Salma Hayek looks back at her struggle in Hollywood
by Ana Walia | Mon, 08 Nov 2021 14:14:05 GMT
Salma Hayek opens up about her struggles in Hollywood. Image Source: Glamour

Salma Hayek, who recently starred in Marvel's "Eternals," has confirmed that she has signed multiple movie contracts with Marvel Studios. During her podcast interview on Smallzy’s Celebrity Small Talk, she admitted, "I did sign multiple movie deals! It was kind of fun being part of this. It is a secret society that you have to protect so fearlessly". She also shared that she was initially terrified of the Marvel fanbase and didn't want to disappoint them at any cost. The actress complimented the fans of Marvel Cinematic Universe and said that they are so loyal, passionate, and dedicated towards the movies. 

Salma Hayek portrays ‘Ajak’, in Eternals and was highly appreciated for her portrayal of the character who eventually dies in the movie. However, fans have speculated that her character might return to the "Eternals" sequel in some form or the other. The Mexican native actress has expressed that she feels grateful and humbled about the experience she has had while working on Marvel Studios’ movie.

Salma Hayek plays Ajak in Eternals. Image Source: AP News 

Before the release of Eternals, Salma Hayek mentioned in a press conference, "In my big dreams I wanted to be a superhero and I wanted to work with the best directors in the world, and have big blockbuster movies and also movies that are art, that are made from a very deep place with great directors...but it didn't happen for me. It’s very humbling when, in the middle of your 50s, a brilliant director gives you the opportunity...to do something that goes from a deep place that is also a big blockbuster."

In one of her previous interviews, while promoting her movie "Bliss", the actress mentioned that she genuinely struggled with making her space in the industry until she was hired for "Puss in Boots". Salma Hayek said her career felt stagnant and needed some excitement. She has shared that when she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her career in Hollywood, she was told that her career would die in her mid-thirties because she was Mexican, and a Mexican couldn't make it as the leading lady of Hollywood.

The actress further added, "And I think it’s great, I’m proud of it, I want to shout it to the world because I was told so many times it couldn’t happen, and I almost believed them, but I fought it and I won. And I want other women to realize that, because even in your 30s you feel the pressure, in your 40s you feel the pressure – and late blooming, it’s a beautiful thing. And we’re not ‘over’ at this time, or at another time. If you’re creative and enthusiastic and curious about life, life can be exciting forever, the entire time."

The 55-year-old actress shared that she believed that her career would take off post "Desperado" and said that she was getting attention but no offers and there was no respect from the industry. Salma Hayek added that she was not able to cope well with the situation, and she turned towards an illegal activity to get through it. Explaining the activity, she said, "I used to go to the multiplex at noon and get a half-price matinée movie ticket. I had a chart of all the movies playing that weekend. They line them up, so you can't see many of them back to back, but I would hide in the bathroom, read my scripts, put on a hat or change my top, and go to another one."

Salma Hayek as "Frida Khalo". Image Source: Screenrant 

Salma Hayek recently opened up to The Guardian about Harvey Weinstein’s behavior towards her during the making of "Frida", in 2002, which earned her an Oscar nomination. She said, "Harvey Weinstein is not the only man to reassure himself by knowing he can destroy women." Harvey was a producer on the film and would end up calling her "looking ugly". She added, "When he would call me up [during the making of Frida] and scream, ‘Why do you have a [monobrow] and mustache? I didn’t hire you to look ugly!’ I was like, ‘But didn’t you ever look at a picture of Frida Kahlo?’ If a man was playing Cyrano de Bergerac, he wouldn’t say, "What’s with the nose?’"

Actress Salma Hayek mentioned that she always aspired to play the Mexican painter, Frida Khalo, on-screen and her dream came true in 2002 and she gave her 100% to portray the painter on-screen. In one interview she shared that she does not know how to paint and had asked for a teacher to learn but when she was asked to paint, she did it flawlessly and left everyone impressed with her performance. 

In 2017, Salma Hayek revealed in an article for The New York Times that she had been sexually harassed for years by Harvey Weinstein, but that she was never assaulted by the producer because she was friends with Robert Rodriguez, George Clooney, and Quentin Tarantino and because she was very strong. She added lastly, "I didn’t just say no. I’m a force to be recognized. He never saw me weak. It’s not that I’m not afraid, but you’re not going to see it. I can be almost intimidating in my calm strength, you know?" The actress further clarified that she holds no grudges against Harvey Weinstein because she strongly believes that people can eventually change. 

In addition to facing bullying, Salma Hayek has also faced xenophobia and racism in the industry. Speaking about it, the actress said that when the people you want to work with disrespect your background, they feel that you are weaker, and they end up preying on your weakness. Salma Hayek added that she has lost numerous roles due to her background.

With years of hard work, dedication, and support from her fans, Salma Hayek has managed to carve out space not only in the industry but in the hearts of people too. She feels incredibly proud of being a superhero in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s "Eternals" and is now gearing up for her upcoming movie, "House of Gucci", which will premiere on November 24th, 2021.

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