Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Salma Hayek
Discover the career path of Salma Hayek, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Salma Hayek is a Mexican and American actress and film producer who started her career in Mexico, notably in the telenovela Teresa and the film Midaq Alley. She transitioned to Hollywood, gaining recognition through roles in movies like Desperado, From Dusk till Dawn, Wild Wild West, and Dogma, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the film industry.
1988: First Screen Appearance
In 1988, Salma Hayek made her first screen appearance in the television series Un Nuevo Amanecer, which earned her the TVyNovelas Award for Best Debut Actress.
1989: Role in Telenovela Teresa
In 1989, Salma Hayek began her career in Mexico with a starring role in the telenovela Teresa.
1991: Move to Los Angeles
In 1991, Salma Hayek moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career in Hollywood.
1991: Telenovela Teresa
In 1991, Salma Hayek played the title role in Teresa, a successful Mexican telenovela.
1993: The Sinbad Show and Mi Vida Loca
In 1993, Salma Hayek secured guest-spots in television series The Sinbad Show and a supporting role in the drama Mi Vida Loca.
1994: Roadracers
In 1994, Salma Hayek played in Roadracers, her first collaboration with director Robert Rodriguez.
1994: El callejón de los milagros
In 1994, Salma Hayek was cast as Alma in Jorge Fons's drama El callejón de los milagros.
1995: Roles in Midaq Alley and Desperado
In 1995, Salma Hayek had starring roles in the romantic drama Midaq Alley and established herself in Hollywood with an appearance in the film Desperado.
1995: Desperado Breakout Film
In 1995, Salma Hayek starred opposite Antonio Banderas in Desperado, her breakout film.
1996: Appearance in From Dusk till Dawn
In 1996, Salma Hayek appeared in the film From Dusk till Dawn, continuing to establish herself in Hollywood.
1996: From Dusk till Dawn
In 1996, Salma Hayek had a brief role as a vampire queen in Robert Rodriguez's cult horror film From Dusk till Dawn and appeared in Follow Me Home and Fled.
1997: Fools Rush In and Breaking Up Releases
In 1997, Salma Hayek starred in the romantic comedies Fools Rush In with Matthew Perry, and Breaking Up with Russell Crowe.
1998: Alfred Molina as Diego Rivera
In 1998, Salma Hayek began to assemble a supporting cast approaching Alfred Molina for the role of Diego Rivera in Frida.
1998: Roles in 54, The Velocity of Gary, and The Faculty
In 1998, Salma Hayek played roles in the drama 54, the dramedy The Velocity of Gary, and the horror film The Faculty.
1999: Roles in Wild Wild West and Dogma
In 1999, Salma Hayek appeared in films such as Wild Wild West and Dogma.
1999: Founded Ventanarosa and El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba
In 1999, Salma Hayek founded her production company Ventanarosa and produced El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba, Mexico's official selection for Best Foreign Film at the Oscars.
1999: Roles in Dogma and Wild Wild West
In 1999, Salma Hayek was cast in Kevin Smith's religious satire Dogma and portrayed the daughter of a kidnapped scientist in Wild Wild West.
2000: Roles in Traffic, Timecode, Living It Up, and Chain of Fools
In 2000, Salma Hayek had an uncredited role in Traffic and played roles in Timecode, Living It Up, and Chain of Fools.
2001: In the Time of the Butterflies
In 2001, Salma Hayek produced and played Minerva Mirabal in the Showtime film In the Time of the Butterflies.
2002: Frida Release and Acclaim
In 2002, Salma Hayek produced and starred as Frida Kahlo in the biographical film Frida, receiving critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
2002: Nominated for Best Actress for Frida
In 2002, Salma Hayek received nominations for Best Actress for her performance as Frida Kahlo in 'Frida' at the 75th Academy Awards, the 61st Golden Globe Awards, the 53rd British Academy Television Awards and the 9th Screen Actors Guild Awards.
2003: Directing and Acting Projects
In 2003, Salma Hayek produced and directed The Maldonado Miracle, winning a Daytime Emmy Award. She also reunited with Robert Rodriguez for Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
2003: Once Upon a Time in Mexico Release
In 2003, Salma Hayek starred in Once Upon a Time in Mexico, focusing more on action-centered roles.
February 2004: Became Spokeswoman for Avon cosmetics
In February 2004, Salma Hayek became a spokeswoman for Avon cosmetics.
2004: After the Sunset Release
In 2004, Salma Hayek starred in Brett Ratner's action comedy After the Sunset, with Pierce Brosnan.
2004: Won Daytime Emmy Award for The Maldonado Miracle
In 2004, Salma Hayek won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children Special for The Maldonado Miracle.
July 19, 2005: Testified Before the U.S. Senate Committee
On July 19, 2005, Salma Hayek testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
2005: Cannes Film Festival and Nobel Peace Prize Concert
In 2005, Salma Hayek served as a member of the 58th Cannes Film Festival jury, co-hosted the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert with Julianne Moore in Oslo, Norway, and directed a music video for Prince.
February 2006: Donated to Shelters for Battered Women
In February 2006, Salma Hayek donated $25,000 to a Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, shelter for battered women and another $50,000 to Monterrey-based anti-domestic violence groups.
2006: Ugly Betty
In 2006, Salma Hayek began her work on the ABC television comedy-drama Ugly Betty.
2006: Received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Ugly Betty
In 2006, Salma Hayek received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on 'Ugly Betty', one for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series and the other for Outstanding Comedy Series as an executive producer.
2006: Executive Producer and Guest Star in Ugly Betty
In 2006, Salma Hayek served as an executive producer and guest-starred in the American television series Ugly Betty, which was adapted from the Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty La Fea. The show was a critical and audience success.
2006: Bandidas Release
In 2006, Salma Hayek starred in the action-centered picture Bandidas.
2006: Starred in Bandidas, Ask the Dust, and Lonely Hearts
In 2006, Salma Hayek starred in three films: Bandidas, a Western comedy with Penélope Cruz; Ask the Dust, a period romance with Colin Farrell; and Lonely Hearts, a neo-noir crime drama with Jared Leto. Bandidas was better received, while Ask the Dust was not a financial success, and Lonely Hearts received mixed reviews, though the cast's performances were praised.
2006: Appeared in Campari Ads
In 2006, Salma Hayek was featured in Campari ads, photographed by Mario Testino.
2007: Finalized Negotiations with MGM and Signed Deal with ABC
In 2007, Salma Hayek finalized negotiations with MGM to become the CEO of her own Latin-themed film production company, Ventanarosa. Additionally, Hayek signed a two-year deal with ABC for Ventanarosa to develop projects for the network.
2007: Cameo Appearance in Across the Universe
In 2007, Salma Hayek made a cameo appearance in Julie Taymor's jukebox musical romantic drama Across the Universe, singing a cover of The Beatles song "Happiness Is A Warm Gun".
2008: Co-founded Juice Generation's juice delivery program Cooler Cleanse
In 2008, Salma Hayek co-founded Cooler Cleanse, the juice delivery program for Juice Generation.
April 3, 2009: Introduced La Doña Watch by Cartier
On April 3, 2009, Salma Hayek helped introduce La Doña, a watch by Cartier inspired by fellow Mexican actress María Félix.
2009: Breastfed a Baby in Sierra Leone
During a 2009 UNICEF fact-finding trip to Sierra Leone, Salma Hayek breastfed a hungry week-old baby whose mother could not produce milk, to reduce the stigma associated with breastfeeding and to encourage infant nutrition.
2009: Starred in Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
In 2009, Salma Hayek starred in Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, playing Madame Truska, marking her first acting project after giving birth to her daughter. The film was an adaptation of The Saga of Darren Shan book series and was not critically or commercially successful.
2010: Grown Ups Release
In 2010, Salma Hayek achieved further commercial success with the comedy Grown Ups.
2010: Starred in Grown Ups
In 2010, Salma Hayek played a fashion designer in the comedy Grown Ups alongside Adam Sandler. Despite negative reviews, the film grossed $271.4 million worldwide.
2010: Ugly Betty Ended
In 2010, Salma Hayek's role as Executive producer came to an end as Ugly Betty came to an end. She produced the show since 2006.
2011: Launched Nuance by Salma Hayek cosmetics line
In 2011, Salma Hayek launched her own line of cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products called Nuance by Salma Hayek, to be sold at CVS stores in North America.
2011: Puss in Boots Release
In 2011, Salma Hayek lent her voice for the animated film Puss in Boots.
2011: Voiced Kitty Softpaws in Puss in Boots and Acted in International Productions
In 2011, Salma Hayek voiced Kitty Softpaws in Puss in Boots, a spin-off of the Shrek franchise that was a commercial success and received positive reviews. Additionally, she acted in two international productions, Americano and As Luck Would Have It, earning award nominations for her roles.
2012: Directed music video and appeared in multiple films
In 2012, Salma Hayek directed Jada Pinkett Smith in the music video "Nada Se Compara". She also lent her voice for Peter Lord's animated film The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!, and played a cartel leader in Oliver Stone's action film Savages and a school nurse in Frank Coraci's comedy Here Comes the Boom.
2013: Reprised role in Grown Ups 2
In 2013, Salma Hayek reprised her role in Grown Ups 2, which was a commercial success despite receiving negative reviews.
2013: Grown Ups 2 Release
In 2013, Salma Hayek starred in the comedy Grown Ups 2, achieving further commercial success.
2013: Launched "Chime for Change" with Gucci
In 2013, alongside Beyoncé and Frida Giannini, Salma Hayek launched "Chime for Change", a Gucci campaign that aims to spread female empowerment.
2014: Signed Amnesty International's Letter for Women's Rights in Afghanistan
For International Women's Day 2014, Salma Hayek was one of the artist signatories of Amnesty International's letter to then British Prime Minister David Cameron, campaigning for women's rights in Afghanistan.
2014: Produced and Voiced Kamila in The Prophet and Appeared in Other Films
In 2014, Salma Hayek served as a producer and provided her voice for the character of Kamila in The Prophet, an animated film adapted from the book by Kahlil Gibran. She also made an appearance in Muppets Most Wanted and starred in Everly and Some Kind of Beautiful.
2014: Wrote the foreword to "The Juice Generation: 100 Recipes for Fresh Juices and Superfood Smoothies"
In 2014, Salma Hayek wrote the foreword to Eric Helms' book, "The Juice Generation: 100 Recipes for Fresh Juices and Superfood Smoothies".
2015: Criticized Discrimination Against Women in Lebanon
Following her visit to Lebanon in 2015, Salma Hayek criticized the discrimination against women there.
2015: Tale of Tales Release
In 2015, Salma Hayek earned critical acclaim for her performance in the drama Tale of Tales.
2015: Starred in Tale of Tales
In 2015, Salma Hayek starred in the European fantasy film Tale of Tales, playing the Queen of Longtrellis. The film competed for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
2016: Sausage Party Release
In 2016, Salma Hayek lent her voice for the animated film Sausage Party.
2016: Voiced Teresa del Taco in Sausage Party
In 2016, Salma Hayek voiced Teresa del Taco in Sausage Party, an R-rated animated film that became the highest-grossing of its kind.
2017: Launched beauty subscription service Blend It Yourself
In 2017, Salma Hayek and Eric Helms launched Blend It Yourself, a beauty subscription delivery service based on Salma Hayek's personal beauty elixirs, which provides subscribers with prepared organic frozen smoothie and acai bowl ingredients.
2017: Starred in Beatriz at Dinner, How to Be a Latin Lover, and The Hitman's Bodyguard
In 2017, Salma Hayek played a holistic medicine practitioner in Beatriz at Dinner, earning her an Independent Spirit Film Award nomination. She also appeared in the comedy How to Be a Latin Lover and starred in the action comedy The Hitman's Bodyguard.
2017: The Hitman's Bodyguard and Beatriz at Dinner Release
In 2017, Salma Hayek starred in The Hitman's Bodyguard and earned critical acclaim for her performance in Beatriz at Dinner.
2018: Cast in The Hummingbird Project
In 2018, Salma Hayek was cast as Eva Torres in Kim Nguyen's tech drama The Hummingbird Project.
September 2019: Appeared on the cover of British Vogue
In September 2019, Salma Hayek was one of fifteen women selected to appear on the cover of British Vogue, guest-edited by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
2019: Cast in Drunk Parents
In 2019, Salma Hayek was cast as Nancy Teagarten in Fred Wolf's comedy Drunk Parents.
2019: Pinault Family Pledged Support for Notre Dame Reconstruction
In 2019, the Pinault family pledged US$113 million to support the reconstruction efforts of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, following its destruction in a fire.
2020: Appeared in Like a Boss and The Roads Not Taken
In 2020, Salma Hayek appeared in Miguel Arteta's comedy Like a Boss and Sally Potter’s drama The Roads Not Taken.
2020: Raised Awareness for Vanessa Guillen's Disappearance
In 2020, Salma Hayek raised awareness through her Instagram for the disappearance of Vanessa Guillen.
June 16, 2021: Released in Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard
On June 16, 2021, Salma Hayek starred in Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, a sequel to the 2017 film. While reviews were mediocre, her performance was praised.
November 5, 2021: Eternals Released in the United States
On November 5, 2021, Eternals, where Salma Hayek played Ajak, the wise and spiritual leader of the Eternals, was released in the United States. This made her the first Arab actress with a main role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
2021: House of Gucci and Eternals Release
In 2021, Salma Hayek earned critical acclaim for her performance in House of Gucci and played Ajak in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Eternals, which became her highest-grossing live action film.
June 2022: Cast in Angelina Jolie's Without Blood
In June 2022, Salma Hayek was cast in Angelina Jolie’s upcoming film, Without Blood, based on the bestselling Italian novel by Alessandro Baricco.
2022: Hayek's highest-grossing films as of 2022
As of 2022, the entry details Salma Hayek's films that have earned the most at the box office.
2022: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish Release
In 2022, Salma Hayek lent her voice for the animated film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
2023: Appeared in Black Mirror
In 2023, Salma Hayek appeared as herself in the episode "Joan Is Awful" of the Netflix anthology Black Mirror.
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