Salma Hayek left Mexico in 1991 looking for success in [[Hollywood]], anxious to make films and to explore her talent and passion. It was, the now cult classic ''Desperado'' (1995), which put her on Hollywood's map. Later Hayek was credited to several films including ''Fools Rush In'' (1997, opposite Matthew Perry), ''The Hunchback of Notre Dame'' (1997, playing Esmeralda), and ''Breaking Up'' (1997, with Russell Crowe).
In 2002 Hayek co-produced ''Frida'', and star in her dream role. The picture was nominated for six [[OscarThe Oscars|Oscars]]s. In 2003, she starred in ''Once Upon a Time in Mexico'', the final of Rodriguez's "Desperado" trilogy.
She remains one of the most hardworking actresses in Hollywood. She owns the production company, "Ventanarosa".