Why Eva Longoria Describes Entering Motherhood In Her 40s As 'The Perfect Timing'

For Eva Longoria, becoming a mother in her 40s stands out as an extraordinary joy, and she recently spoke candidly about how ideal the moment turned out to be.

The "Desperate Housewives" alum became a first-time mom in June 2018 when she welcomed her son, Santiago Enrique Bastón, with her husband, José Antonio "Pepe" Bastón.

Longoria's revelation about her family life comes shortly after she faced legal battles involving her tequila brand.

In a recent interview with The Times, Longoria opened up about how family life is the guiding force behind her career and everything else.

"My family is my priority, so if I'm saying yes to something and it's taking time away from them, it's got to be something I'm really going to enjoy and people I really want to work with," she emphasized.

The Texas native noted she has this privilege because having a child at 43 was "the perfect timing." Explaining how it favors her, Longoria said:

"You have so much more wisdom and patience when you become a mother in your forties. It was all about me for so long. Forty years of me was enough time, so I was really blessed to have my child later in life..."

She continued, "I'd done everything I needed to do for my career. Now everything I do is just icing on the cake, and I get to do that with my son."

Despite her love for late motherhood, Longoria still affirms her desire to keep her 20-year-old body while navigating life at 50. 

When asked about aging, she added, "It's happening, so you have no choice but to embrace it." However, her utmost desire is to be able to remain active and spend quality time with her Santiago.

Having entered into family life much later, the Golden Globe nominee can't help but gush about her support system in the person of her husband.

"I'm really fortunate that I met my match in that," she said of Bastón. "He's totally supportive of my dreams and my goals and what I want to get done."

When asked the secret to a happy marriage, Longoria joked, "I have no idea," before hollering, "My husband puts up with me, that's the secret. Find somebody who's going to put up with your sh-t!"

According to People Magazine, their relationship dates back to 2013, after previously crossing paths twice. Baston proposed in 2015, and they married in Mexico in May 2016. They welcomed their son, Santiago, two years down the line. 

Motherhood means everything to Longoria, and she once shared how it has reshaped decisions around her image.

In an interview with Byrdie, the 50-year-old actress says becoming a mom to her 7-year-old son made her more selective about the jobs she takes.

"I definitely think more about what I want out in the world because my son is going to see it," Longoria says. "I think about whether he'd be proud of something or might be embarrassed. Even with old sexy photoshoots, I think, 'Oh god, he's going to see this one day.'" 

As part of putting her family first, Longoria made the decision to shuttle between the United States and Spain, spending more time in the latter country.

Reflecting on her decision to leave America, a place that was once her home, the actress said she no longer misses the allure America once held, as she sensed the country was changing in ways she could not adapt to.

"Even before [the pandemic], it was changing," the "Devious Maids" star stated, per The Blast.

After several years away, Longoria explained she feels "privileged" to have the option to live elsewhere, though it saddens her that many others do not.

She added, "I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren't so lucky. They're going to be stuck in this dystopian country."

Longoria's openness about her family life comes months after legal issues emerged involving her tequila brand, Casa Del Sol, and supermodel Christie Brinkley's son's company, Rove.

According to court documents, the brand reportedly failed to fulfill its obligations in a multi-year advertising campaign. Casa Del Sol had agreed to pay for ads on Rove cars in the Hamptons, Aspen, Palm Beach, and other targeted locations.

As The Blast reported, Rove further claimed that they are frustrated the brand keeps hosting lavish parties while still owing the alleged payments.

Although Longoria isn't named directly in the lawsuit, her company released a statement acknowledging the growing legal dispute. They also initiated an internal investigation.