Salma Hayek was born in Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico, the daughter of an opera singer and oil company executive. Her family was wealthy and sent her to Catholic school in the United States at the age of twelve. She later studied international relations in college in Mexico City. She became a star in Mexico at the age of 23 with her performance in the television show Teresa. She came to Hollywood at 25 and landed her breakout role in the feature film Desperado. She was later nominated for an Academy Award for her performance in Frida.
