Eva Longoria Spills ‘Desperate Housewives’ Secrets | rETrospective

Summary

Eva Longoria reflects on her journey through Hollywood, sharing memories of iconic roles, personal milestones, and her transition to directing. She fondly recalls her early days on *Desperate Housewives*, the challenges and joys of motherhood while working on set, and her pride in directing the inspiring story of *Flamin' Hot*. Longoria also discusses her passion for telling authentic Latino stories, highlighting the importance of representation in the media and her efforts to control the narrative. With humor and sincerity, she shares her experiences of growth and success, both on and off screen.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eva Longoria was originally cast as a flight attendant in *90210*, which was a significant stepping stone in her career and a moment when she received her SAG card.
• 😀 Eva reflects on the groundbreaking nature of the early seasons of *Desperate Housewives*, noting that the show's bold content might not be accepted in today's cultural climate.
• 😀 Longoria cherishes her time on *Desperate Housewives*, saying she misses her character Gabby and the fun dynamic with her co-stars.
• 😀 She remembers the excitement of receiving her first Daytime Emmy and reflects on her early career aspirations, especially in soap operas.
• 😀 Longoria emphasizes the importance of representation, both in front of and behind the camera, for Latino communities, sharing that the *Flamin' Hot* Cheetos movie is a milestone for Latinos in Hollywood.
• 😀 Eva talks about her personal experience directing while being a mother, balancing work with breastfeeding her child on set during *Grand Hotel*.
• 😀 She expresses a deep emotional connection to her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recalling her earlier days in Hollywood and how far she’s come since.
• 😀 Longoria's involvement in the *Dora the Explorer* movie was meaningful to her, as it portrayed a smart, strong Latina character and sent a positive message about education.
• 😀 Eva’s transition to directing was marked by a desire to control the narrative around Latino stories in Hollywood and offer more diverse representations of the community.
• 😀 In her own words, Longoria’s biggest goal is to tell more Latino stories, ensuring that people see the possibilities within their own communities beyond stereotypical portrayals.

Q & A

What was Eva Longoria's first speaking role, and what was her experience like on set?

Eva Longoria's first speaking role was in *90210*, where she played a small part as a flight attendant. She describes being thrilled about being part of the iconic show at the time, and the role was an important milestone in her career as it marked her entry into the professional acting world.

How did Eva Longoria feel about her role in *Desperate Housewives* as Gabby Solis?

Eva Longoria expresses immense fondness for her role as Gabby Solis. She describes it as a fun experience and reflects on the chemistry she had with her co-stars. She fondly remembers the joy of playing Gabby, who did and said things that Longoria herself wished she could do, and she misses being the character.

How did Eva Longoria approach her role as a director while balancing motherhood?

Eva Longoria shares that while directing on set, she was also breastfeeding her child, which allowed her to normalize the experience of motherhood in the workplace. She emphasized that being a mother while working in the entertainment industry is a reality, and she proudly integrated it into her work.

What impact did *Desperate Housewives* have on Eva Longoria's career?

Eva Longoria acknowledges the massive success of *Desperate Housewives*, noting how it was a groundbreaking show that helped launch her career to global recognition. She highlights how the show challenged norms and created a new space for female-driven stories, which also made her a household name.

What does Eva Longoria say about the challenges of Latino representation in Hollywood?

Eva Longoria is passionate about improving Latino representation in Hollywood. She believes that the stories of the Latino community have been underrepresented, and she is dedicated to shaping the narrative by producing and directing projects that portray the diversity and richness of Latino culture, aiming to provide more positive and accurate portrayals.

What was the significance of Eva Longoria’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony?

Eva Longoria reflects on her emotional Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony, which took place while she was pregnant. She shares that it was overwhelming, especially since she had dreamed of having a star ever since she arrived in Los Angeles. Her husband and friends were present to celebrate the milestone, and it was a poignant moment for her.

What did Eva Longoria think about her experience in the *Flaming Hot* movie?

Eva Longoria talks about her directing experience with *Flaming Hot*, a film about the creation of Flaming Hot Cheetos. She was deeply moved by the story of Richard Montañez, the Mexican janitor who came up with the idea for the snack. She sees it as a significant project because it represents a major achievement for Latino representation in mainstream cinema.

How does Eva Longoria feel about the potential of a *Desperate Housewives* revival?

Eva Longoria expresses interest in a *Desperate Housewives* revival, though she notes that creator Mark Cherry believes the storylines were fully explored. She humorously says that she would be the first to sign up for a return, as she misses her time on the show and the relationships she built with her co-stars.

What does Eva Longoria say about the importance of storytelling in the Latino community?

Eva Longoria emphasizes the power of storytelling, particularly in the Latino community, as a tool for educating both the community and the broader public. She believes that by telling authentic and diverse stories, they can break stereotypes and offer new perspectives, ultimately fostering a better understanding of Latino culture.

What unique experiences did Eva Longoria have while working on the *Dora the Explorer* movie?

Eva Longoria expresses her love for *Dora the Explorer*, calling it one of the best movies she’s been a part of. She appreciates how the film portrayed a smart, confident Latina girl, and how it highlighted the importance of education and science in an empowering way. She also shares how her son was confused by the fact that she played Dora's mom.