Eva Longoria, American actress, director and producer of Mexican origin, is worldwide known for her iconic role as Gabrielle Solis in the series Desperate Housewives. But beyond this television success, she established herself as a passionate activist, committed to the empowerment of Hispanic women and diversity in cinema. Guest at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2024, Eva Longoria marked the spirits with her radiant presence. During the opening ceremony, She went on stage to give an honorary prize to the actor, director and Indian producer Aamir Khan, of whom she said she was a great admirer. The day after, She delivered a moving speech during the evening in tribute to the women of cinemabefore participating in an enriching conversation with his fans. Energetic and multidimensional, Eva sails with ease between her artistic career, her social commitments and her role as a mother, generously sharing her reflections and her inspiring journey.
An unprecedented arrival in Saudi Arabia
For Eva, this first visit to Saudi Arabia was marked by the curiosity of her 6 -year -old son. “” As the festival is called Red Sea, he asked me if everything was red here. When he saw that it was not the case, he was amazed! She says with fun. “” He is already passionate about cinema: he shouts ‘action’ and ‘cut’ as a real director. »A waking wink to her son, who was already in her belly when she made the series Large hotel.
Stories that make people think and act
Asked about her artistic choices, Eva insists on the importance of telling stories that make sense: ” I want to shoot projects that educate, that change mentalities. Multicultural stories, new perspectives that affect the social and cultural context. If a story can change the world, then it deserves to be told. »»
As a director, producer and actress, she claims her freedom: “Direct, produce and play allow me to keep control. This is my way of working. Women are multitasking by nature, so it’s second nature for me! »»
His unique journey between Ranch Texan and Hollywood
Eva returns to her childhood in a Ranch in Texas, surrounded by cows and animals. “My Mexican parents wanted me to be assimilated, so they did not teach me Spanish. In Hollywood, I was neither white enough for American roles, nor sufficiently Hispanophone for Latin roles, at the limit, I was taken for American roles of Italian origin, making me take the Italian accent. »» This is how she decided to learn Spanish: ” Today, I speak for it. This allowed me to stay connected to my culture and my roots. »»
His arrival in Hollywood was a shock. Last of a siblings of four girls, large, clear of skin and hair, she was nicknamed by her sisters the ugly duckling, because she was “darker” and “less pretty”.
Eva also said that her mother is also very surprised by her success: ” To date, my mother still does not understand how I could be chosen or understands that I make films. Besides, when she sees my name on the poster of a film that I make, she calls me and said to me: ‘You were not in this film, why is there your name?’ She still can’t understand that I can be behind the camera or what I do ! ».
Despite these remarks, Eva persevered. “” I think you have to climb the ladder one by one. I started as figurative, asking everyone about a shooting set to learn. I wanted to understand everything. »»
She remembers her modest beginnings: ” I made appearances for wages of misery while combining other little jobs. At first I started with a replica, two replicas and so on … Then, a role in a police series Dragnet (2023) put me on the card, and that’s where I was sent to me the scenario of Desperate Housewives. At the time, no one believed in the project, but ABC tried their luck. The series was a huge success and lasted from 2004 to 2012.
A powerful militant commitment
As an activist, Eva has chosen to focus on a cause that is close to her heart: helping Hispanic women. “” I received a lot of requests for very diverse causes. As I did not want to disperse, I decided to choose only one and focus on the empowerment of Hispanic women. When you change the life of a woman, you change that of your family, and therefore the world. With my foundation, we give resources, advice, training … We allow Hispanic women to take charge, to create companies … ”.
She shares a poignant anecdote: ” A Hispanic lawyer told me that she had been able to study thanks to a scholarship that I had given her eight years earlier. Today, she defends human rights and changes, in turn, the lives of other people. »»
His commitment is not limited to the social: EVA also militates for a greater inclusion of Latinos in cinema. “” In Hollywood, Bob, Paul and David hired … Bob, Paul and David. I strive to give opportunities to the Hispanics so that they can enrich their CVs and make a place in this industry, either by making them work with me, or by helping them to get more and more engaging, so that they can be seen more and more on the screen.“”
Eva also has a modern approach to communication with her fans, both for her cinematographic activity and for her militant activity: “ I like these panels and conversations like this and I do a lot. I like these contacts with people. I am very active on social networks, including Tiktok. But as it takes time, I hired someone to help me. »»
A star on the Walk of Fame and much more
The actress evokes with emotion the day her star was affixed to the Walk of Fame. “” Twenty years earlier, I was in Hollywood, I watched an empty location and said: ‘One day it will be my name here.’ This dream has come true, almost day to the day. »»
His mother, who had trouble understanding her job behind the camera, also pushed her to obtain a higher diploma, especially since his sisters had obtained their graduate diplomas. “” I then took the lessons, I worked from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. twice a week to take lessons. It was difficult, but it helped me a lot in my life as a activist. »»
Motherhood: a late but precious gift
Mother of a little boy, Eva says that maternity is the greatest gift in her life. “” I started working young, I had my son late and it’s really a miracle. I am too old to consider other children, but my son is everything for me, he is my life. We spend a lot of time together and we have a lot of fun. “”
Cultural projects and a vision for the future
Finally, Eva reveals a project in Egypt, for which she discussed with actress Mona Zaki. “” She liked it and offered to do it together. I love this cultural diversity and these international collaborations. Working with people from different regions is incredibly enriching.“”
Neïla Driss
