Salma Hayek ain’t one to jump at just any script, especially when it’s a role even Jennifer Lopez passed on. When it came to this particular movie, Hayek had to do some serious soul-searching before giving her nod. After all, Hollywood’s glittering lights don’t always mean the story’s golden, right?
A still of Salma Hayek from Frida (2002) | Ventanarosa
The hardest part for her? Finding satisfaction in the script. She had to peel back layers, ensuring it was something that resonated with her. The result? A film that’s as much Hayek’s triumph as it is the writer’s. So, what exactly made her say ‘yes’ when J.Lo said ‘no’? Let’s dive into the story behind Salma’s cautious, yet bold, decision-making process.
Salma Hayek’s Seven-Year Journey to Bring Frida to Life: A Passion Project That Redefined Dedication
Salma Hayek as Frida Kahlo in Frida | Ventanarosa
Salma Hayek’s passion project, Frida, didn’t just happen overnight. It took her a solid seven years to bring the story of her idol, Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, to life. Hayek could’ve released it much sooner, but as she once told Spliced Wire, she wasn’t going to settle. Hayek asserted (via Cheatsheet):
The hardest thing was for me to be satisfied with the script. I could have made the film five years ago, maybe six years ago. But I just never felt all the elements were there. I wanted to make a film about Frida Kahlo, but I wanted to make the right film about Frida Kahlo or else not make it at all.
Hayek’s dedication paid off. Not only did she star in Frida, but she also produced it, giving her complete control over how the story was told. But the journey wasn’t without challenges. To fully immerse herself in the role of Kahlo, Hayek had to adopt some of the artist’s real-life habits—including smoking. And, well, she got a bit too hooked.
The actress admitted to Marie Claire that she used to have a terrible judgment of smokers. She revealed:
I used to have a terrible judgment of smokers. I was like, Why do they do this? It tastes bad, it’s going to kill them, and it doesn’t even get them high. It’s the s***tiest vice you could possibly pick. Then I got hooked during Frida. I’ve tried to quit before.
But Hayek’s resilience is legendary, and she eventually kicked the habit for good. Talk about dedication! Hayek didn’t just portray Frida Kahlo—she lived it. And that fierce determination? Total game changer.
How Frida Helped Salma Hayek Break Free From Hollywood’s ‘Bombshell’ Trap
Salma Hayek as Sonia Kincaid in The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard | Summit Entertainment
For Salma Hayek, Frida was more than just a movie—it was a game-changer. Hayek took on the iconic role to prove she was more than Hollywood’s bombshell. As she told Oprah,
I want to do one movie so that if I die the next day, I know I left one thing in this world that I was very proud of, that other people can see, that meant something to me, that had my voice.’ Because God forbid I die tomorrow, I’m the bombshell for the rest of my existence.
Frustrated by how the industry focused on her looks, Hayek was determined to redefine herself. And the risk paid off. Frida not only snagged her an Oscar nomination but also reshaped how people viewed her. It wasn’t just about awards—it was about being recognized for her true talent.
Watch Frida on Amazon Prime & Apple TV.
