“That part was not a maid or a prostitute”: Salma Hayek Had to Beg for Latino Role in $40M Meryl Streep Movie That Became a Critical Failure

Salma Hayek Had to Beg for Latino Role in $40M Meryl Streep Movie That Became a Critical Failure
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After being part of Hollywood for so many years, Salma Hayek is now basking in success. The Mexican American actress has it all, from incredible looks to great acting skills. Hayek has been part of some great movies like Eternals, Frida, House of Gucci, Grown Ups, and Wild Wild West. 

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Salma Hayek at an event
Salma Hayek at an event

During an interview, the 56-year-old actress talked about how she was not cast in a movie just because of her Mexican roots. The actress talked about auditioning for two comedy films but not being cast by the directors even when she had given the best audition. She recalled the tough times during the initial days of her acting career. 

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Salma Hayek said she begged for an audition in Meryl Streep’s movie 

Salma Hayek at an event
Salma Hayek at an event

Salma Hayek recalled during an interview that she begged to audition for a role in Meryl Streep’s movie The House Of Spirits. The Like A Boss actress mentioned that the filmmakers were averse to casting Latinos in the movie. While talking about the audition, Hayek said,

“I begged for an audition. They wouldn’t even give me an audition,I was like, ‘Just hear me read.’ And this is for a Latino role. They were not hiring Latinos for Latino roles. They were not hiring Latinos period unless it was the maid or the prostitute. And that part was not a maid or a prostitute.”

Hayek is now one of the biggest Mexican American stars in Hollywood. She is still known as one of the most famous Latin celebrities and she wears the title of being a Latino proudly. 

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Salma Hayek recalled being rejected for 2 comedy movies Salma Hayek at an event

Salma Hayek at an event Hayek is very proud of her Mexican roots, she always talks about her country. But there was a time when her nationality was getting in the way of her acting career. While talking about two comedy projects and directors, the Fools Rush In actress recalled the time when two directors didn’t cast her because she was a Mexican. While talking about the moment, Hayek said,

“I remember there were two big comedies I auditioned for the lead. Afterward, the directors told me that I was the best audition and that I was better than who they cast, and that they regretted it. But at the time, they knew the studios wouldn’t have gone for a Mexican as the lead.”

She further added,

“I got a lot of satisfaction with them coming to me and telling me because I thought it was very courageous of them. And I thought it changed something. It changed something in them. It made me think that maybe the next generation or the next girl that comes in was going to get a better shot because of it.”

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The names of the two filmmakers and the titles of the films were withheld by Hayek. The Everly actress also talked about how a female lead is never given credit for a film’s box office success. 

Source: Indie Wire 

 

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Written by Umeza Peera

Articles Published: 289

Umeza Peera is a pop culture junkie and works as Content writer for Fandom Wire. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and Philosophy. Umeza has been writing for three years. She enjoys writing relatable stories that would connect with people