Name: Salma Hayek Jimenez
Age: 39

Occupation: Actress and Producer

Place of Residence: Los Angeles

Bio: From Wikipedia: “Hayek was born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico to a Lebanese father and a Mexican mother. Raised in a wealthy, devoutly Catholic family, she was sent to the Academy of the Sacred Heart, Grand Coteau Louisiana, at the age of 12. She was also an accomplished gymnast, with aspirations of becoming an Olympic competitor.

After leaving the school due to alleged behavioral problems with the religious sisters who ran the school, Hayek returned to Mexico for a period, but then she was sent to Houston, Texas, to live with her aunt, where she stayed until she was 17. She subsequently moved to Mexico City for college, where she studied International Relations. To the chagrin of her family, she decided to drop out in order to pursue a career as an actress.”

And we’re oh so glad she did. After her big break in Mexico — a role
in the hit movie El callejon de los milagros — Salma wanted to try her luck at making it in Hollywood. Before long, her talent and beauty had won over director Robert Rodriguez, catapulting her into the A list, where she has remained ever since.

Why she’s loved: Why isn’t she loved? She’s an activist, a philanthropist, a talented actress, a proud Mexican, humble and she’s gorgeous. What’s not to love?

Why she’s hated: Whomever hates Salma is probably because they are dying of envy. We’d all like to be like her.

Why she’s influential: Salma is influential simply because she is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood. Salma is using her star power to raise the profile of Latinos in the media, as well as to advance causes that are dear to her; HIV/AIDS, domestic violence prevention, and immigration reform, among others.

VOTE for Salma Hayek as VL’s Most Influential Latino 2006.