Eva La Rue: Holding Her Own
The dark hair, glowing tanned skin, pearly whites, and an impeccable taste of fashion! Yes, Eva La Rue was that knockout doctor from soap favorite “All My Children.” And whether you used to TiVo the love affair between Dr. Maria Santos and Edmond on a daily basis, or now pull up a front row seat to CSI: MIAMI to keep an eye on the likes of Natalie Boa Vista, La Rue ain’t goin’ nowhere. She’s learned how to stay afloat in an industry that is competitive, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding, all the while embracing a unique sense of fashion.
Despite La Rue’s recent leave from her on-and-off 12-year stint with “All My Children,” she continues to explore acting and its many facets. In addition to her role on CSI: MIAMI, she is also a co-host for E! Style Network’s “Modern Girls’ Guide to Life.” And due to network demands, La Rue had to say good-bye to ABC’s “The George Lopez Show,” in which she played the recurring role of George’s sister. So with the “energy” that comes from working on a sitcom, the 40-to-60 page-dialogue grind of daytime acting, and the “instant gratification” of live theatre that she’s also pursued, does she prefer one type of acting to another? Enjoying her time spent with the George Lopez Show, La Rue hopes to one day get a chance at another recurring role on a situation comedy.
As for entertainers that cross over, La Rue is a prime example that actors can do more than act. In 2002, she had the chance to team up with veteran producer/songwriters Clay Ostwald, Tommy Anthony and Jorge Casas to work on a musical project. Hence, her first album was born and titled “Only You.”
With a lengthy list of film and television credits, especially for co-hosting the “New Candid Camera” with Dom DeLuise years earlier, which led her to host “The Miss America Pageant,” La Rue’s smile and vibrant personality are practically impossible to shake out of your head. Having graced the covers and having been featured in magazines like Fit, First
For Women, Woman’s World, Cosmopolitan en Espanol, and People, her image has always seemed flawless and her fashion sense glamorous. When it comes to the world of couture, from sitting front row at Los Angeles Fashion Week shows to livin’ it up at New York Fashion Week season after season, how does she describe her own style?
“I’m not a trendy person,” La Rue admits, describing her style as classic and sophisticated. “But if I’m going to buy trendy pieces, I’m going to go to Forever 21 or Arden B. Then I’ll mix that up with Prada or Gucci.”
She may also want to own up to being simple and chic. Spotted up close and personal at the Spring 2006 Single show at Smashbox, La Rue adorably posed for the press wearing cropped trousers, pointy mules, and a crisp white tank. And to add a little spunk to her outfit, around her neck she wore a pearl necklace clasped with a black ribbon for an incredible finishing touch.
Grounded in her fashion taste and driven by the commitment she has to daughter Kaya, how does America’s Sweetest actress stay grounded with work—a business that has ever-changing standards and expectations?
“You win some, you lose some” is how it goes. And La Rue probably couldn’t agree more; but everyone knows rejection can sting. So keeping herself in tune with the reality of Hollywood and the drama that goes along with auditioning, testing, and flying to and from New York to make that appointment, La Rue gives insight on how to just relax and take it all in stride.
“It’s frustrating—a really crazy-making business,” she says. “When they say ‘no,’ it’s hard not to take it personal.”
La Rue says that staying sane means accepting that “If it’s yours, it’s yours, and if it isn’t, it isn’t. All of heaven and earth will open up if you were meant to have that part.”
Kudos to you, Eva!
Written by Elana Pruitt
