Eva Longoria Is ‘Always Humbled By Everything’ Her Special Needs Sister Taught Her & Loves Their ‘Rewarding’ Relationship

Aug 29, 2023

Eva Longoria is a woman of many talents; she’s an actress, a producer, a director, a writer, and an entrepreneur. She is also known for advocating for people with disabilities and for educational contributions. Eva was a feisty little girl when she was younger, and this trait particularly manifested whenever people tried to mess with her oldest sister, Elizabeth “Liza” Longoria, who was born with an intellectual disability. Eva and Liza share a close bond. In 2009, Eva said of her sister: 

“One of the most rewarding things that happened to me was growing up with my eldest sister, Elizabeth, who is developmentally disabled. She is the light of my life, and has taught me more than I could ever have imagined.”

In a 2016 interview with Loose Women, Eva called for schools to train teachers to deal with children diagnosed with autism. She shared that her mom became a special education teacher after Liza needed to attend a mainstream school. The special education school she attended initially ended in sixth grade. 

Eva recalled that their mom, Ella Longoria, was scared that Liza would be bullied. Hence, she went to Liza’s school every day until she was asked to become a teacher’s assistant. However, the students at Liza’s school were trained to handle such situations and were supportive and kind. 

The “Beverly Hills, 90210” actress also revealed during the interview that her sister doesn’t have Down syndrome. Rather, she was born prematurely and has an intellectual disability similar to the condition. Eva described her as “fourth or fifth-grade level.” 

On Feb. 28, 2022, Eva shared with Forbes Women how she developed her passion for philanthropy and how her sister helped her discover that part of her. Continue reading for the details. 

Eva’s life has always been in the public since she became famous. She has been married three times and divorced twice. She first married “actor Tyler Christopher in 2002. The two were married until 2004. 

The actress later shared that the timing of their relationship was wrong, and it ruined things between them. “He was a lovely man,” she said per Rumour Juice, “but I was very young. I didn’t know who I was and I was still struggling as an actor.”

Eva married pro basketball player Tony Parker in 2007, and it seemed the couple would last forever. However, Eva and Parker’s marriage ended three years later. Revelations soon surfaced that Eva allegedly found several messages from another woman on Parker’s phone. 

Eva took a long and deliberate break from relationships following her second divorce. She found love again with José “Pepe” Bastón in 2013. They were engaged two years later and tied the knot in 2016. The couple welcomed their son, Santiago Enrique Bastón, two years later in 2018.

The cookbook author revealed in 2019 that being Liza’s sister helped her as a mom. 

“I’m always humbled by everything she shows me and teaches me,” she said, “especially now that I have a child.”

Eva also told Daily Mail that being Liza’s family made her and her siblings selfless.

“It made us very selfless as a family, because we were so busy looking after Elizabeth that we didn’t have time to worry about much else,” the “Unplugged” actress said. 

Liza encouraged her family to help children like her when they could. This prompted Eva to establish Eva’s Heroes to assist people between the ages of 14 and 21 who are intellectually challenged. 

“Elizabeth’s very excited about the project - and proud of me too, I think,” Eva added.

During her interview with Loose Women, the philanthropist juxtaposed the disadvantages of special needs schools. She explained that such schools often kept their students wrapped up in a bubble that wouldn’t give them a picture of the real world.

Eva also explained how her mom impacted her work. She recalled that her mom was a strong woman who cared for four children, held down a job, and still managed to serve dinner by 6, which motivated her to work hard.

The mom of one also shared how Liza influenced her charity and humanitarian work. Eva explained this in an interview with Forbes Women on Feb. 28, 2022. 

The entrepreneur disclosed that she and her sisters learned to volunteer because of Liza, as they had to follow her everywhere so she could participate in activities.

“It was my sister who really taught me about compassion and putting yourself in other people’s shoes,” Eva said.

She shared the story of a time when someone stole Liza’s jacket when she was 10, and she was angry, but her sister’s reply left her stunned. When they asked Liza who stole it, she said, “Somebody who must have been cold.” 

Another incident that deeply resonated with Eva was when Liza had trouble tying her shoes in the morning, making everyone else late for school. A frustrated Eva would ask their mom why she insisted no one tied Liza’s shoes for her.

One day, Eva tied Liza’s shoes when Ella wasn’t looking, and when their mom found out, she slapped Eva’s hands and said: 

“Don’t ever take that victory away from her. That is her victory.”

Meanwhile, Liza has come a long way and can do many things for herself. She has a job and can take a bus by herself. She also graduated from high school. Hopefully, Liza will achieve many more great things in her lifetime.

What do you think of Eva and Elizabeth Longoria's relationship? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to friends, family, and fans of Eva Longoria.