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 launched her career in Mexico with roles in 'Teresa' and 'Midaq Alley'. She quickly gained prominence in Hollywood, starring in popular movies such as 'Desperado', 'From Dusk till Dawn', 'Wild Wild West', and 'Dogma'.
1988: First Screen Appearance
In 1988, Salma Hayek made her first screen appearance in the television series Un Nuevo Amanecer, earning her the TVyNovelas Award for Best Debut Actress.
1989: Starring role in 'Teresa'
In 1989, Salma Hayek began her career in Mexico with starring roles in the telenovela Teresa.
1991: Continued Role in 'Teresa'
From 1989 to 1991, Salma Hayek played the title role in Teresa, a successful Mexican telenovela that made her a star in Mexico.
1991: Move to Los Angeles
In 1991, Salma Hayek moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career in Hollywood following the conclusion of Teresa.
1992: Guest spot in 'Dream On'
In 1992, Salma Hayek secured guest-spots in television series such as Dream On.
1993: Roles in 'The Sinbad Show' and 'Mi Vida Loca'
In 1993, Salma Hayek secured guest-spots in television series such as The Sinbad Show, as well as supporting roles in the drama Mi Vida Loca.
1994: Role in 'Roadracers'
In 1994, Salma Hayek appeared in the made-for-Showtime thriller Roadracers, her first collaboration with director Robert Rodriguez.
1994: Role in 'El callejón de los milagros (Miracle Alley)'
In 1994, Salma Hayek was cast as Alma in Jorge Fons's drama El callejón de los milagros (Miracle Alley), earning her a nomination for the Ariel Award for Best Actress.
1995: Role in 'Midaq Alley'
In 1995, Salma Hayek starred in the romantic drama Midaq Alley.
1995: Breakthrough role in 'Desperado'
In 1995, Salma Hayek starred opposite Antonio Banderas in Desperado, which became her breakout film.
1996: Appearance in 'From Dusk till Dawn'
In 1996, Salma Hayek appeared in the film From Dusk till Dawn, establishing herself in Hollywood.
1997: Roles in 'Fools Rush In' and 'Breaking Up'
In 1997, Salma Hayek starred in the romantic comedies Fools Rush In and Breaking Up.
1998: Approaching Alfred Molina for Role in 'Frida'
In 1998, Salma Hayek approached Alfred Molina for the role of Diego Rivera in the movie Frida. She secured access to Kahlo's paintings from Kahlo and began to assemble a supporting cast for the film.
1998: Revlon Spokeswoman
In 1998, Salma Hayek became a spokeswoman for Revlon.
1998: Roles in '54', 'The Velocity of Gary', and 'The Faculty'
In 1998, Salma Hayek played roles in the films 54, The Velocity of Gary, and The Faculty.
1999: Founded Ventanarosa and produced '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.
1999: Roles in 'Wild Wild West' and 'Dogma'
In 1999, Salma Hayek had appearances in the films Wild Wild West and Dogma, solidifying her presence in Hollywood.
1999: Roles in 'Dogma' and 'Wild Wild West'
In 1999, Salma Hayek starred in Kevin Smith's religious satire Dogma and the period Western Wild Wild West.
2000: Roles in 'Traffic', 'Timecode', 'Living It Up', and 'Chain of Fools'
In 2000, Salma Hayek had roles in Traffic, Timecode, Living It Up, and Chain of Fools.
2001: Producing and starring in '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: Nomination for Academy Award for Best Actress
In 2002, Salma Hayek produced and starred in the biopic Frida, portraying Frida Kahlo, which led to her becoming the first Mexican actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
2002: Starring in 'Frida'
In 2002, Salma Hayek starred in and produced the biographical film Frida, portraying Frida Kahlo, and received nominations for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, and British Academy Film Awards.
2002: Lincoln Cars Commercials
In 2002, Salma Hayek was featured in a series of Spanish language commercials for Lincoln cars.
2002: Nominated for Best Actress at the 75th Academy Awards for Frida
In 2002, Salma Hayek's performance as Frida Kahlo in Frida earned her nominations for Best Actress at the 75th Academy Awards, among others.
2003: Directing 'The Maldonado Miracle' and appearing in 'Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over' and 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico'
In 2003, Salma Hayek produced and directed The Maldonado Miracle, winning a Daytime Emmy Award, and appeared in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and Once Upon a Time in Mexico, reprising her role from Desperado.
2003: Starring in 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico'
In 2003, Salma Hayek starred in the action film Once Upon a Time in Mexico.
February 2004: Avon Spokeswoman
In February 2004, Salma Hayek became a spokeswoman for Avon cosmetics.
2004: Starring in 'After the Sunset'
In 2004, Salma Hayek starred in the action comedy After the Sunset as the girlfriend of a master thief, with Pierce Brosnan.
2004: Won Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children Special
In 2004, Salma Hayek won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children Special for The Maldonado Miracle.
July 19, 2005: Testimony Before 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 Jury Member, Nobel Peace Prize Concert Co-host, and Music Video Director
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, titled "Te Amo Corazon".
February 2006: Donation to Battered Women's Shelters
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: Received Primetime Emmy Award nominations for work on 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: Ugly Betty Airs on ABC
In 2006, Salma Hayek served as an executive producer for the American television series "Ugly Betty" after adapting the story for American television and it was picked up by ABC for the 2006-2007 season. She also guest-starred on the series as Sofia Reyes, a magazine editor.
2006: Bandidas Film Release
In 2006, Salma Hayek starred in the Western comedy "Bandidas" alongside Penélope Cruz, portraying two women who become bank robbers to combat a ruthless enforcer. Hayek also appeared in "Ask the Dust", a period romance, and "Lonely Hearts", a neo-noir crime drama where she played Martha Beck.
2006: Starring in 'Bandidas'
In 2006, Salma Hayek starred in the action film Bandidas.
2006: Campari Ads
In 2006, Salma Hayek was featured in Campari ads, photographed by Mario Testino.
July 2007: Ranked 4th in The Hollywood Reporter's Latino Power 50
In July 2007, The Hollywood Reporter ranked Salma Hayek 4th in their Latino Power 50, a list of the most powerful Latin members of Hollywood.
2007: Ventanarosa Deal with ABC, and CEO role
In 2007, Salma Hayek finalized negotiations with MGM to become the CEO of her own Latin-themed film production company, Ventanarosa, and signed a two-year deal with ABC for Ventanarosa to develop projects for the network.
2007: Across the Universe Cameo
In 2007, Salma Hayek made a cameo appearance in Julie Taymor's "Across the Universe" as a nurse singing a cover of The Beatles song "Happiness Is A Warm Gun".
2008: Co-founded Juice Generation's Cooler Cleanse program
In 2008, Salma Hayek co-founded Juice Generation's juice delivery program called Cooler Cleanse.
2008: Awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award
In 2008, Salma Hayek was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award, recognizing her creative works in television. Entertainment Weekly also ranked her 17th in their list of the 25 Smartest People in TV.
April 3, 2009: Introduction of 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: UNICEF Fact-Finding Trip to 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 stigma and encourage infant nutrition.
2009: Guest-starring on '30 Rock'
From 2009 to 2013, Salma Hayek guest-starred on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock.
2009: Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
In 2009, Salma Hayek's first acting project following the birth of her daughter was the role of Madame Truska in "Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant".
2010: Starring in 'Grown Ups'
In 2010, Salma Hayek achieved commercial success with the comedy Grown Ups.
2010: Ugly Betty Series Ends
In 2010, Salma Hayek concluded her role as executive producer for the American television series "Ugly Betty" after its run from 2006-2010.
2010: Grown Ups Film Release
In 2010, Salma Hayek starred in the comedy "Grown Ups" as a fashion designer and the wife of a Hollywood talent agent.
2010: VH1 Do Something Awards Nomination
In 2010, Salma Hayek's humanitarian work earned her a nomination for the VH1 Do Something Awards.
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.
2011: Voice Role in 'Puss in Boots'
In 2011, Salma Hayek lent her voice for the animated film Puss in Boots.
2011: Puss in Boots and International Roles
In 2011, Salma Hayek voiced Kitty Softpaws in "Puss in Boots" and obtained Hispanic roles in the French drama "Americano" and the Spanish "As Luck Would Have It", earning award nominations for the latter two.
2011: Appointed Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour
In 2011, Salma Hayek was appointed Knight (Chevalier) of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest French order of merit.
2012: Directing, Voice Acting, and Film Roles
In 2012, Salma Hayek directed Jada Pinkett Smith in the music video "Nada Se Compara", lent her voice for "The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!", and played roles in "Savages" and "Here Comes the Boom".
2013: Guest-starring on '30 Rock'
From 2009 to 2013, Salma Hayek guest-starred on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock.
2013: Starring in 'Grown Ups 2'
In 2013, Salma Hayek achieved further commercial success with the comedy Grown Ups 2.
2013: Grown Ups 2 Film Release
In 2013, Salma Hayek reprised her role in "Grown Ups 2", a commercial success despite negative reviews.
2013: Launch of Chime for Change
In 2013, Salma Hayek, alongside Beyoncé and Frida Giannini, launched "Chime for Change", a Gucci campaign that aims to spread female empowerment.
2014: Signatory of Amnesty International's Letter
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: Hayek's role in The Prophet, Muppets Most Wanted, Everly, and Some Kind of Beautiful
In 2014, Salma Hayek produced and voiced the character of Kamila in "The Prophet", appeared in "Muppets Most Wanted", starred in "Everly", and reunited with Pierce Brosnan in "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 Juice Generation founder Eric Helms' book "The Juice Generation: 100 Recipes for Fresh Juices and Superfood Smoothies".
2015: Criticism of Discrimination Against Women in Lebanon
Following her visit to Lebanon in 2015, Salma Hayek criticized the discrimination against women there.
2015: Tale of Tales Film Appearance
In 2015, Salma Hayek appeared as the Queen of Longtrellis in "Tale of Tales", a European fantasy film that competed for the Palme d'Or at the 68th Cannes Film Festival.
2015: Performance in 'Tale of Tales'
In 2015, Salma Hayek earned critical acclaim for her performance in the drama Tale of Tales.
2016: Voice Role in 'Sausage Party'
In 2016, Salma Hayek lent her voice for the animated film Sausage Party.
2016: Sausage Party Voice Role
In 2016, Salma Hayek voiced Teresa del Taco in the adult animated film "Sausage Party".
2017: Launched Blend It Yourself beauty subscription service
In 2017, Salma Hayek and Eric Helms launched Blend It Yourself, a beauty subscription delivery service based on Hayek's personal beauty elixirs.
2017: Film Roles in 2017
In 2017, Salma Hayek starred in "Beatriz at Dinner", "How to Be a Latin Lover", and "The Hitman's Bodyguard".
2017: Starring in 'The Hitman's Bodyguard' and 'Beatriz at Dinner'
In 2017, Salma Hayek starred in The Hitman's Bodyguard and earned critical acclaim for her performance in Beatriz at Dinner.
2017: The Hitman's Bodyguard Release
In 2017, the original film, The Hitman's Bodyguard, was released.
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: Featured on the cover of British Vogue
In September 2019, Salma Hayek was one of fifteen women selected to appear on the cover of the September 2019 issue of British Vogue, which was 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's Pledge to 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: Appearances 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: Awareness for the Disappearance of Vanessa Guillen
In 2020, Salma Hayek raised awareness through her Instagram for the disappearance of Vanessa Guillen.
June 16, 2021: Release of Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard
On June 16, 2021, "Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard", the sequel to the 2017 film "The Hitman’s Bodyguard", was released, featuring Salma Hayek reprising her role and receiving praise for her performance.
November 5, 2021: Eternals Film Release
On November 5, 2021, Salma Hayek starred as Ajak in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film "Eternals", becoming the first Arab actress with a main role in the MCU. The film was released in the United States.
2021: Roles in 'House of Gucci' and 'Eternals'
In 2021, Salma Hayek earned critical acclaim for her performance in House of Gucci and played Ajak in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Eternals, her highest-grossing live action film.
2021: Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2021, Salma Hayek was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
June 2022: Casted 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: Box office performance of Hayek's films
As of 2022, the provided text refers to Hayek's films that have earned the most at the box office.
2022: Voice Role in 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish'
In 2022, Salma Hayek lent her voice for the animated film Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
2023: Appearance 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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