Eva Jacqueline Longoria Bastón, born on March 15, 1975, in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a multifaceted American actress, producer, director, and businesswoman. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Gabrielle Solis on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. Beyond her acting career, Longoria has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors.
Early Life and Education
Longoria was born to Mexican-American parents, Ella Eva (Mireles) and Enrique Longoria Jr. She is the youngest of four sisters and was raised in a Roman Catholic household. Longoria attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. During her college years, she participated in beauty pageants and was crowned Miss Corpus Christi USA in 1998.
Career Beginnings
After completing her education, Longoria moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She landed her first major role as Isabella Braña on the CBS daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless, appearing from 2001 to 2003. This role served as a stepping stone, leading to more prominent opportunities in television.
Breakthrough with Desperate Housewives
In 2004, Longoria was cast as Gabrielle Solis in the ABC comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives. The show was a commercial success, running for eight seasons until 2012. Longoria’s performance earned her critical acclaim and several awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Desperate Housewives Overview:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Gabrielle Solis |
| Air Dates | 2004–2012 |
| Seasons | 8 |
| Awards | Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2005) |
Film Career
Longoria has appeared in various films across different genres. Some notable works include:
Selected Filmography:
| Film | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Harsh Times | 2005 | Sylvia |
| The Sentinel | 2006 | Jill Marin |
| Over Her Dead Body | 2008 | Kate |
| For Greater Glory | 2012 | Tulita |
| Frontera | 2014 | Paulina |
| Lowriders | 2016 | Gloria Alvarez |
| Dora and the Lost City of Gold | 2019 | Elena |
Directing and Producing Ventures
Expanding her horizons, Longoria has ventured into directing and producing. She has directed episodes for television series such as Black-ish, Jane the Virgin, and The Mick. In 2023, she made her feature film directorial debut with Flamin’ Hot, a biographical drama about Richard Montañez, the creator of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Directorial Works:
| Project | Year | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Black-ish | 2016 | TV Series |
| Jane the Virgin | 2016 | TV Series |
| The Mick | 2017 | TV Series |
| Flamin’ Hot | 2023 | Feature Film |
Business Endeavors
Longoria is also a successful businesswoman. She has launched her own production company, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, which focuses on creating content that highlights diverse voices. Additionally, she has ventured into the restaurant industry, co-owning Beso, a Latin-themed restaurant in Los Angeles.
Philanthropy and Activism
Longoria is deeply committed to philanthropy and activism. She founded the Eva Longoria Foundation, which aims to empower Latinas through education and entrepreneurship. She is also involved with various organizations, including Padres Contra el Cáncer and the National Council of La Raza.
Philanthropic Involvements:
| Organization | Role |
|---|---|
| Eva Longoria Foundation | Founder |
| Padres Contra el Cáncer | Spokesperson |
| National Council of La Raza | Board Member |
Personal Life
Longoria has been married three times. She married actor Tyler Christopher in 2002; they divorced in 2004. In 2007, she married NBA player Tony Parker; they divorced in 2011. In 2016, she married Mexican businessman José Antonio Bastón. The couple welcomed their son, Santiago Enrique Bastón, in 2018.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Longoria has been vocal about her concerns regarding the political climate in the United States. Following the 2024 presidential election, she expressed apprehension about the country’s direction and has spent considerable time in Spain and Mexico. She continues to balance her professional endeavors with her personal life, focusing on projects that align with her values and advocacy.
FAQs
- What is Eva Longoria’s net worth?
- As of 2024, Eva Longoria’s estimated net worth is approximately $80 million.
- Has Eva Longoria won any awards?
- Yes, she has received several awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role in Desperate Housewives.
- Is Eva Longoria involved in any charitable organizations?
- Yes, she founded the Eva Longoria Foundation and is involved with several other charitable organizations.
- What businesses does Eva Longoria own?
- She owns UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, a production