Quotes from Salma Hayek

Imagine if I'd said, 'I have to be the best actress - I want that and nothing else.' I never would have directed. I never would have produced. I never would have done a beauty line. I would have just worried about getting a job or been frustrated that I wasn't getting the job that I wanted. I was ready to be a businesswoman.

I had to endure the worst time of all in terms of racial discrimination in Hollywood when I first started out. It was inconcievable to American directors and producers that a Mexican woman could have a lead role.

When it is important for you to say something and you find a vehicle to say it, then go for it. It is so rare when that happens so I think every minute spent fighting for it is always worth it. Even if nothing ends up happening, it's still worth the fight.

I just love life. I'm excited about things in life. I think that if you're excited about life, you are excited about waking up and doing things with your life every day.

It's very easy to feel someone's pain when you love them.

I have a farm and I love it there. There's really nothing to do, but even watching the chickens, its fun.

For my wrap present, Colin Farrell gave me a first edition book. I got so involved with this character and I was so sad when the movie was over that when I got home and I tried to read the book I got really emotional and I started crying.

You know Latin people? African-American people? How our skin ages more slowly? Even though we're dramatic, we move our faces, we eat higher-fat foods, we're the ones with fewer wrinkles - it makes you wonder.

Producing is hell, writing is frustrating, acting is really satisfying, directing is heaven.

There is an Arabic writer who wrote philosophy and poetry and who brought all religions and all the world together.

Botox, trust me I've been tempted - but I resist! Think about what happens to your muscles - and your skin - if you're sick and don't move for a few days.

I have a small house so I borrow everything except art, that's what I love.

I think if I was not in love, I would probably let myself go faster. Love gives me the vanity to continue.

I've never had anything done on my face. I've never had dermabrasion or peels or injections of any kind, nothing.

The truth is, I just don't have the drive to be the prettiest and the thinnest. I can be happy for other people for their beauty.

I'm not a skinny girl. I push it. I'm at the limit of chubbiness at all times, but I'm happy at all times.

I believe that change keeps you young.

Find your own style. Don't spend your savings trying to be someone else. You're not more important, smarter, or prettier because you wear a designer dress.

I love to cook for my husband and daughter. I enjoy going to the market for fresh vegetables.

I believe eating well, and with people you love, is about feeding your body, heart, and soul - I used juicing to ensure I covered my nutritional bases every day, and as a tool to restore inner balance if my body needed a break from too much indulgence.

It sounds trite to go after men who are nice but when you've been hurt a lot it becomes appealing.

Botox, trust me I've been tempted - but I resist! Think about what happens to your muscles - and your skin - if you're sick and don't move for a few days. It all atrophies! Plus, if you freeze a muscle in your face, other muscles have to compensate! And once you stop, what does that look like?

I do have a Mexican accent, but that doesn't mean that I'm a Latin vamp.

My driving abilities from Mexico have helped me get through Hollywood.