FORCE OF NATURE

As she marks her milestone 50th birthday, actress, director, entrepreneur and philanthropist Eva Longoria Bastón tells us there is still plenty she wants to achieve

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When we meet Eva Longoria Bastón in Mexico for this exclusive photoshoot and interview to mark her 50th birthday, it's clear that this is a woman at the top of her game.

During a career spanning more than 20 years, the Mexican-American actress – a transformative force in Hollywood and a passionate leader of the Hispanic community – has progressed from captivating audiences in front of the camera to taking command behind it.

Now a producer and director, she chooses to champion stories that honour her origins, while breaking down barriers for women in the entertainment industry. And this is just the beginning, she says.

“I'm excited about this new decade. It's a time to look back, to be grateful for the beautiful life I've had and to dream about what's to come,” Eva tells us, as we settle down to chat about life, love and her impressive work ethic.

She puts her energy and youthful spirit down to “joy and happiness. I am a very positive person with an optimistic mindset. I have many dreams to fulfil,” she says, adding: “Everything is centred on gratitude: for the life I have and for the one I'm going to have. That is, in essence, the real secret.”

FAMILY COMES FIRST

The star tells us that one of the key things for which she's grateful is her “incredible support system; my wonderful family and extraordinary friends”.