When we meet with Eva Longoria (Texas, 1975) at the Aman hotel in New York, the conversation starts in English. Shortly after, Spanish phrases intertwine to outline a Spanglish that portrays her in origin and destination. "I am Mexican-American and a citizen of the world. I have many faces. I love the world, learning from other cultures, other foods, and meeting different people. To understand them, have more compassion, and share experiences," she tells LOC.
Longoria is the co-star of the new Nespresso commercial alongside George Clooney, and her work as the face of the capsule coffee maker brand has led her to meet with 15 media outlets from around the world. Upon learning that we are the only newspaper from Spain, she becomes emotional and chats comfortably.
Like many love stories, this one starts with a coffee. "It has been exciting to make this commercial because I have loved the brand forever, it is so iconic. I think I am the person who has drunk the most Nespresso in the world, and for me, it has been a perfect match. I have had their coffee makers since they came out because the truth is that it is a luxury to have access to quality espresso at home."
Regarding her work in this police-themed ad that pairs her with a detective and mischievous George Clooney as a cook and thief, she affirms: "It has been an honor to do this campaign with George, because he has been my friend for ten years. He is charming, funny, simple... Everything you expect from George."
Known worldwide for her role as Gabrielle Solís in Desperate Housewives, Longoria is also an entrepreneur and producer. In 2023, she made her directorial debut with the film Flamin' Hot, a biopic of Carlos Montañez, the Mexican inventor of spicy Cheetos. In 2024, she premiered the series Land of Women on Apple TV+, where she is an executive producer and plays one of the lead characters.
She is currently in the United States for promotion but also to help the victims of the Los Angeles fires. "Tomorrow I am going to volunteer. I usually do philanthropic work, but now even more with the crisis we are facing."
The actress resides between Los Angeles and Marbella (Spain). Hollywood allows her to work, and the Costa del Sol allows her to enjoy life. After two decades of summering in the Malaga town, in 2023, she decided to buy a house where she lives with her husband, businessman Pepe Bastón, and their seven-year-old son, Santiago.
"Andalusia is another world. People from other countries do not realize how different the regions of Spain are. They think of Spain and believe it is all the same, but it is not. Galicia, Asturias, Madrid, the Basque Country, or Catalonia are very different from each other," highlights the actress.
Her devotion to Spain is rooted in her origins. Longoria, her surname, is an Asturian town where some of her ancestors come from. Years ago, she went to visit the place from which her ancestors emigrated centuries ago.
However, she has decided to put down roots in another part of the peninsula. "I have been going to Marbella every summer for 20 years, and now we are finally residing there," she states. "The way of life in Spain is incredible because everything moves slower than in the United States, where everyone is focused on working and working. But Spain is for living. Because people want to go out with their friends, eat well, and enjoy life. If you ask an American to go for a drink, they say, 'When? Next week?' A Spaniard says, 'I'm coming with you now.'"
"Marbella is a fantastic place. What I like the most is the sun, the soul of the people, their way of living. For me, that slower pace is wonderful. I love being on the beach, spending time with my son, playing paddle tennis... I play paddle tennis every day," she explains. She also loves the local gastronomy. "You have a mix of luxury and tradition. You can eat at a Michelin-starred restaurant or go to Pepes on the beach, and eat... What are those skewered fish called?" she asks. "Espetos, I love espetos," she answers herself with a smile.
This passion for food is also reflected in her circle of friends, among whom are several chefs. "In Andalusia, I have a fabulous family," she continues. "I have friends in Córdoba, Marbella, Malaga, and also in Cádiz. José Andrés lives near Cádiz, Antonio Banderas is from Malaga... There is also Dani García, who was the first chef to cook for my foundation."
She refers to the Eva Longoria Foundation, a non-profit organization that carries out philanthropic work for Latina women and girls. This is not her only charitable project. "In Marbella, we also have Casa Ángeles, where we offer therapies for children from all over Spain."
"Every day of my life is different. One day, like today, I am attending to the press, but tomorrow I am going to Los Angeles, and on Thursday I am going to Mexico to be with my family. It depends a lot on the day: one day I am working, the next I am just a mom, the following day I am volunteering...," she lists.
In her free time, she enjoys doing sports, cooking, and above all, hosting gatherings at home for many guests. "I love organizing dinners. I love cooking, drinking wine, being a host, and having people in my house. In fact, my house is never empty, it is always full of people."
Different colors, flavors, and languages usually fill her living room. "My friends are very different from each other, from different countries, and I always gather an eclectic group of people. Some guests are surprised because they never know who they might meet. Someone from India, from Africa, or from anywhere," she reveals. "This is the best way to get to know other cultures and truly get to know people," she concludes.