Longoria praises sister for giving her courage

Actress Eva Longoria credits her mentally challenged sister with preparing her for life in the Hollywood spotlight.

The Desperate Housewives star admits her own disappointments are insignificant when it comes to the determined life of her sibling Liza.

She tells American magazine Parade, "Liza is mentally challenged. She was my hero growing up.

"It was a blessing to watch her overcome every obstacle - tying her shoes, putting on a shirt, getting out the front door. And yet she still had a job and would come home on the bus by herself and help with dinner.

"You could only imagine the hurdles she encountered every minute of the day."

Longoria adds, "Liza was a role model to get me ready for life in Hollywood. You don't take health for granted. You don't take life for granted. It seems so insignificant to go, 'Darn it, I didn't get that movie role,' or, 'Darn it, so-and-so is wearing the same dress as me to the Emmys.'"