Salma Hayek insists her family are more important than her career.

The actress-and-producer, who is married to French billionaire Francois-henri Pinault and has a six-year-old daughter, Valentina, claims success wouldn't mean anything to her if it wasn't for her loved ones.

She said: ''I wouldn't have had a fulfilling life if I hadn't been able to start my own family.

''Being a good wife and mother is what matters to me most. Nothing gives me greater happiness than seeing the smile on my daughter's face.''

Despite being nominated for an Oscar and having her film 'The Prophet' showing at this year's Cannes Film Festival, the 47-year-old Mexican star admits it hasn't been easy for her in Hollywood, often because of her accent.

She said: ''I'm grateful to everyone who have me an opportunity but, strangely, there hasn't been that many.

''I've had to fight very, very hard for every silly, small role. I think my accent cost me many parts - and I accepted that - but there were other times where it also helped me work with directors like Robert Rodriguez.''

The brunette beauty thinks people shouldn't waste time in life complaining and she always tells herself to get up and make something happen instead of waiting around.

She added to Britain's HELLO! magazine: ''That gives me so much energy and self-belief. I've always had that in me.''