‘Black Mirror’ Star Salma Hayek’s (60) Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Photos Go Viral Again

Avatar photoRobert Milaković
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Salma Hayek’s Hollywood career is a testament to longevity and versatility. From her breakout roles in the 1990s to becoming an Oscar-nominated producer, she has established herself as one of the most recognizable Latina stars in the industry. Throughout her journey, she has consistently defied expectations regarding age and beauty.

This fall, Hayek has been in the limelight, from celebrating her birthday on the beach to making a stunning appearance on the red carpet in September. Her fans continue to be captivated by her presence.

Recently, a collection of her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photos has resurfaced online, generating significant buzz. The images, featuring Hayek in white swimwear against a warm orange backdrop, have garnered tens of thousands of views and likes within just a day. One photo showcases her in a white crochet bikini paired with a matching cover-up and layered necklaces, while another captures her in a white triangle bikini adorned with a gold body chain, her dark hair tousled by the breeze.

These photos are from her debut in the 2025 Swimsuit Issue, where she was one of four cover stars alongside Olivia Dunne, Jordan Chiles, and Lauren Chan. The print edition hit newsstands on May 17, 2025, when she was 58 years old.

Captured by photographer Ruven Afanador in her native Mexico at the Cuixmala luxury resort, the images feature designs from various creators, including Johanna Ortiz, Sara Cristina, and Ark Swimwear. Jewelry from brands like Jacquie Aiche added the elegant gold accents seen in the photos.

Hayek has openly discussed her initial feelings of disbelief about being featured in the magazine. Growing up, she looked forward to seeing who would grace the Swimsuit Issue but never thought she would be among them, as she didn’t see herself as a conventional model. Reflecting on her experience on set, she admitted to SI Swimsuit that she felt emotional.

During a TV appearance in May 2025, she revealed her struggle with impostor syndrome, nearly opting out of the shoot. After receiving 200 swimsuits to try on, many of which required alterations, she faced a setback when her luggage went missing en route to Mexico. Fortunately, the team had additional suits available, allowing her to proceed with the shoot.

Once on the beach, her nerves dissipated. Hayek recounted a magical moment when a whale appeared in the background as she stepped onto the sand, making her feel liberated. This detail illustrates why the shoot transcended mere swimwear.

The coverage surrounding her feature emphasized her message: embracing confidence and feeling sexy after 50 should be celebrated, not hidden. The magazine’s editor-in-chief described her as a force of nature, highlighting her multifaceted roles as an actress, producer, and advocate. For many readers, this narrative was as significant as the stunning photographs.

Hayek’s family also played a crucial role in her journey. She shared behind-the-scenes moments with her husband, who understands the significance of the Swimsuit Issue, and her daughter Valentina offered her encouragement, telling her she looked fantastic. This support helped quiet the doubts she had expressed.

The renewed interest in her photos is timely, as Hayek celebrated her 60th birthday this September. Sports Illustrated acknowledged this milestone by reminiscing about her beach birthday photos, which harkened back to her first Swimsuit feature. She has also been seen alongside other SI Swimsuit models at the Kering Foundation Caring for Women dinner.

The magazine has continued to feature her, showcasing her red carpet style and even a “confidence crash course.” This ongoing relationship indicates that her debut was not just a one-time event but rather a lasting bond between Hayek and the brand.

The enduring appeal of these images lies in their bright, simple, and confident aesthetic. Set against a vibrant orange backdrop, Hayek’s white swimwear pops, and her relaxed poses evoke a sun-kissed ambiance. It’s no wonder these photos continue to circulate.

They also resonate in a cultural moment where discussions about age and beauty in Hollywood are evolving. Hayek has long been a part of this dialogue, and these photos serve as a poignant reminder of her impact on fans. A year and a half later, the response remains strong.

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