Longoria talks to Parade about Hollywood stardom; the meaning of beauty, family, and love; and why the commitments in her life are becoming so much bigger.
Also, find out what attracts Eva Longoria to new boyfriend José Bastón and learn about her charitable work with the Eva Longoria Foundation, partnering with philanthropist Howard Buffett.
On Acting:
“Had I known how hard acting was going to be, I wouldn’t have done it,” Eva Longoria, 39, tells Dotson Rader in this Sunday’s issue. “There’s no recipe for success, no rhyme or reason why certain actors are famous and others aren’t. As an actor, you kind of just say your lines and cross your fingers.”
Does Longoria worry about aging?
No, no, no! I would never want to repeat my 20s. I welcome age with open arms because I want to evolve as a human being, gain more wisdom. I have so much more to do! And the only way you do that is with age.
Is there a shelf life for beautiful women in entertainment?
There’s an expiration date. Age is something you can’t control, so why worry about it?
On having kids of her own.
I’ve always wanted a family. I believe in family. But children are a product of love. So I don’t think I’ll go off and have a baby by myself. I do not have that need to procreate.
On being called an ugly duckling by her older sisters.
I tell my sisters, “You could have screwed me up badly.” [laughs] But it’s not just in my nature to be self-hating. I’ve had thick, tough skin my entire life and the teasing was always countered by everybody just loving the heck out of me.
On Longoria’s oldest sister, Liza, who is mentally challenged.
She’s influenced every fiber of who I am today. Every decision we ever made was dictated with her in mind. My mom spent her whole life with Liza and became a special education teacher because of her.
On why Longoria has become so heavily involved in charitable work.
Because of my sister Liza having a disability. Anytime there was a program [for her] in our community, we utilized it. But at the same time, we had to give back so we’d all volunteer. I knew the word volunteer at a very, very young age.
For behind-the-scenes video of Longoria’s Parade photo shoot, where she reveals her hidden talent and talks about her fellow Housewives: http://bit.ly/1la9Wkv