Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Friday, April 26, 2024 73° Today's Paper


Top News

Salma Hayek reveals secret near-fatal COVID-19 battle

Salma Hayek is opening up about her near-fatal battle with COVID-19.

The Academy Award-nominated actress revealed she recently recovered from a very serious case of the coronavirus she secretly battled months ago.

“My doctor begged me to go to the hospital because it was so bad,” Hayek told Variety. “I said, ‘No, thank you. I’d rather die at home.’”

The 54-year-old “Frida” star said isolated herself for seven weeks in a room of the London mansion she shares with her husband, billionaire tycoon Francois-Henri Pinault, and their 13-year-old daughter, Valentina. At one point during her quarantine, Hayek was put on oxygen.

Though fully recovered from the deadly virus, she still hasn’t fully regained her energy.

Hayek is back to work promoting a slate of new films.

Among the actress and producer’s new projects are the completion of Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci,” opposite Lady Gaga and Adam Driver. Next month, she’ll be seen reprising her role as Sonia in “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” alongside Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson.

In November, Hayek star as Ajak, one of a race of immortal superheroes in Marvel’s “The Eternals.”

The Daytime Emmy winner told the outlet about her “shock” at getting the call from Marvel. “It’s really hard to be an action hero if you’re a Mexican and a woman,” she says. “But to be an action hero, being Mexican, a woman, and my age, it felt like they were punking me.”

“And then the worst part…(F)or so many months…I couldn’t tell a soul,” she added.

By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? Learn more here.