History of Salma Hayek in Timeline

Salma Hayek is a Mexican and American actress and producer who gained prominence starring in the Mexican telenovela *Teresa* and the film *Midaq Alley*. She transitioned to Hollywood, securing roles in successful films such as *Desperado*, *From Dusk till Dawn*, *Wild Wild West*, and *Dogma*, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

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

1923: Publication of The Prophet

In 1923, Kahlil Gibran's book "The Prophet" was published.

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.

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: Teresa Telenovela Debut

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

1990: TVyNovelas Award for Best Female Revelation

In 1990, Salma Hayek won the TVyNovelas Award for Best Female Revelation for her role in Teresa.

1991: End of Teresa Telenovela

In 1991, Salma Hayek concluded her role in the successful Mexican telenovela Teresa.

1991: Move to Los Angeles

In 1991, Salma Hayek moved to Los Angeles to pursue a film career in Hollywood.

1992: Dream On

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

1993: 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: Roadracers Collaboration

In 1994, Salma Hayek collaborated with director Robert Rodriguez for the first time in the made-for-Showtime thriller Roadracers.

1994: 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: Midaq Alley and Desperado

In 1995, Salma Hayek starred in the romantic drama Midaq Alley and also appeared in Desperado, establishing herself in Hollywood.

1995: Desperado Breakout Role

In 1995, Salma Hayek starred opposite Antonio Banderas in Desperado, her breakout film.

1996: From Dusk till Dawn and Other Roles

In 1996, Salma Hayek appeared in From Dusk till Dawn as a vampire queen, performing an erotic table-top snake dance. She also appeared in Follow Me Home and Fled.

1996: From Dusk till Dawn

In 1996, Salma Hayek appeared in the film From Dusk till Dawn.

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, marking an early recognition of her beauty.

1997: Fools Rush In and Breaking Up

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

1997: Armani dress voted one of the most memorable in Oscar history

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, marking a significant fashion moment.

1998: Approached Alfred Molina

In 1998, Hayek approached Alfred Molina for the role of Rivera in Frida

1998: Revlon Spokeswoman

In 1998, Hayek was a spokeswoman for Revlon.

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

In 1998, Salma Hayek played roles in 54, The Velocity of Gary, and The Faculty.

1999: Dogma and Wild Wild West

In 1999, Salma Hayek appeared in Kevin Smith's Dogma as Serendipity, and also in Wild Wild West.

1999: Ventanarosa Founded

In 1999, Salma Hayek founded her production company, Ventanarosa, and her first feature as a producer was El Coronel No Tiene Quien Le Escriba.

1999: Wild Wild West and Dogma

In 1999, Salma Hayek had appearances in Wild Wild West and Dogma.

2000: 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: Acquisition of "Yo Soy Betty La Fea" Rights

In 2001, Ben Silverman, with whom Hayek would later work, acquired the rights and scripts to the Colombian telenovela "Yo Soy Betty La Fea", which would later be adapted into the American television series "Ugly Betty".

2001: Modeling for Chopard

In 2001, Hayek modeled for Chopard.

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: Lincoln Commercials

In 2002, Hayek was featured in Spanish language commercials for Lincoln cars.

2002: Frida Film Release

In 2002, Julie Taymor's biographical film Frida was released, with Salma Hayek as a producer and starring as Frida Kahlo.

2002: Frida

In 2002, Salma Hayek starred in and produced the biopic Frida, portraying Frida Kahlo. She became the first Mexican actress to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress.

2002: Nominated for Best Actress

In 2002, Salma Hayek's performance in Frida earned her nominations for Best Actress at the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, British Academy Television Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

2003: Directing, Spy Kids, and Mariachi Trilogy

In 2003, Salma Hayek produced and directed The Maldonado Miracle, winning a Daytime Emmy. She also reunited with Robert Rodriguez for Spy Kids 3-D and Once Upon a Time in Mexico, reprising her role from Desperado.

2003: Once Upon a Time in Mexico

In 2003, Salma Hayek starred in Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

2003: Named one of the 50 most beautiful people

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

February 2004: Becoming Spokeswoman for Avon

In February 2004, Hayek became a spokeswoman for Avon cosmetics.

2004: "Ugly Betty" Initially Planned as a Sitcom

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

2004: After the Sunset

In 2004, Salma Hayek starred in After the Sunset.

2004: Won Daytime Emmy Award

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

2004: The Maldonado Miracle

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

July 19, 2005: Testimony on Violence Against Women Act

On July 19, 2005, Hayek testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary in support of reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.

2005: Cannes Jury, Nobel Peace Prize Concert, and Music Video

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

2005: Ranked on Maxim's Hot 100 list and FHM's Sexiest Women list

In 2005, Salma Hayek was ranked 34th on Maxim's Hot 100 list and included on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list, highlighting her sex symbol status.

February 2006: Donation to Shelters

In February 2006, Hayek donated $25,000 to a Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, shelter for battered women and $50,000 to anti-domestic violence groups in Monterrey.

June 18, 2006: "Solamente Salma" exhibition ended

On June 18, 2006, the "Solamente Salma" exhibition, featuring portraits of Hayek as the Aztec goddess Itzpapalotl, concluded at the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center in San Antonio, Texas.

2006: Ugly Betty Production and Guest Star Role

In 2006, "Ugly Betty", for which Hayek served as an executive producer after adapting the story for American television, was picked up by ABC for the 2006-2007 season. Hayek also guest-starred as Sofia Reyes, a magazine editor. The show was a success with critics and audiences.

2006: Included on FHM's 100 Sexiest Women in the World list

In 2006, FHM included Salma Hayek on their 100 Sexiest Women in the World list, contributing to her sex symbol image.

2006: Campari Ads

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

2006: Bandidas, Ask the Dust, and Lonely Hearts

In 2006, Salma Hayek appeared in Bandidas with Penélope Cruz, Ask the Dust with Colin Farrell, and Lonely Hearts.

2006: Received Primetime Emmy Award nominations

In 2006, Salma Hayek received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for her work on Ugly Betty.

March 9, 2007: Confirmed engagement and pregnancy

On March 9, 2007, Salma Hayek confirmed her engagement to François-Henri Pinault and her pregnancy.

July 2007: Ranked in The Hollywood Reporter's Latino Power 50

In July 2007, Salma Hayek was ranked 4th in The Hollywood Reporter's Latino Power 50, recognizing her influence in Hollywood.

September 21, 2007: Gave birth to daughter

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

2007: Cameo in "Across the Universe"

In 2007, 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".

2007: Expressed views on religion

In 2007, Salma Hayek stated that she was no longer devout and disagreed with certain Church practices, though she clarified she still believed in Jesus Christ and God.

2007: Ranked on Maxim's Hot 100 list and named sexiest celebrity

In 2007, Salma Hayek was ranked 90th on Maxim's Hot 100 list and was named the "sexiest celebrity" by an E-Poll Market Research poll, solidifying her image as a sex symbol.

2007: Ventanarosa Deal with ABC

In 2007, after finalizing negotiations with MGM to become CEO of her own Latin-themed film production company, Ventanarosa, Hayek signed a two-year deal with ABC for Ventanarosa to develop projects for the network.

2008: Co-founding Cooler Cleanse

In 2008, Hayek co-founded Juice Generation's juice delivery program Cooler Cleanse.

2008: Named one of the 50 most beautiful people

In 2008, People magazine again recognized Salma Hayek's beauty by naming her one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world.

2008: Awarded the Women in Film Lucy Award

In 2008, Salma Hayek received the Women in Film Lucy Award and was ranked 17th in Entertainment Weekly's list of the 25 Smartest People in TV, acknowledging her contributions to the portrayal of women in television.

April 3, 2009: Introduction of La Doña Watch

On April 3, 2009, Hayek helped introduce La Doña, a Cartier watch inspired by María Félix.

April 25, 2009: Renewed vows in Venice

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

2009: Breastfeeding Advocacy

During a UNICEF trip to Sierra Leone in 2009, Hayek breastfed a hungry baby to reduce stigma and encourage infant nutrition.

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

In 2009, 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", an adaptation of "The Saga of Darren Shan".

2009: 30 Rock Guest Star

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

2010: Acting in "Grown Ups"

In 2010, Hayek played a fashion designer in the comedy "Grown Ups", which grossed $271.4 million globally.

2010: VH1 Do Something Awards Nomination

In 2010, Hayek's humanitarian work earned her a nomination for the VH1 Do Something Awards.

2010: End of Ugly Betty

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

2011: Launch of Nuance by Salma Hayek

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

2011: Voice Acting and International Roles

In 2011, Hayek voiced Kitty Softpaws in "Puss in Boots" and obtained Hispanic roles in "Americano" and "As Luck Would Have It", earning award nominations for the latter.

2011: Puss in Boots

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

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.

2011: Illegal Immigrant Revelation

In a 2011 interview with V magazine, Salma Hayek mentioned that she was once an illegal immigrant in the United States for a short period of time.

2012: Directing and Acting Roles in 2012

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

2013: Reprising Role in Grown Ups 2

In 2013, Hayek reprised her role in "Grown Ups 2", which was commercially successful despite negative reviews.

2013: Launch of Chime for Change

In 2013, Hayek, alongside Beyoncé and Frida Giannini, launched "Chime for Change", a Gucci campaign to spread female empowerment.

2013: End of 30 Rock

In 2013, Salma Hayek finished her guest-starring role on the NBC comedy series 30 Rock.

2013: Grown Ups 2

In 2013, Salma Hayek starred in Grown Ups 2.

2014: Advocacy for Women's Rights in Afghanistan

For International Women's Day 2014, Hayek signed Amnesty International's letter to David Cameron campaigning for women's rights in Afghanistan.

2014: Producing and Voice Acting in The Prophet

In 2014, Hayek produced and voiced the character of Kamila in "The Prophet", adapted from the 1923 book by Kahlil Gibran.

2014: Writing Foreword for The Juice Generation Book

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

2015: Criticism of Discrimination Against Women in Lebanon

Following a visit to Lebanon in 2015, Hayek criticized the discrimination against women in the country.

2015: Appearance in Tale of Tales

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

2015: Visit to 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.

2015: 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, Hayek voiced Teresa del Taco in "Sausage Party", which became the highest-grossing R-rated animated film of all time.

2016: Sausage Party

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

December 13, 2017: Op-ed on Harvey Weinstein

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

2017: Launch of Blend It Yourself

In 2017, Hayek and Eric Helms launched Blend It Yourself, a beauty subscription delivery service.

2017: Roles in Multiple Films

In 2017, Hayek starred in "Beatriz at Dinner", "How to Be a Latin Lover", and "The Hitman's Bodyguard", earning an Independent Spirit Film Award nomination for "Beatriz at Dinner".

2017: Acting in The Hitman's Bodyguard

In 2017, Hayek starred in The Hitman's Bodyguard.

2017: The Hitman's Bodyguard and Beatriz at Dinner

In 2017, Salma Hayek achieved commercial success in The Hitman's Bodyguard, and she also earned critical acclaim for her performance in Beatriz at Dinner.

2018: Acting in The Hummingbird Project

In 2018, Hayek was cast as Eva Torres in "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: Acting in Drunk Parents

In 2019, Hayek appeared as Nancy Teagarten in "Drunk Parents".

2019: Pinault Family's Notre Dame Pledge

In 2019, the Pinault family pledged US$113 million to support the reconstruction efforts of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.

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

In 2020, Hayek appeared in "Like a Boss" and "The Roads Not Taken".

2020: Awareness for Vanessa Guillen's Disappearance

In 2020, 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, with Hayek reprising her role.

November 5, 2021: Release of Eternals

On November 5, 2021, "Eternals", in which Hayek portrayed Ajak, was released in the United States. This marked Hayek as the first Arab actress with a main role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

2021: 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, which became her highest-grossing live-action film.