Salma Hayek Pinault's 7 Most Iconic Roles
The Academy Award-nominated actor and film producer continues to be one of Hollywood’s most impactful leading figures.
Salma Hayek Pinault’s journey in Hollywood has been nothing short of iconic.
Hayek Pinault began her career in Mexican telenovelas, making her first appearance in the television series Un Nuevo Amanecer (1988). Her performance earned her a TVyNovelas (now Premios TVyNovelas) Award for Best Debut Actress. In 1989, she took on the titular role in Teresa, which Mexican audiences received favorably. The series, which ran for two years, launched her career ambitions in Hollywood.
Most notably, Hayek Pinault’s career has been a testament to her ability to defy the odds. She faced a scarcity of acting opportunities after moving to the United States as a Latin woman, even being told her thick accent was a hindrance. But this didn’t deter her in the slightest. Despite a limited fluency in English and her dyslexia, Hayek enrolled in English lessons and took acting classes to home in on her craft.
The Mexican-Lebanese actor debuted in film opposite Antonio Banderas in the neo-Western action movie Desperado (1995), portraying the self-assured and feisty Carolina. She continued to land career-defining roles throughout the 1990s, starring in From Dusk Till Dawn (1996), Fools Rush In (1997), and Wild Wild West (1999). By producing and starring as painter Frida Kahlo in Julie Taymor’s biographical film Frida (2002), she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in 2003, one of the first Latinas to do so.
More recently, her roles in Grown Ups (2010), Grown Ups 2 (2013), Beatriz at Dinner (2017) demonstrated her comedic prowess, while her performance in House of Gucci (2021) showcased her ability to embody complex characters within the realms of fashion and intrigue. As she continues to evolve as an actress and producer, Hayek Pinault's ability to tackle diverse genres—from drama to comedy—cements her status as one of the most iconic and influential figures in contemporary cinema.
Salma Hayek Pinault has graced our screens for decades with roles that are as unforgettable as they are daring. Be it an explosive action hero to a historical icon, she has carved out a space that few actresses can rival. With a resume that transcends genres, languages, and continents, Hayek Pinault has continued to redefine what it means to be a leading lady and has paved the way for Latina representation in Hollywood. L’OFFICIEL takes a look at some of her most memorable roles that have shaped her legacy thus far.
Desperado (1995)
In this action-packed thriller directed by Robert Rodriguez, Hayek plays Carolina, a charismatic and independent bookstore owner who becomes romantically involved with a mysterious mariachi, played by Antonio Banderas. Carolina finds herself in a web of violence and intrigue, joining forces with the mariachi to take down a ruthless drug lord. Hayek Pinault’s portrayal of Carolina brings both strength and sensuality to the role, marking her breakout performance in Hollywood.
From Dusk till Dawn (1996)
Starring as Santanico Pandemonium, Hayek Pinault portrays an iconic, alluring vampire queen with a deadly edge in this crime-horror film directed by Robert Rodriguez and written by Quentin Tarantino. Her captivating and surreal dance performance in the film’s bar scene quickly escalates into horror as her character reveals her vampiric nature. Although her screen time is brief, Hayek's presence as Santanico is memorable and adds a layer of supernatural seduction to the film's dark, twisted storyline.
Wild Wild West (1999)
In this steampunk-inspired Western comedy, Hayek Pinault plays Rita Escobar, a resourceful and cunning woman on a mission to rescue her father. She crosses paths with government agents James West (Will Smith) and Artemus Gordon (Kevin Kline), becoming embroiled in their quest to stop a villain’s plan for domination. Hayek Pinault’s Rita is spirited and intelligent, navigating the world of eccentric inventions and outlandish plots with wit and charm. Her role also plays to comedic elements, amidst the film’s elaborate costumes and quirky scenarios.
Frida (2002)
In the role that garnered her an Academy Award nomination, Hayek Pinault stars as the legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. Hayek Pinault transforms into Kahlo for this biographical drama, poignantly portraying the artist’s intense life marked by passion, art, and suffering. She brings depth to Kahlo’s struggles with her identity, tumultuous relationship with Diego Rivera, and resilience through physical and emotional pain. Hayek's dedication to embodying Kahlo’s spirit adds authenticity to the film, capturing the essence of one of Mexico's most beloved cultural icons.
Grown Ups (2010) and Grown Ups 2 (2013)
In these ensemble comedy films, Hayek plays Roxanne Chase-Feder, the glamorous and fashion-forward wife of Adam Sandler’s character, Lenny. As a successful fashion designer with a sassy, no-nonsense attitude, Roxanne brings humor and a touch of sophistication to the group of lifelong friends as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and parenthood. Hayek’s comedic timing shines through, making her character a standout in the film’s lighthearted exploration of family dynamics and friendship.
Beatriz at Dinner (2017)
In this dark comedy-drama, Hayek takes on a serious, nuanced role as Beatriz, a holistic healer and immigrant who unexpectedly finds herself at a wealthy client’s dinner party. The evening turns tense as Beatriz confronts the stark contrast between her values and those of the guests, particularly the ruthless real estate mogul played by John Lithgow. Hayek’s portrayal of Beatriz is grounded, introspective, and poignant, making her a powerful figure in a story that tackles issues of privilege, cultural divides, and moral dilemmas.
House of Gucci (2021)
In this crime drama based on true events, Hayek plays Pina Auriemma, a self-proclaimed psychic and confidante of Lady Gaga's character, Patrizia Reggiani. Pina becomes embroiled in the scheme that ultimately leads to the infamous assassination of Maurizio Gucci. Hayek’s performance as Pina is mysterious and darkly comedic, bringing a unique edge to the complex web of betrayal and ambition that surrounds the Gucci family. Her dynamic with Lady Gaga’s Patrizia adds an additional layer of intrigue to the film’s examination of power and vengeance in the world of high fashion.
