The Young and the Restless' Eva Longoria (ex-Isabella Braņa) is joining General Hospital's Ricky Martin (ex-Miguel Morez) and singer Gloria Estefan to host Essential Heroes: A Momento Latino Event, a special that celebrates America's diversity with a focus on Latinx culture.
The program, set to air on CBS and CBS All Access on Monday, October 26, will highlight different facets of Latino culture as well as bring attention to those in the community who have been deeply impacted by COVID-19, including essential workers.
"When COVID-19 hit the United States, people were quick to applaud our essential workers -- many of whom are Latinx -- for helping to keep food on our tables, delivering our packages, and working in our healthcare system," says Longoria in an official statement. "The Latinx community has been the backbone of this country for hundreds of years, not just the last seven months, and it's time that we not only know our own worth, but are also recognized, appreciated, and celebrated accordingly for our contributions -- pandemic or not."
Adds Henry R. Muņoz III, founder of Momento Latino and creator of the upcoming CBS special, "We created Momento Latino because we understand the challenges that Latinos in America face every day, and we knew we had to bring together a national infrastructure of opportunity to move the community forward into the future. We've brought together more than 130 organizations, nonprofits, artists, activists, and community leaders so far, and through this special we can share with the nation the inspiring stories of how Latinos served as the backbone of this country's essential workforce throughout the pandemic despite being among the hardest hit by the disease and the economic fallout."
The one-night special, which will be directed by Ron de Moraes, will feature musical performances, comedy sets, docu-shorts, and appearances from notable Latino stars. CBS will announce performers and stars to participate at a later date.
Previews Longoria on Instagram, "Get ready for a night of song, comedy and appearances featuring cohosts @evalongoria, @gloriaestefan and @ricky_martin. This is the experiencia Latinx told by Latinx voices -- we'll see you there!"
Longoria played the role of Y&R's Isabella Braņa from 2001 to 2003. She followed up her stint on the CBS soap opera with roles in series including Dragnet, Desperate Housewives, and Telenovela. She's now an accomplished director, producer, and businesswoman with producing credits like Devious Maids, Grand Hotel, and John Wick to her name.
Martin originally came to fame as part of the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo before he later landed the role of GH's Miguel, which he played from 1994 to 1995. After leaving Port Charles, Martin became a successful solo musical artist with major hits like "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Shake Your Bon-Bon," and "She Bangs."
Gloria Estefan is a singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman who started her career as the lead singer in the group Miami Latin Boys, which later became known as Miami Sound Machine. Some of her songs include "Conga," "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You," and "Coming Out of The Dark." She has won three Grammy Awards and received stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Las Vegas Walk of Fame, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Kennedy Center Honors. Her life story was turned into the Broadway musical On Your Feet!.
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