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. She gained initial fame starring in the Mexican telenovela *Teresa* and the film *Midaq Alley*. Transitioning to Hollywood, she appeared in successful movies such as *Desperado*, *From Dusk till Dawn*, *Wild Wild West*, and *Dogma*, solidifying her presence in the American film industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1988: First Screen Appearance in Un Nuevo Amanecer

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: Stars in Telenovela Teresa

In 1989, Salma Hayek began her career in Mexico, starring in the telenovela Teresa.

1990: Wins TVyNovelas Award for Teresa

In 1990, Salma Hayek earned the TVyNovelas Award for Best Female Revelation for her work in the telenovela Teresa.

1991: Continues to Star in Teresa

In 1991, Salma Hayek continued starring in the telenovela Teresa, a role she began in 1989.

1991: Moves to Los Angeles

In 1991, Salma Hayek moved to Los Angeles following the conclusion of Teresa to pursue a film career in Hollywood.

1992: Guest-spots in Dream On

In 1992, Salma Hayek secured guest-spots in television series such as Dream On.

1993: Appears in The Sinbad Show and Mi Vida Loca

In 1993, Salma Hayek secured guest-spots in television series such as The Sinbad Show and supporting roles in the drama Mi Vida Loca.

1994: First Collaboration with Robert Rodriguez in Roadracers

In 1994, Salma Hayek secured supporting roles in the made-for-Showtime thriller Roadracers, her first collaboration with director Robert Rodriguez.

1994: Cast 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).

1995: Stars in Midaq Alley and Desperado

In 1995, Salma Hayek starred in the romantic drama Midaq Alley. That same year, she established herself in Hollywood with an appearance in the film Desperado.

1995: Stars in Desperado

In 1995, Salma Hayek starred opposite Antonio Banderas in Desperado, her breakout film, directed by Robert Rodriguez.

1996: Appears in From Dusk till Dawn, Follow Me Home, and Fled

In 1996, Salma Hayek appeared in Robert Rodriguez's cult horror film From Dusk till Dawn, the drama Follow Me Home, and the cop comedy Fled.

1996: Appears in From Dusk till Dawn

In 1996, Salma Hayek appeared in the film From Dusk till Dawn, continuing to establish herself in Hollywood.

1997: Stars in Fools Rush In and Breaking Up

In 1997, Salma Hayek starred in the romantic comedies Fools Rush In and Breaking Up.

1998: Appears in 54, The Velocity of Gary, and The Faculty

In 1998, Salma Hayek appeared in Mark Christopher's drama 54, Dan Ireland's dramedy The Velocity of Gary, and Rodriguez's supernatural horror film The Faculty.

1998: Spokeswoman for Revlon

In 1998, Salma Hayek was a spokeswoman for Revlon.

1998: Approaches Alfred Molina for Frida

In 1998, Salma Hayek, determined to make the film Frida, began to assemble a supporting cast, approaching Alfred Molina for the role of Diego Rivera.

1999: Appears in Dogma and Wild Wild West

In 1999, Salma Hayek appeared in Kevin Smith's religious satire Dogma and the period Western Wild Wild West.

1999: Appears in Wild Wild West and Dogma

In 1999, Salma Hayek appeared in the films Wild Wild West and Dogma, further establishing her presence in Hollywood.

1999: Founds Ventanarosa and Produces 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.

2000: Appears in Traffic, Timecode, Living It Up, and Chain of Fools

In 2000, Salma Hayek had an uncredited role in Traffic, and played an aspiring actress in Timecode, a waitress in Living It Up, and a cop and Playboy model in Chain of Fools.

2001: Acquisition of Yo Soy Betty La Fea rights

In 2001, Ben Silverman acquired the rights and scripts from the Colombian telenovela Yo Soy Betty La Fea, which would later be adapted by Salma Hayek for American television.

2001: Modeled for Chopard

In 2001, Salma Hayek modeled for Chopard.

2001: Produces and Stars 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: Stars and Produces Frida

In 2002, Salma Hayek starred as surrealist painter Frida Kahlo and served as a producer in Julie Taymor's biographical film Frida.

2002: Commercials for Lincoln cars

In 2002, Salma Hayek was featured in a series of Spanish language commercials for Lincoln cars.

2002: Nominations for 'Frida'

In 2002, Salma Hayek's performance as Frida Kahlo in the movie 'Frida' garnered her nominations for Best Actress at the 75th Academy Awards, the 61st Golden Globe Awards, the 53rd British Academy Television Awards and the 9th Screen Actors Guild Awards.

2002: Nominated for Academy Award for Frida

In 2002, Salma Hayek's portrayal of Frida Kahlo in the biopic Frida, which she also produced, earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first Mexican actress to be nominated.

2003: Directs The Maldonado Miracle and Appears in Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and Once Upon a Time in Mexico

In 2003, Salma Hayek produced and directed The Maldonado Miracle, reunited with Robert Rodriguez for Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and made an appearance in the documentary V-Day: Until the Violence Stops.

2003: Stars in Once Upon a Time in Mexico

In 2003, Salma Hayek starred in the action-centered picture Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

February 2004: Spokeswoman for Avon cosmetics

Since February 2004, Salma Hayek has been a spokeswoman for Avon cosmetics.

2004: Stars in After the Sunset

In 2004, Salma Hayek starred as the girlfriend of a master thief in Brett Ratner's action comedy After the Sunset.

2004: Daytime Emmy Award win

In 2004, Salma Hayek won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children Special for 'The Maldonado Miracle'.

2004: Wins Daytime Emmy for The Maldonado Miracle

In 2004, Salma Hayek won the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing in a Children's Special for The Maldonado Miracle.

2004: Ugly Betty project

In 2004, the Ugly Betty project was originally intended as a half-hour sitcom for NBC, before being picked up by ABC.

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: Serves on Cannes Film Festival Jury

In 2005, Salma Hayek served as a member of the 58th Cannes Film Festival jury, co-hosted the annual Nobel Peace Prize Concert, and directed a music video for Prince, titled "Te Amo Corazon".

February 2006: Donations 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: Campari ads

In 2006, Salma Hayek appeared in Campari ads, photographed by Mario Testino.

2006: Stars in Ugly Betty

In 2006, Salma Hayek began her work on the ABC television comedy-drama Ugly Betty.

2006: Emmy nomination for Ugly Betty

In 2006, Salma Hayek received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series as an executive producer for her work on 'Ugly Betty'.

2006: Executive Producer for Ugly Betty

In 2006, Salma Hayek served as an executive producer for the American television series Ugly Betty, which was picked up by ABC for the 2006-2007 season. She also guest-starred on the series as Sofia Reyes.

2006: Starred in Bandidas, Ask the Dust, and Lonely Hearts

In 2006, Salma Hayek starred in three films: Bandidas, where she and Penélope Cruz played bank robbers; Ask the Dust, a period romance set in Los Angeles; and Lonely Hearts, a neo-noir crime drama where she played Martha Beck.

July 2007: Ranked in 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: CEO of Ventanarosa

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 to develop projects for the network.

2007: Cameo 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-founding Cooler Cleanse

In 2008, Salma Hayek co-founded Cooler Cleanse, a juice delivery program by Juice Generation.

2008: Awarded Women in Film Lucy Award

In 2008, Salma Hayek was awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award, in recognition of her creative works that have enhanced the perception of women through 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: Breastfeeding Advocacy

During a 2009 UNICEF fact-finding trip to Sierra Leone, Salma Hayek breastfed a hungry week-old baby to reduce the stigma associated with breastfeeding and to encourage infant nutrition.

2009: Guest Stars on 30 Rock

In 2009, Salma Hayek guest-starred on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock.

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2009: Starred in Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant

In 2009, Salma Hayek starred in Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant, portraying Madame Truska. This was her first acting project after the birth of her daughter.

Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare: The Saga of Darren Shan, Book 1

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2010: Achieves Commercial Success with Grown Ups

In 2010, Salma Hayek achieved further commercial success with the comedy Grown Ups.

2010: Stars in Ugly Betty

In 2010, Salma Hayek continued her work on the ABC television comedy-drama Ugly Betty.

2010: Ugly Betty ended

In 2010, the American television series Ugly Betty, where Salma Hayek served as an executive producer, concluded.

2011: Launch of Nuance by Salma Hayek

In 2011, Salma Hayek launched her own line of cosmetics, skincare, and haircare products called Nuance by Salma Hayek, which were sold at CVS stores in North America.

2011: Lends Voice to Puss in Boots

In 2011, Salma Hayek lent her voice to the animated film Puss in Boots.

2011: Voice of Kitty Softpaws in Puss in Boots and Hispanic 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.

2011: Appointed Knight 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 and Acting Roles

In 2012, Salma Hayek directed Jada Pinkett Smith in the music video "Nada Se Compara," lent her voice to the animated film The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!, and played roles in the films Savages and Here Comes the Boom.

2013: Achieves Commercial Success with Grown Ups 2

In 2013, Salma Hayek achieved further commercial success with the comedy Grown Ups 2.

2013: Guest Stars on 30 Rock

In 2013, Salma Hayek continued to guest-star on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock.

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2013: Reprised role in Grown Ups 2

In 2013, Salma Hayek reprised her role in Grown Ups 2.

2013: Launch of Chime for Change

In 2013, Salma Hayek, along with Beyoncé and Frida Giannini, launched "Chime for Change", a Gucci campaign aimed at spreading female empowerment.

2014: Signed Amnesty International's letter for women's rights

For International Women's Day 2014, Salma Hayek was one of the artist signatories of Amnesty International's letter to British Prime Minister David Cameron, campaigning for women's rights in Afghanistan.

2014: Producer of The Prophet and acting roles

In 2014, Salma Hayek produced and voiced a character in The Prophet. She also appeared in Muppets Most Wanted and starred in Everly and Some Kind of Beautiful.

2014: Writing foreword to 'The Juice Generation'

In 2014, Salma Hayek wrote the foreword to Eric Helms' book, 'The Juice Generation: 100 Recipes for Fresh Juices and Superfood Smoothies'.

The Juice Generation: 100 Recipes for Fresh Juices and Superfood Smoothies

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2015: Criticized Discrimination Against Women in Lebanon

Following her visit to Lebanon in 2015, Salma Hayek criticized the discrimination against women there.

2015: Appearance in Tale of Tales

In 2015, Salma Hayek appeared as the Queen of Longtrellis in Tale of Tales, which competed for the Palme d'Or at the 68th Cannes Film Festival.

2016: Lends Voice to Sausage Party

In 2016, Salma Hayek lent her voice to the animated film Sausage Party.

2016: Voiced Teresa del Taco in Sausage Party

In 2016, Salma Hayek voiced the role of Teresa del Taco in Sausage Party, an R-rated animated film.

2017: Launching Blend It Yourself

In 2017, Salma Hayek and Eric Helms launched Blend It Yourself, a beauty subscription delivery service based on Hayek's personal beauty elixirs.

2017: Starred in The Hitman's Bodyguard

In 2017, Salma Hayek starred as the wife of a convicted hitman in The Hitman's Bodyguard.

2017: Roles in Beatriz at Dinner, How to Be a Latin Lover, and The Hitman's Bodyguard

In 2017, Salma Hayek starred in Beatriz at Dinner, How to Be a Latin Lover, and The Hitman's Bodyguard, playing diverse roles ranging from a holistic medicine practitioner to the wife of a convicted hitman.

2017: Stars in The Hitman's Bodyguard and Beatriz at Dinner

In 2017, Salma Hayek starred in The Hitman's Bodyguard and also earned critical acclaim for her performance in the drama Beatriz at Dinner.

2018: Cast in The Hummingbird Project

In 2018, Salma Hayek was cast as Eva Torres in the tech drama The Hummingbird Project.

September 2019: Cover of British Vogue

In September 2019, Salma Hayek was one of fifteen women selected to appear on the cover of British Vogue, by guest editor Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.

2019: Cast in Drunk Parents

In 2019, Salma Hayek starred as Nancy Teagarten in the comedy Drunk Parents.

2019: Pinault family pledged funds for Notre Dame reconstruction

In 2019, the Pinault family, including Salma Hayek's husband, pledged US$113 million to support the reconstruction efforts of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, following its destruction in a fire.

2020: Roles in Like a Boss and The Roads Not Taken

In 2020, Salma Hayek appeared in the comedy Like a Boss and the drama The Roads Not Taken, playing roles such as a cosmetics mogul and the alternative wife of a man, respectively.

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: Release of Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

On June 16, 2021, Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, the sequel to The Hitman’s Bodyguard, was released, starring Salma Hayek, Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson.

November 5, 2021: Release of Eternals

On November 5, 2021, Eternals, directed by Chloé Zhao, was released in the United States, starring Salma Hayek as Ajak. This marked Hayek as the first Arab actress with a main role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

2021: Stars in House of Gucci and Eternals

In 2021, Salma Hayek earned critical acclaim for her performance in the drama House of Gucci. She also played Ajak in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Eternals, which became her highest-grossing live-action film.