Salma Hayek Played Esmeralda in Hunchback Movie as Husband Pledges Millions to Rebuild Notre-Dame
Salma Hayek has a special connection to the Notre-Dame cathedral.
Aside from living nearby and getting married to husband François-Henri Pinault less than a mile away in 2005, the actress also starred in the live-action retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story centering around the cathedral.
Hayek, 52, played Esmeralda in 1997’s The Hunchback alongside Mandy Patinkin, a full 22 years before a devastating fire took hold of the iconic church as the world watched in horror.
After news broke, and while the blaze still raged on, Hayek’s husband Pinault pledged €100 million (over US $113 million) to help rebuild the cathedral.
In a statement obtained by French newspaper Le Figaro, Pinault, 56, said, “My father (François Pinault) and myself have decided to release a sum of €100 million from our Artemis funds (the family holding company) to participate in the effort that will be necessary for the complete reconstruction of Notre-Dame.”
Pinault’s donation is the first major one announced. Through Kering, an international luxury group, his family owns and controls a number of businesses including Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Saint Laurent and Balenciaga.
WATCH: Parisians Sing As Notre Dame Burns in the Distance
Hayek shared an image of the burning cathedral on Instagram, writing in the caption, “As many others I’m in deep shock and sadness to witness the beauty of Notre-Dame turn into smoke. I love you Paris. Comme beaucoup d’autres, c’est avec effroi et tristesse que je regarde la beauté de Norte-Dame partir en fumée… Paris, je t’aime ! #notredame #paris.”
The Oscar-nominated actress and the businessman have a residence near the cathedral and were married in Paris on February 14, 2009, at the City Hall of the Sixth Arrondissement, which is less than a mile away from the historic church.
RELATED: See the Chilling Moment Notre Dame’s Spire Collapses During Horrific Fire: ‘Paris Is Beheaded’
The blaze erupted around 6:30 p.m. Monday local time and appears to have completely consumed the landmark’s roof. The building’s towering spire fell and portions of the roof have collapsed, according to France 24.
Pedestrians flooded the streets to watch the blaze, many in tears, one Paris resident told PEOPLE. On Monday evening, a crowd gathered to sing “Ave Maria” near the cathedral.
A Paris fire official announced the fire had been contained and that the structure will be “saved and preserved.”
