Getting ugly: Salma Hayek on the biggest TV show of 2007

Salma Hayek has two great assets: she's one of the most successful Latina actresses in Hollywood, and she is now Executive Producer of hit show Ugly Betty. We spoke to her about her new career path and what we can learn from the show

Tell us a bit about Ugly Betty

Salma Hayek: It's based on a telenovela (Latin soap opera) from Colombia called Betty La Fea. I grew up with all these telenovelas, and they are all so dramatic. I love this one because it is so fun but at the same time it is very touching and very moving.

What do you think of America Ferrera as Betty?

Salma Hayek: I was a fan of America's for a while. I saw her eyes, her smile, and I remember thinking 'Oh my God, this girl shines! She is a superstar! She's smart, she's Latina.' I wanted to work with her so badly, so before we had the script, before we sold it or anything, I was always saying, 'It has got to be America.' I'm so proud of her, she is so smart and so talented and so professional.

Is this the beginning of more Latina shows on network TV?

Salma Hayek: Yes. We are pitching for other shows and they all have Latino characters in them. But they are universal themes where we include other ethnic people, not just Latino. Of course, I know a lot more about that culture than any other, but the profile of the company is that we're trying to do diversity that is universal, so that everyone feels part of it.

Is Betty going to get a makeover at some point?

Salma Hayek: We're not going to turn her into a supermodel. Is she going to evolve? Yes. But it might not be the makeover that you would expect and it might not be just one makeover. You have to take the time to tune into the show to find out exactly where we're going!

Was it planned that you would appear in the show?

Salma Hayek: I was on the set watching it and it is such a fun set and the people are great. So I got the storylines in for the next episodes and I said, 'You know what? I think I am going to play this part. Let's just do it!' So it was very spontaneous, it wasn't written for me or anything. I was a soap star, that is how I started, so it was a lot of fun to go back and make fun of myself.

What was it like when you were first trying to make it in L.A.?

Salma Hayek: I came with the illusion that I knew enough English to get around but I only knew how to say 'blue sweater in small' and 'Caesar salad with chicken'. I had 'shopping and vacation English', barely, and it was a shocker when I moved here. I was 24 and I didn't know my way around.

Have you stopped doing film work for now?

Salma Hayek: I'm doing other things but this year it's really been dedicated to the production company. I'm pretty hands on. I love it. It's not the first thing I've done. I produced Frida.

Have you got any plans to star in any more projects?

Salma Hayek: Not right now. I'm really enjoying this time. I've already had a couple of different careers and I like it, I like change. It really keeps me alive and young and optimistic and it keeps me having this love affair with life where there's always a mystery and somewhere new to go.

What gives you passion outside of work?

Salma Hayek: I have a lot of other things outside work. I have a ranch and I have lots of animals and I travel. I have a very good life, I've got lots of friends. I don't complain.