1991 to study acting. She followed her 1995 success in “Desperado” with a memorable role in “From Dusk Till Dawn.” In 1999 she co-starred in Will Smith's big-budget picture “Wild Wild West” and played a supporting role in Kevin Smith’s “Dogma.” In 2000 she had an uncredited acting part opposite Benicio Del Toro in “Traffic.”
Around this time Hayek founded the production company “Ventanarosa” through which she produces film and television projects. “Frida,” co-produced by Hayek, was released in 2002 starring Hayek as Frida Kahlo. In 2003 she reprised her role from “Desperado” by appearing in the final film of the Mariachi Trilogy, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.”
In that same year she directed the “The Maldonado Miracle,” a Showtime movie that won her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children/Youth/Family Special.
Hayek dated fellow actor Edward Norton for four years, between 1999 and 2003, and then Josh Lucas from 2003 until 2004. As of 2006, Hayek is single and has homes in Los Angeles and Mexico. She is a best friend with Spanish actress, Penelope Cruz, whom she co-starred in the 2006 film, “Bandidas.”
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