Salma Hayek Pinault, born Salma Valgarma Hayek Jiménez on September 2, 1966, in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, is a Mexican-American actress and film producer of Lebanese and Spanish descent. Raised in a wealthy Catholic family, she studied international relations but pursued acting, starting with the telenovela Teresa (1989–1991), which won her a TVyNovelas Award. Moving to Hollywood in 1991, she faced challenges but starred in Desperado (1995), From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Wild Wild West (1999), and Dogma (1999).
Her portrayal of Frida Kahlo in Frida (2002), which she produced, earned an Academy Award nomination, along with Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA nods. Founder of Ventanarosa Productions, she produced Ugly Betty (Daytime Emmy win for directing The Maldonado Miracle) and starred in Grown Ups series, Puss in Boots films, Eternals (2021), and House of Gucci (2021). Married to François-Henri Pinault since 2009, mother to Valentina (b.
2007). Advocate for women's rights and immigrants. Holds U.
S. , Mexican, and French citizenship.