Achieved the worldwide fame thanks to her role in Desperate Housewives, where the actress participated during her successful eight seasons
But besides, her different facets within the world of film and television, Eva is a committed activist actress dedicated to society. LookOut Magazine had the opportunity to interview her, a movie star who enjoys dedicating his spare time to different philanthropic work in order to help the most in need.
LOOKOUT Magazine: Your international reputation as an actress was thanks to your role in Desperate Housewives as Gabrielle Solis. What had this show meant to you? What are the similarities between Eva Longoria and Gabrielle Solis?
Eva Longoria: I knew it was different. I knew it was great. You dream about this success but you don’t really expect it. However, we did not know that it was going to be an international success. We were surprised for what became. No, none at all. Gabrielle Solis was the exact opposite of me, who made her a lot of fun to play, because she was selfish and narcissistic and a model and didn’t want children, and was a horrible wife. I was born and grew up in Texas and for me the most important is the family, no the monetary issues.
L.O.: Your film credits include the feature films such as The Truth, Long Time Gone, The Sentinel and Over Her Dead Body among others. What new releases have you planned for 2016?
E.L.: I am in the cusp of a major comeback with my comical new TV show, Telenovela, sending up Latin soaps. I’m playing the role of Ana Sofia Calderon, the vain, insecure, but ultimately lovable Latina diva at the center of Telenovela. Ana Sofia’s life gets complicated when her ex-husband—played by Jencarlos Canela, a real-life Telemundo soap star and pop heartthrob—is cast as her love interest. Telenovel is “a big, hilarious comedy” in words of Eva Longoria.
L.O.: With which director would you like to work in a future?
E.L.: For me, it would be a dream to work with Almodóvar.
L.O.: We would like to highlight your work as entrepreneur within the restaurant industry with places such as el Beso in West Hollywood and Las Vegas? In an era when new and fashionable restaurants are open by famous people, where does this business initiative come from? Are you planning to open new places?
E.L.: I love Mexican food, when I was a child I used to have burritos for breakfast. I’ve always been business- minded. I worked in corporate America before becoming an actress and knew that acting wasn’t the end but a means to an end. It also gave me the financial security to focus on my other businesses, start new businesses, and even help other people start businesses.
L.O.: On the other hand, you are reflection of an active social awareness with the Eva Longoria’s Foundation, co-founder of Eva ́s Heroes and national spokesperson of PARENTS Against Cancer. When these initiatives and society involvement take place?
E.L.: My sister, Liza is the light of my life ,born with special needs, who taught me the most about resilience, hard work and the true meaning of love, inspired me my charity work. The foundation was created to help Latinas access resources and opportunities to build better futures for themselves, as well as their families, through education and entrepreneurship. I find education to be extremely important – give a girl an education and she can go out into the world, get a job, and lift her family out of poverty. Everyone deserves a quality education and we know Latinas aren’t getting it. You can’t ignore that Hispanics represent the fastest- growing demographic in the USA. The future success of
America is intricately tied to the future success of the Hispanic community. I decided to focus on giving them opportunities so that they’re set up for success in life.
L.O.: You are also the Honorary Chair of the Global Gift Foundation founded by Maria Bravo and Alina Peralta, a philanthropic non-profit organization which aims to create a positive impact on the lives of children, women and families in need. How the idea of forming part of this Project came up? What is your role as Honorary Chair?
E.L.: We have been friends for years, my friend Maria is from Marbella and we decided to do some philanthropic work around the world. Our idea has always been to do something in order to help, especially women and children. It is very important the charity work, you do not have to be famous to support the most in need, however foundations are changing the life of many.
L.O.: Every summer, with the occasion of the Global Gift Gala, you come to spend a few days in Marbella and Spain. What would you emphasize from this city and our country?
E.L.: I love Spain and Marbella is an incredible place. The people, the climate, the Andalusian accent, the food. The truth is that everyone wants to come to the Marbella Global Gift Gala everytime it takes place. I have very good friends and I always enjoy to have a paella by the sea or a good Spanish ham.
