Salma Hayek is among Hollywood’s most illustrious, well-respected, and famous Mexican-American stars. An influential figure in the film industry and in general, she has won numerous accolades in her long career. However, being of a different ethnicity has surely impacted her career, and more than once had she been told that she cannot play a certain character.
The 2002 film Frida was a breakout film for the talented actress as it gave her an Academy nomination for best actress. However, it was for this film that she was told she was too ugly to play the role.
Salma Hayek Was Told She Wasn’t Fit To Play Her Most Famous Role
A captivating story about the life of the illustrious artist Frida Kahlo, Frida was an exceptionally authentic, emotionally touching, and artistically vivid film. The credit all goes to the lead actress Salma Hayek, who beautifully portrayed the role of the artist with nuance and vulnerability like no other. Hayek worked closely to make the project happen, and it was her performance that captivated the audience.
Despite winning an Academy Award nomination for her portrayal, Salma Hayek was initially told she was not good enough to play Frida Kahlo.
“There were some journalists who were very harsh. But it was not really the film they were attacking – it was about me. Someone said I should never play Frida because Frida was an ugly woman with a beautiful soul, and I was the reverse. When journalists start criticising your soul, it becomes like voodoo stuff.”
The From Dusk Till Dawn actress added that it was probably her lack of press and promotion that made certain people hate her. Well, those certain people certainly had to eat their words after Hayek’s masterful portrayal and the film’s huge success.
Frida Was Salma Hayek’s Love Letter To Mexico
To this date, Frida remains exceptionally close to Salma Hayek. It was a film that she vouched for and was personally involved to bring to life. It was her passionate dream that the Desperado actress is extremely thankful to have lived. Above all, it was her love letter to her beloved country.
“FRIDA was my love letter to Mexico. But I don’t want to go through life being a professional Mexican. I think the best thing I can do for Mexico is be an individual.”
Through the film, Hayek wished to show Mexico as it truly is and pay a heartfelt tribute to both the artist as well as the country. And that is exactly what she did through her unwavering pursuit and flawless portrayal.
Frida is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
Source: Phase9
