Did a young Salma Hayek plot to marry a billionaire?
Have you thought about what it’s like living the life of a superstar, being married to a billionaire, and one of the fashion world’s most influential figures? Welcome to the world of Salma Hayek. This Mexican-born Hollywood star boasts an impressive net worth and a marital bond with Francois-Henri Pinault, one of the globe’s wealthiest.
But what does a young star do when struggling so much in their earlier career? Let’s see what a young Salma Hayek was up to and how she got her rise.
The rise
Hayek kick-started her career in the hit Mexican telenovela, Teresa, but soon packed her bags for Los Angeles, trading local fame for the global spotlight. She showcased her acting prowess in El Callejon de los Milagros, the most decorated film in the history of Mexican cinema.
Her English-language breakthrough came with Robert Rodriguez’s cult classic Desperado, paving her path to a slew of roles in iconic films like From Dusk Till Dawn and Wild Wild West.
Hayek didn’t stop at acting. Identifying the need for diverse storytelling in Hollywood, she set up her production company in 2000. Her dual role as an actor and producer bore fruit in 2002 with the critically acclaimed biopic Frida, based on the life of revered Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
This success garnered her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress. Since then, she’s seamlessly navigated between the worlds of film and television, featuring in blockbusters like Grown Ups, and producing and acting in popular series like Ugly Betty and 30 Rock.
Buzzy billions
Meanwhile, Hayek’s billionaire husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, seems poised to carve out a bigger slice of Hollywood. Recognized for his leadership of Gucci’s parent company, Kering, and his presidency of Groupe Artémis, Pinault is reportedly in advanced talks for a staggering $7 billion acquisition of the majority stake in the Creative Artists Agency (CAA).
A leading talent and sports agency based in Los Angeles, CAA boasts a rich legacy. Established in 1975, it has been instrumental in the careers of A-list Hollywood stars and music icons such as Tom Hanks, Zendaya, Steven Spielberg, Ariana Grande, and Beyonce. Pinault’s potential purchase of CAA could be a game-changer for TPG, the private equity firm that first invested in CAA in 2010.
The unfolding of these negotiations coincides with a Hollywood strike, with actors and writers taking a stand, significantly disrupting a slew of productions. Despite the tense environment, representatives for Pinault, TPG, and Kering remain tight-lipped, with CAA yet to publicly comment on the speculated deal.
Amid this complexity, Pinault’s Kering Group remains a giant in the luxury goods landscape, overseeing opulent brands such as Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen. The French tycoon’s net worth is estimated at a whopping $41.7 billion, landing him at the 30th spot on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
Offscreen saga
Beyond their professional endeavors, Hayek and Pinault lead a rich family life. Married for fourteen years, they’re proud parents to fifteen-year-old Valentina Paloma Pinault, who often joins them at high-profile events like the 2023 Gucci show during Milan fashion week. Besides Valentina, Pinault has three other children from his previous relationships.
From their romance in 2006 to their wedding in 2009, the couple’s journey parallels their respective rises to the pinnacle of their careers. Amid all the glitz and glamour, they remain a tight-knit family, balancing public attention with their private lives.
As we continue to watch this power couple shape their respective industries, we’re left wondering: What’s next for Salma Hayek and Francois-Henri Pinault.
