Salma Hayek, at 58, continues to impress, recently gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated in a striking green bikini. Yet, she admits she had some reservations about the photo shoot.
“I agreed to it, but as the time approached, I almost backed out,” Hayek shared during her appearance on the “Today” show. “I thought, ‘No, this bathing suit isn’t for me. What are you thinking? My size is not ideal, and it’s always a struggle for me.’”
Reflecting on her past, she mentioned experiencing what she calls a “bad case of imposter syndrome,” noting how different it feels to be on the cover of a magazine she once idolized. “I still can’t wrap my head around it,” she said. “When I was young, I remember eagerly flipping through the magazine, looking for stunning new models. Back then, I didn’t see myself as fitting that mold at all.”
She expressed a bit of disbelief during this latest interview, recalling how, as a girl, she was only excited to see who was featured in those special swimsuit editions—never imagining she would appear in one herself.
“Honestly, if someone told me at 58 I’d be here, I would have thought they were nuts,” Hayek reflected. “But hey, times are changing, and that’s pretty exciting.” She feels fortunate to belong to a generation that has witnessed such significant shifts, stating that while she could retire now, she doesn’t want to miss these moments.
Discussing the cultural significance, Hayek emphasized that being sexy and confident at any age is vital—especially after 50. “It’s okay not to be self-conscious about your body and to embrace it,” she said.
Interestingly, the actress revealed that the journey to this cover wasn’t all glamorous—she tried on “over 100” bikinis, with the magazine sending her “200 swimsuits.” Much to her amusement, she found many needed alterations.
To top it off, she faced another hiccup: her suitcase went missing right before the shoot, but luckily, Sports Illustrated had a few extra pieces on set. “That’s what I wore,” she recounted. “They don’t always fit just right. If something is extra small, that’s just coincidence!”
