Eva Longoria, the well-known actress and producer, has recently opened up about her family life and the challenges of raising her eight-year-old son, Santiago, in a candid conversation with PEOPLE. Longoria, 51, is currently promoting her new film, *The Last Sunrise*, which is now available on Prime Video. In her interview, she shared insights into her parenting style and some memorable moments from her career, including her time on the iconic television series *Desperate Housewives*.
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According to Longoria, her son has developed a fascination with memes featuring her character, Gabrielle Solis, from the long-running series. She explained that Santiago’s newfound interest has reignited her own memories of the show. “Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of clips because he has discovered them,” she remarked. “He often asks, ‘Mom, when can I watch it?’ and I respond, ‘Never.’” Her playful refusal highlights her desire to protect her son from the more adult themes of the show, reflecting common challenges faced by parents navigating their children’s exposure to entertainment.
Longoria’s interview was part of PEOPLE’s *One Last Thing* series, where celebrities reflect on memorable experiences in their lives. Among her highlights, the actress recalled an unforgettable moment when she found herself starstruck while attending a ceremony for David Beckham, where she encountered the Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise. “He still takes my breath away,” she admitted. Longoria has known Cruise for many years, yet she noted that he remains an awe-inspiring figure in her eyes, showcasing the allure that celebrity holds, even for those within the industry.
The actress also reminisced about a particularly troublesome wardrobe malfunction that took place during the Cannes Film Festival. Longoria revealed that her planned gown had failed to arrive in time, leading her to hastily select a different dress. It was only once she was on the red carpet that she realised she had put the dress on backwards. This amusing mishap underscores the unpredictability of glamourous events and serves as a reminder that even seasoned stars experience moments of imperfection.
When it comes to scoring “extra mom points,” Longoria is looking forward to a special outing with Santiago. She has plans to take him to see Bruno Mars live in concert, an event that has excited the young boy immensely. “As soon as he learned Bruno was touring, he was like, ‘No way, oh my God! We gotta find a date to go,’ and he immediately began searching online,” Longoria described, encapsulating the joy and enthusiasm that often comes with being a parent.
Reflecting on simpler evenings, the actress shared her thoughts on date nights with her husband, José Antonio “Pepe” Bastón. Longoria recalled a romantic outing in the picturesque Loire Valley in France, where the couple dined at a castle. “He always does something big, and it was very romantic,” she said. Yet, she added that their typical evenings are often more relaxed, with her preparing dinner—usually tacos—while her husband opens a bottle of wine, illustrating the blend of romance and normalcy in their relationship.
*The Last Sunrise*, now streaming on Prime Video, showcases Longoria’s talents in a new light, as it is based on the novel by bestselling author Anna Todd. This film marks another notable achievement in her diverse career, which has spanned both television and film, allowing her to explore different genres and formats.
With a balance of family life and her acting career, Longoria continues to navigate the unique challenges of motherhood while simultaneously thriving professionally. As she shares bits of her personal life with the public, she remains an inspiration to many aspiring actors and parents alike, reminding them of the importance of both career success and family values.
In an industry often characterised by its fast pace and glamour, Longoria stands out for her authenticity and relatable approach to balancing work and motherhood. Whether it’s dealing with her son’s meme obsession or reflecting on her Hollywood encounters, she embodies the spirit of a grounded celebrity in the modern age.