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Salma Hayek, a towering figure in the world of entertainment, has made a significant impact with her acting career spanning several decades. Known for her roles in films like Desperado (1995), Frida (2002), and Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), she has often been celebrated for her contributions as a leading Latina actress. However, Hayek’s heritage is more complex and diverse than her Mexican roots alone.
Salma Hayek’s ethnicity, confirmed
Born in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico, Hayek began her acting career in the Mexican telenovela Teresa, which aired from 1989 to 1991. She quickly transitioned to Hollywood, making waves with performances in Desperado (1995), From Dusk till Dawn (1996), and Wild Wild West (1999). Her impressive work has earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations and an Academy Award nomination for her role in Frida.
Though Hayek is often associated with Mexico, her background is a blend of several cultures. Her father, Sami Hayek Domínguez, comes from Baabdat, Lebanon, while her mother, Diana Jiménez Medina, has Spanish ancestry. This makes Hayek half-Lebanese and half-Spanish in addition to her Mexican identity.
In an interview with Un Nuevo Día, Hayek confirmed her mixed heritage, stating she is “Fifty percent Spanish, fifty percent Lebanese.” She noted that her family visited both Spain and Lebanon in 2015. During this trip, she received an award in Spain for her charitable work and also traveled to Baabdat with her father while promoting her film Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, which she produced.
Hayek has spoken about her unique cultural identity in interviews, describing herself as “Mexican-Arab in America.” This identity reflects her diverse background and distinguishes her from other celebrities. Her marriage to French billionaire François-Henri Pinault further adds to the cultural richness of her life.
Recently, Hayek has continued to shine in the entertainment industry, starring in films like Magic Mike’s Last Dance, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Marvel’s Eternals, where she played the character Ajak. She is also set to appear in Angelina Jolie’s Without Blood and Romain Gavras’ Sacrifice. Hayek’s career is a testament to her versatility and the blending of her rich cultural heritage.