Why Salma Hayek Pinault Is Going Viral for 'From Dusk Till Dawn'

Known around the world for her legendary performances in several movies, Salma Hayek Pinault is one of the most iconic actors in cinematic history, also known for breaking boundaries with her Mexican-Lebanese heritage. Though her 1995 film Desperado made her an international sensation, Hayek Pinault began her acting career in Mexico starring in telenovelas, her biggest one being 1993's Mi vida loca. She later made a huge name for herself through her role in the 1996 film From Dusk Till Dawn, which remains one of her most memorable to date.

The film revolves around two criminals on the run with their hostages who unknowingly settle at a bar under the dominion of a group of vampires. Also starring George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino, the movie is cult favorite, and one that made Salma Hayek's fame accelerate to new levels. Santanico Pandemonium, Hayek Pinault's character, is a captivating vampire-stripper who carries a snake around her neck as she dances around the desert-themed bar before (spoiler alert) eventually dying in a bar fight. 

Although her role as Santanico helped solidify Hayek Pinault's stardom, it was thanks to her previous Hollywood role in Desperado that helped her land this one. Having already worked on a Robert Rodriguez directed film, the pair worked together again in From Dusk Till Dawn. Funnily enough, Hayek Pinault almost backed out of the film because of her fear of snakes. According to an interview with Yahoo, the star had such a huge fear of snakes that she was about to turn down the role until Quentin Tarantino told her that Madonna would take the role instead. 

Hayek Pinault's character stole the show when the movie was released in 1996, and it be adored by audiences today, nearly three decades after its release, especially on TikTok. It's tinged with a horror feeling, which makes it a popular topic every Halloween, but it's Hayek Pinault's role that gives it an enduring appeal.