28
Plus, how the Oscar-nominated actress blew her first fat paycheck.
This week, sidle up to Salma Hayek, whose stateside career was just getting started.
You couldnt pay Salma Hayek to go back to being 28.
But I have to say, getting closer to 30 was extremely hard.
You get to your late 20s and your stamina begins to deflate, because its just not realistic.
Its not true now.
Take me back to 1994, when you were 28.
How were you feeling about your life and career?
At 28, I had already doneDesperado, and I thought, I’ve made it.
They paid me very little money and I spent it really fast.
What did you spend it on?
Banana Republic, The Gap.
This was the 90s.
I figured, theyre going to be throwing movies at me.
I got all this attention, but nobody was offering me jobs.
So by the time I was getting closer to 30, I was depressed.
I had broken up with my boyfriend.
Everybody knew who I was, but I was not getting respect from the industry.
How did you cope with that?
I didnt cope with it well.
I was also very famous, so would get recognized on the street.
There was just so much pressure.
What was your escape?
What did you do for fun?
I used to do something very naughty and illegal.
I think I can say it now, its past the statute of limitations.
I used to go to the multiplex at noon and get a half-price matinee movie ticket.
I had a chart of all the movies playing that weekend.
Id bring snacks and water, because you don’t want to draw attention to yourself at the theater.
Plus, the theater snacks are expensive.
I loved watching the movies alone.
I loved the mischievousness of breaking the system.
Is there a movie that sticks out from that time, that made a lasting impression?
It was an almost empty theater.
The guy behind me started kicking my chair and screaming, Hey, Mexican.
How dare you sit so close to me?
Go back to your country, get out of this movie theater.
I said, I paid my ticket.
This time I had actually paid for the ticket.
I stood my ground and said, I’m not moving.
I thought he was going to hit me because he just kept kicking my chair.
I was alone, I was shaking, terrified, but I didn’t move.
I sat through the movie, although I was not even paying attention.
I was so scared.
But Im very proud that I didnt move.
Youve been vocal about theharassment and discrimination youve facedin the entertainment industry.
Do you think Hollywood is a better place now than it was when you were 28?
Its a much better place in terms of diversity.
Were very far away from equality, but at least we’re moving.
I think its a lot better for women now.
Knowing what you know now, what do you wish you could tell yourself at 28?
Somebody once said to me, Being a late bloomer is the best thing that can happen to you.
I had my child when I was 41.
I found love in my late 30s, and he was so worth the wait.
Were madly in love with each other.
And my career has never been better.
So, I would say, you have to be patient with yourself.
You have to trust the universe and stop listening to the norm.
You have to work on your light.
Don’t disappoint yourself, be loving and patient with yourself, and don’t listen to the system.
Find your own path, and do it like no one else has done it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
This article was originally published onNovember 4, 2021
