At 58 years old, Salma Hayek is not only a celebrated actress but also a beacon of resilience and solidarity in Hollywood, especially for Latino performers. In her journey from a successful career in Mexico to the bright lights of Los Angeles, she faced numerous challenges but found strength in her friendships, particularly with fellow actress Penélope Cruz.
Hayek, who starred in the popular Mexican telenovela Teresa for two years before moving to the U.S. in 1991, recalls the difficulties of landing roles as a Latino actress in the 1990s. "In the 1990s, there were no roles for Latinos, I had to fight for every opportunity. It's true, luckily I was able to count on a community of extraordinary women at my side. Penélope Cruz ... We were refuge and strength for each other," she shared in an interview with Italian publication IO Donna.
This sense of female solidarity has been a crucial part of Hayek's success. "Female solidarity has been my strength, my inspiration, my safe space. Without this network, I don't know if I would have had the same resilience. I think that friends are food for the soul, you learn from each other's courage," she added.
Hayek's journey in Hollywood began with significant roles, including her performances alongside Antonio Banderas in the 1995 film Desperado and as a vampire in From Dusk till Dawn in 1996. However, it was her portrayal of the iconic surrealist painter Frida Kahlo in the 2002 biopic Frida that truly put her on the map, earning her critical acclaim and making her the first Mexican actress to receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
Currently, Hayek can be seen in the war drama Without Blood, directed by Angelina Jolie. Beyond acting, she is also a producer, having founded her own production company, Ventanarosa, in 1999. "I wanted to create roles for other actresses like me," she explained. Over the years, she has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for Latino artists and bring stories to life that resonate with Latin audiences.
Reflecting on the progress made for Latino performers, Hayek remarked, "There has been progress, but there is still a lot to do. This is why I continue to produce stories for Latin audiences, Argentina, Mexico. In 26 years of production, I have never thought only of myself. I wanted to create spaces for other artists, to bring work to Latin American countries." Her latest project is a television adaptation of Laura Esquivel's beloved 1989 novel Like Water for Chocolate, which took six years to complete.
In addition to her advocacy for Latino representation in film, Hayek has recently opened up about her beauty and wellness secrets. In a candid discussion with The Cut, she shared insights into her anti-aging routine, which includes a recent Ultherapy PRIME procedure that utilizes ultrasound technology to enhance collagen production in the skin. "I’ve been very consistent and very simple. I didn’t go into any of the beauty trends, not in my 30s, not in my 40s, and not in my 50s, but the only thing I’ve been using consistently is radio-frequency treatments," she said.
After feeling that her neck was beginning to resemble a turkey, Hayek decided it was time for a change. "It was starting to look like the real solution was going to be the knife, which I’m terrified of," she admitted. After researching her options, she was introduced to the Ultherapy PRIME procedure and quickly became an ambassador for the brand.
Hayek's commitment to self-care extends beyond cosmetic procedures. She emphasizes the importance of daily rituals, including dancing and listening to music. "I dance every day," she noted, recalling a moment when she paused her makeup session to dance to Bad Bunny. Hayek also practices a unique skincare routine, washing her face only once a day and incorporating stretching while applying her creams. "I try to exercise while I’m putting on my cream. Stretch the muscles, it’s an organic way of working out," she explained.
Through her career and personal life, Salma Hayek embodies the spirit of empowerment and resilience, using her platform to uplift others while embracing her own journey of aging gracefully. As she continues to break barriers in Hollywood and advocate for representation, she remains a significant figure not just for her talent but for her commitment to community and self-care.
