Salma Hayek

Salma Hayek is a Mexican-born actress who has appeared in a number of films for director Robert Rodriguez and currently produces the TV series Ugly Betty.

Fast Facts

1. Born: September 2, 1966
2. Birthplace: Mexico
3. Daughter: Valentina Paloma Pinault
4. Engaged to: Francois-Henri Pinault
5. Notable Role: Carolina in Desperado
6. Notable Role: Frida Kahlo in Frida
7. Notable Role: Sofia Reyes on Ugly Betty
8. Once dated Edward Norton

Life and Career

Salma Hayek was born in Veracruz, Mexico. Her mother, who is of Spanish descent, was an opera singer, and her father, who is of Lebanese descent, was an oil company executive. She was sent to study abroad in Louisiana, U.S. and went to college in Mexico City, Mexico. However, she dropped out of college to purse a career in acting.

She moved to Los Angeles and was given her first big opportunity by Robert Rodriguez who cast her in the 1995 film Desperado, in which she starred opposite Antonio Banderas. Following this role, which earned her much audience attention, she appeared in a number of other Hollywood feature films such as Fools Rush In, Wild Wild West, and Frida. She was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in Frida.

She currently produces and stars in the hit TV sitcom Ugly Betty and is engaged to French billionaire François-Henri Pinault; the couple has a daughter together.

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