This ‘Desperate Housewives’ Star Just Lost Her Child — Inside the Struggles of the Actress Who Played Juanita Solis
She rose to fame as a child actress on “Desperate Housewives” at only six years old, quickly becoming known to audiences as the spunky Juanita Solis. However, behind the scenes, her early years in the spotlight were far from glamorous.
The child star on day one of Melanie Segal’s Teen Choice Lounge on August 6, 2009, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
While fans adored her on screen, she faced intense scrutiny about her appearance. As the actress grew older, she turned to substances, struggling with addiction that strained her relationships. Now, after years of fighting these personal battles, the child star recently faced yet another heartbreaking loss.
The young actress at the 2009 Teen Choice Awards on August 9 in Universal City, California. | Source: Getty Images
This young actress who brought life to Juanita Solis on “Desperate Housewives” became widely known for her role as the outspoken daughter of Gabrielle Solis, played by Eva Longoria.
The child star and her “Desperate Housewives” on-screen family photographed in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
In a 2023 podcast, she spoke openly about how difficult her time on the show had been. During those years, she was often shamed for her weight, receiving “shocking” reactions to her character.
The child star and her “Desperate Housewives” on-screen family, including Eva Longoria, in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
The young actress on the set of “Desperate Housewives” in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
“I mean, I didn’t go a day without smoking for, I wanna say, five or six years. So, it was a huge, huge issue for me, and I never knew just how much of a problem it was […],” she admitted.
The actress at Padres Contra El Cancer’s 9th annual “El Sueno De Esperanza” benefit gala on September 10, 2009, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
However, at times, her addiction could reach such worrying levels that she wouldn’t get out of bed and just want to hide from the world.
The actress photographed at Brighton Hall on May 21, 2013, in North Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The child star’s battle with addiction was compounded by an eating disorder that had affected her since childhood. Her dependence on marijuana only made this struggle worse, as she couldn’t eat without smoking first.
She said, “I wasn’t panicking because I was tied down to a substance. I wasn’t thinking, ‘Oh, what if I can’t use this? What if I don’t have my crutch?'”
Demi Lovato and the child actress at the premiere of “Hannah Montana: The Movie” on April 2, 2009, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
“She obviously gives me a lot of great sister advice, but I think it’s more powerful to see her in action. I’ve started to share my personal story and I would have never, ever, ever done that if it wasn’t for her,” the child star said of her famous sibling.
The “Desperate Housewives” star and Demi Lovato at the premiere of “Princess Protection Program” on June 18, 2009, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
On September 6, this “Desperate Housewives” child star shared joyous news on Instagram, announcing her pregnancy in a heartfelt post. She posted snaps surrounded by loved ones, sporting a growing baby bump, and basking in her maternity glow.
The child star and her partner. | Source: Instagram/maddelagarza
She shared, “I’m really excited to have new life come into our family. Family is very valued to me. I value family and friends over success any day.”
The Hollywood star | Source: Instagram/maddelagarza
In a heart-wrenching post, she wrote in part, “[…] Ryan and I held our little girl for the first and last time.” This child star and “Desperate Housewives” actress is none other than Madison De La Garza.
Another social media user wrote, “May your daughter forever rest in paradise. There are no words.” A third typed, “There are just no words, Madison.” A fourth added, “I’m crying, I’m so sorry 😔.“
