Early Life and Education of Salma Hayek: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Salma Hayek. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

September 2, 1966: Salma Hayek Born

On September 2, 1966, Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez was born in Mexico. She is a Mexican and American actress and film producer.

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.

1996: Named one of the 50 most beautiful people

In 1996, Salma Hayek was named one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People magazine.

1997: Armani dress voted memorable

In 1997, the Armani dress Salma Hayek wore to the Academy Awards was voted by E! Entertainment as one of the five most memorable in Oscar history.

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: 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.

2003: Named one of the 50 most beautiful people (again)

In 2003, People magazine again named Salma Hayek one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world.

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: Ranked on Maxim's Hot 100 and FHM's Sexiest Women

In 2005, Maxim ranked Salma Hayek 34th on their Hot 100 list, and FHM included her on their 100 Sexiest Women in the World list.

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.

June 18, 2006: "Solamente Salma" exhibition concluded

From April 7 to June 18, 2006, the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center in San Antonio, Texas hosted an exhibition called "Solamente Salma", consisting of 16 portrait paintings of Hayek as the Aztec goddess Itzpapalotl, by muralist George Yepes and filmmaker Robert Rodriguez.

2006: Featured on FHM's Sexiest Women list

In 2006, FHM included Salma Hayek on their 100 Sexiest Women in the World list.

March 9, 2007: Engagement and pregnancy confirmed

On March 9, 2007, Salma Hayek confirmed her engagement to François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, as well as her pregnancy.

July 2007: Named "sexiest celebrity"

In July 2007, a poll by E-Poll Market Research found Salma Hayek to be the "sexiest celebrity" among 3,000 public figures.

September 21, 2007: Birth of daughter

On September 21, 2007, Salma Hayek gave birth to her daughter at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA.

2007: Ranked on Maxim's Hot 100

In 2007, Maxim ranked Salma Hayek 90th on their Hot 100 list.

2007: Statement on religious beliefs

In 2007, Salma Hayek, who was raised Catholic, stated in an interview that she was no longer devout and did not believe in the Church, though she clarified that she still believed in Jesus Christ and God.

2008: Named one of the 50 most beautiful people (third time)

In 2008, People magazine once again named Salma Hayek as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world.

April 25, 2009: Renewal of vows in Venice

On April 25, 2009, Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault renewed their vows in Venice, Italy.

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.

2011: Discusses Immigration Status

In a 2011 interview with V magazine, Salma Hayek mentioned that she was once an illegal immigrant in the United States, although it was not for a long period of time.

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.

2015: Criticized Discrimination Against Women in Lebanon

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

2015: Visits Baabdat, Lebanon

In 2015, Salma Hayek and her father visited Baabdat, Lebanon, her father's ancestral city, to promote her movie Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet.

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December 13, 2017: Published op-ed about Harvey Weinstein harassment

On December 13, 2017, Salma Hayek published an op-ed in The New York Times, detailing her experience of harassment and abuse by film producer Harvey Weinstein during the production of Frida.