Salma Hayek was born on September 2, 1966 in Coatzacoalcos, Mexico. She is the daughter of a Spanish descended mother and a Lebanese descended father.

Salma was raised in Coatzacoalcos, and at 12, her parents sent her to a catholic boarding school in Louisiana. She finished high school in Mexico, and then went to live with her aunt in Houston until she was 17. Salma relocated to Mexico City to attend college, where she studied international relations. She had harbored her desire to become an actress for years, and she finally confronted her parents and told them of her aspiration to pursue acting. Despite her parents disapproval, Salma quite college and pursued her acting career.

Salma started in plays at neighborhood theaters, which led to jobs in television commercials, which in turn yielded a casting in "toplessvo Amanecer", a daytime TV serial. She was then cast as the title character in a popular soap opera, "Theresa". Salma's popularity grew quickly and soon she was the most fervently adored actress in Mexico. Rather than settle into the stardom she had, Salma decided to risk it all by moving to Los Angeles in 1991. She worked hard to get going and took intensive acting and English lessons. In 1993, she got her first break. Salma didn't get the large role she wanted in Allison Anders' "Mi Vida Loca", but it qualified her for membership in the Screen Actors Guild. Salma's appearance on a Spanish-language cable access talk show led to her big break. Director Robert Rodriguez was so impressed with the sparkling charisma and dazzling appearance of Salma that he immediately cast her in the female lead in "Desperado" (1995). She received rave reviews for her exceptional performance and sizzling sexy style.

Salma Hayek is considered the first Mexican actress to become a Hollywood movie star since Delores Del Rio.
 

Misspellings & aliases:
Sallma, Salmah, Salmma, Sally, Sallmma, Samla, Sahlma, Salmae, Haiek, Haiekk, Hayekk, Hayeck, Heyek, Hayec, Haieck.