While her dazzling performances have earned her fame, Eva Longoria’s role as a mother and stepmother truly lights up her world. Behind the scenes, the actress has built a deeply fulfilling family life with her husband and their children.
Eva Longoria at the Carlos Eric Lopez’s Fourth Annual Día de Muertos Gala on November 1, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
From stepping into the role of a stepmother to embracing motherhood for the first time, Longoria’s journey is one of joy and balance. Her path to creating this blended family, however, came after overcoming challenges and finding a love that brought new beginnings. Here’s how it all started.
Eva Longoria photographed on October 29, 2024, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Finding Love Again – Eva Longoria’s Journey to Becoming a Stepmom
Following her divorce from her first husband, Longoria’s second marriage with NBA star Tony Parker, celebrated with a lavish ceremony at a French castle in 2007, ended amidst reports of infidelity.
The actress, who was “totally and completely blindsided” by the revelations, filed for divorce in 2010 after shooting down reports that the basketball icon had filed first.
Tony Parker and Eva Longoria at the 2008 CFDA Fashion Awards in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Longoria found her third chance at love in 2013 when a mutual friend reintroduced her to José “Pepe” Bastón, a successful Mexican businessman.
At their initial meeting, neither felt an immediate connection. Longoria later admitted, “I was getting out of a bad relationship, and he was getting out of a relationship, so there wasn’t a connection. We had a pleasant conversation but no real connection.”
Eva Longoria and José Bastón at the 35th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards on January 4, 2024, in Palm Springs, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, time worked its magic. After two years of dating, the pair got engaged, and in 2016, they tied the knot in a dreamy sunset ceremony in Valle de Bravo, Mexico.
Surrounded by twinkling lights and their loved ones, Longoria and Bastón exchanged vows in a setting that perfectly captured their love. “They married on an altar under lots of little lights. It was very romantic,” a source shared.
Eva Longoria and José Bastón at an event celebrating the actress on April 30, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Longoria wore her hair down and beamed throughout the ceremony, while Bastón looked dashing in a gray suit. Marrying Bastón also brought Longoria the joy of becoming a stepmother to his three children from a previous relationship.
The “Desperate Housewives” actress described her stepchildren as “a gift in my life,” adding, “I don’t feel like we are lacking because we don’t have a baby. We are fulfilled. If there is anything else to come, it would be icing on the cake.”
Eva Longoria with her husband, son, and step-children. | Source: Facebook/Eva Longoria Baston
This profound sense of fulfillment, however, was only the beginning. Longoria’s journey into motherhood would take an even deeper, more personal turn, as she welcomed her first child and embraced the joys and challenges of balancing her career with raising a family.
Eva Longoria Welcomes Her Son and Masters the Work-Life Balance
While Longoria found immense joy in her role as a stepmother, after reaching her 40s, she began thinking about welcoming a child of her own and wondering if time was running out. Then, her life took on a new dimension in 2017 when it was revealed that she was expecting her first child, a boy.
In June 2018, Longoria gave birth to her son, Santiago Enrique Bastón, a milestone she described as life-changing as she basked in witnessing all his firsts. Despite the challenges of being a new mom, Longoria quickly returned to work.
Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “I am not special. Women balance work and family all the time, and I am just one of those many women.” The actress returned to a directing job just two months postpartum, thinking it would be manageable as she wasn’t in front of the camera.
However, the experience proved more demanding than she anticipated. During her appearance on “The Dr. Oz Show” in 2024, she revealed that it was quite difficult as she was still breastfeeding and barely getting any sleep.
Longoria often brought Santiago to work with her, making her sets a family-friendly environment. “Santiago goes to work with me and is so sweet — he causes no trouble,” she said in 2018.
The actress joked that while her son hadn’t critiqued her work yet, he pays close attention when she directs. “If he decides to be an actor when he grows up, of course, I would support him!” she continued.
As Santiago turned six in June 2024, Longoria celebrated the milestone with a touching video montage shared on Instagram. Captioning the post, she wrote, “No matter how fast time flies, you’ll always be my baby! Happy 6th birthday to my sweet Santi 💖 love you soooo much!!”
Over the years, Santiago has been a recurring feature on his famous mother’s social media. From cooking together in a charming 2022 clip to their playful tuna aguachile creation post in April 2024, their bond is clear to fans.
Social media users couldn’t help but express surprise at how grown-up Santiago looks in recent posts. Fans also marveled at his resemblance to his famous mom.
“That cutie looks exactly like his beautiful mother,” one person commented. Another shared, “Your son is growing up to [sic] fast! Time slow down.” A third typed, “He’s getting so big. I saw him in Tulsa when you visited.”
“Oh my, how he has grown. Precious precious precious. He has your beautiful smile,” another social media user noted, while one remarked, “He looks like you,” and another shared, “The same smile with his mother.”
In 2021, Longoria took a trip down memory lane and turned to Facebook to share a throwback snap of herself as a baby. Social media users couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between her and her son.
“Just like Santi!” one person shared. Another typed, “Oh my Santi is your twin,” and a third wrote, “Santi resembles you very much!”
As a stepmother and mother, Eva Longoria has built a blended family rooted in love and shared experiences. Her openness about parenting and work continues to inspire, showing that she embraces every role in her life with grace and determination.
