Eva Longoria, the celebrated actress best known for her role on Desperate Housewives, recently made headlines for moving her family out of the United States, citing major political and social changes. Following the re-election of Donald Trump, the actress expressed her concerns about the future of America, which she described as increasingly 'dystopian.' Now, she and her family split their time between Mexico and Spain, leaving behind their home in Los Angeles.
Longoria shared her thoughts on this significant life transition during a recent interview with Marie Claire. She spoke candidly about the changing vibe of living in California, stating, "I had my whole adult life here. But even before the pandemic, it was changing. The vibe was different. And then COVID happened, and it pushed it over the edge." She went on to address issues such as homelessness and rising taxes as contributing factors to her decision.
Expressing her privilege at being able to relocate, Longoria said, "I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky. They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them." Alongside her husband, José Bastón, and their six-year-old son, Santiago, Longoria has found comfort and inspiration living abroad, reflecting on the stark differences from her previous life.
The actress confirmed her family's new living arrangements, explaining, "I’m privileged to have the opportunity to live abroad. It feels like this chapter of my life is done now." This line signifies more than just their physical relocation; it encapsulates Longoria's desire for change amid turbulent times. The couple's home base is now split between the sun-drenched coasts of Mexico and the cultural richness of Spain, where Longoria even continues her work on her television projects.
This isn't the first time Longoria has engaged with politics and community activism. She's been openly supportive of the Democratic party and its candidates, advocating especially for Kamala Harris during the past election cycles. Reflecting on her political beliefs, Longoria said, "I’ve never been depressed in my life. It was like, ‘Does my vote really matter? Am I really making a difference?’" The actress realized her own emotional struggles after Trump's initial victory and how it affected her belief system. Her growing concern about the sociopolitical environment now provides the backdrop for her life decisions.
Longoria’s move has also been shaped by her career. Balancing family life and professional commitments, she spends considerable time traveling to work on her CNN miniseries Searching for Spain, which follows her previous project focused on Mexican culture. This connection to her roots is apparent, especially considering her husband’s background and their son's heritage.
With advancing age also on her mind, Longoria has opened up about embracing the passage of time. She is not afraid of growing older—in fact, she welcomes it. “For me, age is just a number, but I’m excited. I refuse to believe my greatest success is behind me,” she stated. This positive mindset spills over to her approach to family and lifestyle changes as well. She emphasizes the importance of health and wellness by maintaining rigorous routines, including working out and journaling.
Looking at her current life, Longoria has roots now planted firmly across the Atlantic as she seeks to find her footing outside of what she views as decrepit politics at home. Reflecting back on her decision to leave, she noted, "The shocking thing is not just about the win... It's the fact we’ve allowed someone I see as a 'convicted criminal who spews hate' to hold the highest office. That troubles me deeply, and I feel it resonates with many who envision the same future for themselves and their children.”
The move also holds significance for her son, Santiago. By raising him abroad, Longoria aims to provide experiences filled with cultural diversity and acceptance. Traveling between Mexico and Spain allows their family to immerse themselves deeply within varied communities, fostering values she also deemed instrumental during her upbringing.
Longoria’s transition serves as more than just her personal rebirth; it’s also reflective of broader societal shifts as many Americans reassess their places within their communities, particularly post-pandemic. She hopes others will also find pathways suited to their dreams and aspirations, even if those paths diverge from commonality.
Through conversations with her husband and interactions within her new communities, Longoria finds solace, inspiration, and clarity. It's important to note, she insists, to understand how each choice shapes their lives as much as their involvement with issues back home. Her commitment to social justice, equality, and civic engagement doesn’t end with her relocation; it transforms and adapts according to her newfound perspectives.
While she has ignited conversations surrounding privilege and choice, Longoria's story embodies the experience of many Americans grappling with socio-political unrest and personal identity. The ensemble of family, career, activism, and self-reflection intertwines to form a narrative about the power of choice and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. For Eva Longoria, moving away was just the beginning of her new chapter—one where she intertwines roots with her family heritage and embraces experiences beyond California.
There's something fresh and empowering about claiming one’s agency, and Longoria’s actions resonate powerfully within the current cultural climate. She grapples with the weight of her decisions, the realities of privilege, and what it truly means to lead by example—both at home and afar. How her family flourishes alongside these expansive roots will perhaps form not just the story of her life, but also serve as inspiration for others born out of tumultuous times.
