United Kingdom, March 20 -- Eva Longoria was reluctant to tell Meryl Streep that they are related.

The 50-year-old actress discovered she was connected to the 75-year-old Hollywood great when she took part in the 2010 documentary series 'Faces of America', but when they bumped into each other in a green room at an awards show and a pal urged her to explain their ancestral bond, Eva declined - but quickly discovered the 'Devil Wears Prada' star was well aware of their connection.

She said on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon': "I was at the Golden Globes or.. something backstage, in the green room.

"And my friend was like, 'There's Meryl. Go say you're her cousin!' I'm like, 'I'm not gonna go up to Meryl Streep and say we're cousi...