Salma Hayek has shared insight into her unique and affectionate relationship with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds‘ family, emphasizing the closeness she feels with their four children. Speaking at the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue launch party on May 15, Salma Hayek explained how, for years, she has been a close confidante to the family and is fondly referred to as “tía Salma” by James, 10, Inez, 8, Betty, 5, and Olin, 2. The longstanding friendship between Salma Hayek and the Hollywood couple has provided a foundation for her special bond with their children, making her presence in their lives both comforting and memorable.
During her exclusive interview, Salma Hayek detailed how her longstanding friendship with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has allowed her to form a genuine connection with their kids. “I’m close to the kids,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of spending meaningful time with the young family members.
she recounted, her words conveying a tone of both pride and warmth. This bond is strengthened not only by frequent visits but also by shared language; Salma Hayek proudly noted that the children have picked up elements of her native Spanish. “Especially a little one,” she mentioned, smiling as she spoke of their language skills, before adding,
The origins of Salma Hayek’s friendship with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds trace back several years in Hollywood. She first collaborated with Blake Lively on the thriller “Savages” in 2012, showcasing professional chemistry that would translate into a lasting personal friendship. Later, Salma Hayek and Ryan Reynolds co-starred in “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” in 2017 and its 2021 sequel, “The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard,” experiences that further solidified the trust and affection among them. These shared film projects did more than create on-screen magic; they cemented real-world friendships that blend the personal with the professional, shaping the tight bonds Salma Hayek now has with Blake, Ryan, and their family.
Salma Hayek’s respect and admiration for Blake Lively has been clear for years. While presenting Blake with an award at Variety’s Power of Women luncheon in 2017, Salma Hayek described her as exceptionally courageous and remarkably mature from a young age.
she stated, recalling how Blake stood up against challenges in the entertainment industry. Salma Hayek praised her friend’s strong family values, sense of honor, humor, and style, ultimately calling her the “ultimate mother—even to me.” These remarks pointed not only to Blake Lively’s role as a mother to her own children, but also to the nurturing and supportive relationship she shares with Salma Hayek herself.
The affection Salma Hayek receives from Blake and Ryan’s children is reciprocated through her genuine involvement in their lives. Being addressed as “tía,” a familial term for aunt in Spanish, marks Salma Hayek’s inclusion in their family, not just as a friend but as a trusted relative figure. Through language, shared activities, and mutual respect, Salma Hayek has become a consistent presence and role model for the Reynolds-Lively kids, introducing them to aspects of Mexican culture and language in a nurturing environment.
This intimate friendship is further informed by Salma Hayek’s own experiences as a mother. She and her husband, François-Henri Pinault, have a 17-year-old daughter, Valentina, who Salma Hayek describes as a dedicated and focused student.
Salma Hayek shared, indicating that her daughter values academic achievement above outside distractions. When asked about Valentina’s reaction to her mother gracing the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Salma Hayek explained,
Expressing admiration for her daughter‘s independent spirit, Salma Hayek added,
The genuine ties between Salma Hayek, Blake Lively, and Ryan Reynolds continue to strengthen with every shared milestone, event, or gathering. Salma Hayek’s presence at significant family moments, as well as her ability to connect with the Reynolds-Lively children through play and language, underscores her ongoing importance in their family circle. Her understanding of parenthood, combined with her role as a supportive friend, uniquely positions Salma Hayek as both a mentor and beloved figure to the children who have come to view her as an honorary aunt.
What sets this friendship apart is the way Salma Hayek actively participates in the lives of her friends and their children beyond the boundaries of Hollywood glamour.
she repeated, describing occasions where she joins in their games and daily lives, bridging the gap between international stardom and everyday family interactions. Whether imparting her own heritage or taking part in simple joys, Salma Hayek’s influence is felt in genuine and meaningful ways.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, both acclaimed actors in their own right, have welcomed Salma Hayek’s involvement in their family wholeheartedly. This trust speaks to the depth of their friendship and mutual admiration. The children’s ability to speak and understand Spanish, in particular, serves as a testament to the cultural enrichment Salma Hayek brings, further intertwining her background with their upbringing. These details suggest a relationship based on deep respect, learning, and the celebration of differences, all within the supportive framework of family and friendship.
The importance of this bond also extends to public events and professional collaborations. Salma Hayek’s support for Blake Lively during award presentations, as well as their partnership on projects such as “Savages,” highlights a pattern of encouragement and allyship that transcends work and personal life. Similarly, Salma Hayek’s roles alongside Ryan Reynolds contributed to the trust and easy camaraderie that continue outside the film set.
Direct quotes from Salma Hayek underline the authenticity and magnitude of her bond with the Reynolds-Lively family. By expressing her admiration for the couple’s parenting style and her appreciation for the children’s kindness and linguistic ability, she provides a window into the day-to-day experiences that define their friendship. The heartfelt nature of her words suggests a profound connection that is cherished and actively maintained.
Looking at the broader impact, Salma Hayek’s role in the lives of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ family is illustrative of how enduring friendships in the entertainment industry can transcend the screen and provide lasting support and joy. The cultural exchange, emotional support, and mutual growth experienced by everyone involved offer a positive example of family-style friendships in modern Hollywood. This kind of relationship also benefits the children, who gain another caring adult’s presence and perspective as they grow, helping to broaden their understanding of the world.
With Salma Hayek continuing to share advice, laughter, and language with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ children, the connection between their families appears stronger than ever. As the children develop both linguistic skills and a sense of pride in their multicultural background, their bond with Salma Hayek becomes a particularly meaningful part of their upbringing. Furthermore, Salma Hayek’s position as a friend, mentor, and “tía” enriches her life, as well as that of the Reynolds-Lively family, with layers of affection and mutual respect that promise to endure and deepen over time.
The significance of Salma Hayek’s bond with Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ kids is emblematic of the power of friendship, unity, and cultural sharing in shaping the next generation. As Salma Hayek continues to be celebrated for her achievements in film and beyond, her commitment to family—both her own and her chosen family of close friends—remains a testament to the lasting influence of genuine relationships in an ever-changing world. For fans of Salma Hayek and admirers of the Lively-Reynolds family, this flourishing friendship stands as a reminder of the joy and inspiration that comes from meaningful, interwoven lives.
