Salma Hayek recently revealed that she still hasn't fully kicked her smoking habit, as she was spotted casually enjoying a cigarette while stuck in Los Angeles traffic on Monday. The Oscar-nominated actress, known for her vibrant career and iconic roles, showed a relaxed yet chic look, wearing black sunglasses and a navy top, with her hair elegantly styled in an updo.
Despite her public efforts to quit smoking, Hayek tossed her cigarette out the car window before continuing her drive, proving that the habit remains a part of her life. This revelation is particularly interesting given her complicated relationship with smoking — one that began during her portrayal of the legendary Mexican painter Frida Kahlo.
In the 2002 biopic Frida, Hayek was required to smoke as part of her role. Although she initially despised cigarettes, she had to learn the art of smoking to authentically embody the character. Hayek recalled, “I hated cigarettes and I had to learn how to do it for the movie… When I started, I was smoking some horrible, old Mexican cigarettes without a filter, because that's what used to be smoked.” She went on to describe how the experience took an unexpected turn: “At the beginning, I used to throw up after a couple of scenes and then I actually got addicted to that thing that I hated so much.”
Her smoking habit was interrupted during a significant period in her life — pregnancy and breastfeeding. Hayek credited breastfeeding with helping her stay away from cigarettes, saying, “I stopped for two years when I was pregnant and I was breastfeeding. Thank God I breastfed for so long because it kept me away from the cigarettes.”
Despite these interruptions, the actress has had an ongoing battle with quitting smoking. In a candid 2007 interview with Marie Claire, she admitted, “It's the s***iest vice you could possibly pick. I've tried to quit before. But this time I'm done with it. I've changed.” Yet, her recent outing indicates that the struggle is far from over.
Away from her personal challenges, Salma Hayek continues to thrive professionally and personally. She recently celebrated a major milestone — her 15th wedding anniversary with billionaire businessman François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, who boasts a net worth reportedly around $7 billion. The couple’s relationship has been one for the books: engaged in March 2007, married in a romantic Paris ceremony on Valentine’s Day 2009, and renewing their vows months later in Italy.
Marking this special occasion, Hayek shared a heartfelt black-and-white photo on Instagram, expressing the deep and enduring love she feels for her husband. She wrote, “After 18 years together and 15 years of marriage, you still make loving you easy, fun, deep and fresh like a gentle breeze. Happy anniversary mi amor.”
Professionally, the 57-year-old actress remains a prominent figure in Hollywood. She recently appeared in Magic Mike’s Last Dance and starred in a 2023 episode of the acclaimed anthology series Black Mirror. Additionally, she is involved in the post-production of Without Blood, Angelina Jolie’s directorial project, where Hayek stars alongside Demian Bichir. The war drama’s plot details remain tightly under wraps, but the film is highly anticipated.
Salma Hayek’s life, both on and off screen, continues to captivate audiences worldwide. From her complex relationship with smoking to her celebrated marriage and thriving career, she remains a figure of resilience and allure in the entertainment industry. Whether she will finally quit smoking remains a story still unfolding — one that fans and observers will be watching closely.
