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Learning a second language isn’t an easy task, but for Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek, it wasn’t impossible, even with her learning disability.
Hayek was diagnosed with dyslexia in her teens, but that didn’t prevent her from succeeding in school in Mexico.
"I’m really a fast learner," Hayek said in an interview with iVillage. "I always was, which is maybe why in high school they didn’t realize I had dyslexia. I skipped years without studying too much."
But instead of finishing college, Hayek dropped out to pursue an acting career. Once she became a soap opera star in Mexico, she decided to move to the U.S. to pursue an acting career.
Despite her success in school in Mexico, Hayek had trouble learning English at first.
In an interview with Oprah back in 2003, Hayek recounts her first few months in America, noting how difficult it was for her to get around, especially with her dyslexia hindering her learning English.
"I came here and I didn't speak English, I didn't have a green card, I didn't know I had to have an agent, I couldn't drive, I was dyslexic," Hayek said. "I hadn't had to do anything on my own in Mexico."
But just a year of perseverance, Hayek starred in her first film, Mi Vida Loca. She’s since had a successful career in Hollywood, most notably for her Academy Award nomination for her performance as the title role in Frida. As for her dyslexia:
"It doesn’t bother me now," she said. "Some people read really fast, but you’ll ask them questions about the script and they’ll forget. I take a long time to read a script, but I read it only once. I directed [The Maldonado Miracle], and I never brought the script to the set."