After nearly five decades in the entertainment industry, Eva LaRue finally claimed her first Daytime Emmy on June 26 for her iconic role in The Young and the Restless. It was a momentous occasion for the 53-year-old actress, marking a full-circle moment in her career that began when she was just six years old. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Eva reflects on her journey, touching on both her professional triumphs and personal challenges.
Just a few months before her Emmy win, Eva faced one of the toughest moments of her life with the passing of her second ex-husband and the father of her daughter Kaya, John Callahan. Despite the heartbreak, Eva found solace in the connection between her past and present. "The first time I was nominated was for a storyline with John on All My Children back in 1997," she shares. "It felt like John was with me that night, guiding me and celebrating this special moment. It was incredibly meaningful, and I felt his presence strongly."
Currently single, Eva is navigating life alongside her 18-year-old daughter Kaya, embracing each day with an open heart and mind. She's also excited about her latest project, a Pure Flix series called Finding Love in Quarantine, which offers a fresh take on love during challenging times. In this candid conversation, Eva dives deeper into her life, lessons learned, and the healing journey she continues to embark upon.
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How did you manage to continue working during a time when most actors were on hold?
Eva credits her ongoing collaboration with Pure Flix for keeping her creative juices flowing. "I had worked with them on a movie back in 2015 called Dancer and the Dame," she explains. "When they approached me about this short-form series, it felt like the perfect opportunity to stay connected with my craft. The concept was unique—filming as if we were truly in quarantine. David White, one of Pure Flix's co-founders, and his daughter Ocean filmed their scenes from their home, while Stacey Dash and I worked together with minimal crew and strict safety protocols. It was an exciting challenge that reminded me how adaptable we can be in this industry."
Reflecting on Her Time on All My Children
Eva’s tenure on All My Children was a defining chapter in her career. "I was there for about ten years, with a few breaks in between," she recalls. "It was during this time that I met John Callahan, and our characters falling in love mirrored our real-life romance. We married both on and off-screen, and even welcomed a child together. It was such a magical period, and the people I worked with became like family. Many of those friendships have endured to this day."
Transitioning to CSI: Miami
The shift from daytime to nighttime television brought its own set of challenges and rewards. "On daytime soaps, you could have up to 75 pages of dialogue to memorize in a single day," Eva explains. "In contrast, nighttime TV typically involves shooting about eight pages across the entire cast. However, procedural shows like CSI: Miami introduced me to a whole new language filled with scientific jargon. It was like learning a second tongue, but the camaraderie among the cast made every day enjoyable. We all had great senses of humor, which balanced out the heavy and dark nature of the show."
What stands out as a career highlight?
Eva fondly remembers her experience portraying Annette Funicello in a movie of the week. "Playing her was truly a blessing," she says. "Even better, Annette was present on set throughout the filming process, sharing her stories and experiences. Her mom was a wealth of knowledge about Disney and Walt Disney himself. It was an unforgettable experience."
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How did your early start in the industry shape you?
Eva’s journey began at the tender age of six with a Del Monte green beans commercial and a voice-over gig for A&W Root Beer, where she sang the jingle at seven. "I did a lot of print work and commercials before taking a break and focusing on dinner theater during my teenage years," she explains. "It wasn’t until I was graduating high school that I began acting professionally. I also ventured into beauty pageants, winning the Miss Riverside County title before embarking on my first movie, The Barbarians. Though it wasn’t exactly a masterpiece, it marked the beginning of my film career, and I was thrilled!"
Marriage and Lessons Learned
Eva’s marriages have taught her invaluable lessons about forgiveness and self-reflection. "It’s easy to blame others when things don’t work out," she admits. "But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized the importance of looking inward and acknowledging my own role in relationships. In the past decade, I’ve focused on improving myself and letting go of resentment. It’s been a liberating journey."
