Eva Longoria opens up about choosing to live abroad

Eva Longoria has made the decision to live outside of the United States, a move that reflects both personal and political reasons. In a candid interview with Marie Claire published Wednesday, the actress and producer shared that she, her husband José Bastón, and their six-year-old son, Santiago, no longer consider Los Angeles their home base. Instead, they now divide their time between Spain and Mexico, a lifestyle change that has become a central part of their lives in recent years.

Longoria, best known for her role in Desperate Housewives, explained that her decision to live abroad stems from a growing sense of unease about the direction of the U.S. She described the country as “a scary place” and expressed concerns about its future following the outcome of the recent presidential election. She acknowledged the privilege she has in being able to provide her family with the opportunity to live abroad, something that not all Americans have the ability to do.

“I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren’t so lucky,” Longoria said. “They’re going to be stuck in this dystopian country, and my anxiety and sadness is for them.” Her words reflect a deeper sense of frustration and worry about the political and social climate in the U.S., where many feel increasingly divided and unsettled.

Despite her personal choice to live abroad, Longoria remains deeply invested in the political landscape of her home country. She spent the summer campaigning for the Harris-Walz ticket, working to engage and recruit Latino voters for the 2024 election. She remains committed to supporting causes that align with her values and hopes that her efforts will continue to make a difference. “I would like to think our fight continues,” Longoria said, referring to her ongoing work with the Democratic party.

Longoria’s decision to leave the U.S. isn’t purely a reaction to recent events; it is also about personal transformation. Born and raised in Texas, Longoria said she had felt for some time that the country was “changing” in ways that didn’t align with her own evolving goals and mindset. The pandemic further accelerated this feeling, prompting her to reflect on her life’s direction. “It just feels like this chapter in my life is done now,” she explained, hinting that her decision to move abroad was also about seeking a fresh start.

The actress’s move abroad has also been fueled by a desire for a more balanced, fulfilling life. Longoria emphasized that she’s at a point where she wants to focus on her family and personal happiness rather than being in the center of the Hollywood machine. Though she’s no longer based in Los Angeles, she continues to have a successful career in the entertainment industry. Recently, she starred in and executive produced Land of Women, a series she describes as a passion project. She also appeared in six episodes of Only Murders in the Building, continuing to diversify her career while maintaining a presence in the entertainment world.

Her life outside the U.S. hasn’t hindered her ability to stay engaged in the political and cultural conversations that are important to her. Longoria remains a prominent voice in advocating for Latino rights and representation, and her work in both entertainment and activism continues to reflect her values and commitment to positive change. While living abroad, she’s still deeply connected to the causes she cares about, balancing her career with her desire for a more peaceful, balanced life away from the intense political and social climate in America.

In many ways, Longoria’s decision to live abroad reflects a broader trend among some celebrities and public figures who have opted to leave the U.S. in search of a different way of life. For Longoria, it’s not just about escaping the anxiety and sadness she feels about the state of the nation, but also about prioritizing family and personal growth as she enters a new chapter of her life. She continues to make a significant impact in her career and activism, even from her new home base abroad.