Her bond with Cruz dates back to when the Spanish actress moved to Los Angeles to pursue her Hollywood dreams. Hayek welcomed her into her home, helping her adjust to a new environment and avoid loneliness
Salma Hayek has long been a trailblazer in Hollywood, not only for her acting prowess but also for her unwavering commitment to uplifting fellow Latina artists. In a recent interview with IO Donna, the 58-year-old actress and producer opened up about the challenges she faced as a Mexican actress in the 1990s and the invaluable support she received from fellow actress Penélope Cruz.
“In the 1990s, there were no roles for Latinos. I had to fight for every opportunity,” Hayek recalled. “Luckily, I was able to count on a community of extraordinary women at my side. Penélope Cruz… We were a refuge and strength for each other.”
Hayek emphasized the importance of female solidarity in her journey. “Female solidarity has been my strength, my inspiration, my safe space. Without this network, I don’t know if I would have had the same resilience. I think that friends are food for the soul; you learn from each other’s courage.”
Her bond with Cruz dates back to when the Spanish actress moved to Los Angeles to pursue her Hollywood dreams. Hayek welcomed her into her home, helping her adjust to a new environment and avoid loneliness. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting sisterhood, with both actresses supporting each other through the highs and lows of their careers.
Hayek’s determination to create opportunities for Latina actresses led her to establish her production company, Ventanarosa, in 1999. Through Ventanarosa, she has produced influential works like Frida and the Emmy-winning series Ugly Betty, focusing on global projects that emphasize Latino representation.

One of Ventanarosa’s latest projects is a television adaptation of Laura Esquivel’s novel Like Water for Chocolate. The six-part series, which premiered on HBO, delves into themes of love, family, and struggle, set against the backdrop of the Mexican Revolution. Hayek, who serves as an executive producer, expressed her excitement about bringing this distinctly Mexican story to a global audience.
“It is for Mexicans, but it’s also for the rest of the world, because we do have a literature jewel and many talent jewels,” Hayek said during a virtual press conference. “One of the things that I’m thrilled about is giving this a platform for it to be discovered in the rest of the world.”
Hayek’s commitment to storytelling extends beyond entertainment. She has also been actively involved in philanthropy, transforming the Kering Foundation’s charity event, Caring for Women, into a high-profile fundraiser to combat gender-based violence. Her efforts have raised millions and brought attention to critical issues affecting women worldwide.

Reflecting on her journey, Hayek remains steadfast in her mission to create spaces for underrepresented voices in Hollywood. “There has been progress, but there is still a lot to do,” she noted. “This is why I continue to produce stories for Latin audiences, Argentina, Mexico. In 26 years of production, I have never thought only of myself. I wanted to create spaces for other artists, to bring work to Latin American countries.”
Through her unwavering dedication to female solidarity and storytelling, Salma Hayek continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of Latina artists in Hollywood.