|
|
UPCLOSE |
|
Eva tells us EVA-rything
|
THE NOT-SO-DESPERATE DIVA DISHES ABOUT LIFE
IN HOLLYWOOD AND HER TALENT EN LA COCINA
También en español
|
|
BY KATHLEEN MASCAREÑAS
|
When I heard Eva Longoria would be at the Hispanic Women’s Conference in Phoenix— and also learned that I would be interviewing her—my first inclination was to yawn. I couldn’t seem to get away from this Desperate Housewives heavy-hitter.
When I bought groceries, she was there. When I walked through the airport, ahí está. When I picked up my mail, hay díos mío, otra vez? Eva is Eva-rywhere—and I felt a little desperate to escape this megastar who looks nothing like any housewife I’ve ever known.
No, I am not jealous. As a Latina, I applaud her success and acceptance by mainstream America. As a child, I searched in vain for TV role models who spoke English as their first language, but also had my dark, almond-shaped eyes and mocha-olive skin. Thanks to Eva, the current generation of young Latinas don’t have to look far to see someone like them who has the world at her feet.
I reviewed my questions and set aside my personal feelings, hoping I would learn something new about this seemingly overexposed star that would somehow justify adding another notch in her magazine cover belt.
The moment the 31-year-old, 5’1 Tejana walked into the room, it was clear why she is so in demand. Yes, she’s beautiful and photogenic, but her allure goes much deeper. She possesses that illusive it factor.
Her smile captivates. Her spirit hypnotizes. Her sense of humor entices. And even I, a seasoned journalist who hasn’t been star-struck in years, was captivated by her charm. I think you will be too.
How has your culture impacted the type of person you are today?
EVA LONGORIA: Everything I am comes from my culture: my acting, my instincts, my language, my music, my taste in food. My culture gave me so much growing up. I remember running around the neighborhood [and] every neighborhood parent was your parent. Every holiday was a requirement to stay together. It gave me so much structure growing up that I feel a responsibility to give back to it and applaud it.
Did you ever imagine that you would become a role model?
No! It’s scary thinking about the enormity of being a role model because I know my role models and I don’t put myself on the same playing field. To think that I’m one of
them now is pretty overwhelming, but I embrace it because I understand the impact they had on me. I want other women to know that all of this is possible.
Who were your role models?
My confidence, my moral center, my work ethic and the person I am—and the person I aspire to be—has come from three role models.
The first one is a dear friend of mine, Dolores Huerta. Growing up, she faced discrimination, poverty and the turmoil of a broken family. Many in that situation would have fallen by the wayside. Dolores didn’t fall; instead, she rose to greatness.
She’s an activist, an organizer, the co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America and the mother of 11 children.
My second inspiration was Selena. Growing up in Corpus Christi, TX, I got to know Selena and went to her concerts. It was a monthly thing for my family—my mom, my dad, my sisters—to go Tejano dancing. We’d enter dance contests and Selena would perform.
 I remember every outfit she wore, every song she sang and every word she wrote—and dreamt of being able to perform one day. I didn't think I had it in me. It was because of her that I was able to live my dream. I got to follow a trail blazed by
Selena.
My final inspiration is the most important one: my mother. She’s the center of my family. She gave [our family] unconditional love and traditional values and [gave me] something incredibly precious: her belief in me, which gave me the strength to believe in myself. When you have that, you only need one more ingredient for success: a good education.
[Editor’s Note: Eva has a B.S. in Kinesiology.]
Tell us about the Dolores Huerta documentary you are doing.
Dolores Huerta is an unsung hero. I was introduced to her by my friend, David Damian. When we met, it was like we knew each other in another life. I immediately knew her story and identified with her.
She was instrumental in the labor union and the formation of the United Farm Workers. She was the mastermind. César Chavez was the face and enforcer and together they made a great team. It’s necessary to recognize how influential she was
and continues to be. She’s the last living civil rights icon for Latinos.
Do you feel pressure to stand up for the plight of Latinos?
I don't feel pressure, I feel a responsibility to give a voice to the issues we face today, especially now with the immigration debate and with the Farm Workers’ Union issues.
Would your friends who knew you growing up say you’ve changed?
They would say I haven’t. I still have my core group of friends from elementary [school] and we all feel like [the fame] is happening to someone else.
I once went to a photo shoot and there were so many paparazzi outside. When we pulled into the studio, I said, “Oh my God, who’s shooting here today?” The guy said, “You!” I was like, “Oh! I forgot.” (laughing)
Editor’s Note: This article is based on questions Ms. Longoria answered during a press conference at the Hispanic Women’s Conference and a speech given at the luncheon where Longoria was the guest of honor and recipient of the Latina Visionary and Community Empowerment Award.
EVA DISHES ON...
Global Warming
We’re trying to put more political messages in Desperate Housewives.
Every time you see me in lingerie this year, it's just a message about
global warming. We're doing it for our nation, our world.
Growing up Ugly
When I was little I was called la prieta fea (the ugly dark one). I actually thought fea was my name until first grade. I thought what a beautiful name (laughing). I was the youngest of four girls and the only one born with dark hair, dark skin and dark eyes. All my sisters were güera with light skin. People would walk up to my mother and say, “Your daughters are so beautiful. And who's this?” Now, every time I'm on the cover of a magazine, I mail it to my sisters (laughs).
Politics
Wisteria Lane appeals to the political spectrum. Wisteria Lane appeals to everybody because everyone on Wisteria Lane makes the money of a Republican but has the sex life of a Democrat.
Heating up the Kitchen
I can make tortillas from scratch and fideo too. I am even opening my own Mexican restaurant in California because I miss Tex-Mex food so much. I want to share my cooking with the Los Angeles area.
Make your own fideo
You can find seven different fideo recipes on www.recipezaar.com. Type
fideo in the search box.
|
