Salma's mother was a professional opera singer.

She has said the movie that made her want to be an actress was Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Other favourite movies include The Graduate, A Star is Born, Casablanca, and The World According to Garp.

She loves scuba diving and is afraid of snakes.

She has six dogs; four of which often travel with her.

She did all of her own stunts in Once Upon a Time in Mexico.

Her brother Sami is an award-winning furniture designer.

Before becoming pregnant and engaged to Francois Henri-Pinault, Salma previously dated actors Edward Norton and Josh Lucas.

She owns a farm and gets there as often as she can.

She counts Renee Zellweger, George Clooney and Ashley Judd as friends.

She is one of only three Mexican actresses to receive an Academy Award nomination.

Her love scene with Colin Farrell in the film Ask the Dust won the best nude movie scene on website MrSkin.com.