Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Eva Longoria

How Eva Longoria built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Eva Longoria is an accomplished American actress, producer, director, and businesswoman. She gained initial recognition on "The Young and the Restless" before achieving widespread fame as Gabrielle Solis in "Desperate Housewives," earning her multiple awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe nod. Longoria has also appeared in numerous films like "The Sentinel" and "Overboard". Recently, she guest-starred in "Only Murders in the Building," adding another Screen Actors Guild Award to her accolades. Beyond acting, Longoria is also involved in producing, directing, and various business ventures.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2006: Founding of Eva's Heroes

In 2006, Eva Longoria founded Eva's Heroes, a charity based in San Antonio, Texas, to support young adults with developmental disabilities. The inspiration for this charity came from her sister, who has intellectual disabilities.

September 2009: Appointment to Bipartisan Commission

In September 2009, Eva Longoria was appointed to a bipartisan commission tasked with establishing a National Museum of the American Latino.

2009: Named Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter

In 2009, Eva Longoria was named Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter in recognition of her commitment to Latino causes and community service. Also in 2009, she appeared on Fort Boyard and helped raise over €20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

April 2011: Publication of "Eva's Kitchen: Cooking with Love for Family and Friends"

In April 2011, Eva Longoria's first book, "Eva's Kitchen: Cooking with Love for Family and Friends", was published.

Eva's Kitchen: Cooking with Love for Family and Friends

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October 2012: Speaker at McAfee Focus 2012

In October 2012, Eva Longoria spoke at the McAfee Focus 2012 event, highlighting the theme of safety extending beyond computers to financial and emotional security, as well as the results of her philanthropic work.

2012: Co-chair of Obama's Reelection Campaign

In 2012, Eva Longoria was one of seven Californians named co-chair of Barack Obama's reelection campaign. Also in 2012, on September 6th, she spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, endorsing President Obama.

May 2014: Initiation of Latino Victory Project

In May 2014, Eva Longoria initiated the Latino Victory Project to raise funds for candidates and efforts to get out the vote.

2014: Endorsement of Marianne Williamson

In 2014, Eva Longoria endorsed Marianne Williamson for California's 33rd congressional district.

July 26, 2016: Speaker at the 2016 Democratic National Convention

On July 26, 2016, Eva Longoria spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.

2018: Endorsements for Senate and Congressional Candidates

In 2018, Eva Longoria endorsed Beto O'Rourke for Senate against Senator Ted Cruz, and Colin Allred for Texas's 32nd congressional district against then-incumbent Rep. Pete Sessions.

July 2019: Support for Special Olympics Texas Summer Games

In July 2019, Eva Longoria supported the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games, which were hosted by Toyota Field and Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, Texas.

August 2020: Host of the 2020 Democratic National Convention

In August 2020, Eva Longoria hosted the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention, which was held remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Assistance to San Antonio Food Bank

In 2020, Eva Longoria assisted the San Antonio Food Bank with their COVID-relief efforts during the pandemic.

January 2, 2021: Participation in Voteriders Textbanking Event

On January 2, 2021, Eva Longoria participated in a VoteRiders textbanking event with America Ferrera to educate Latina voters about Georgia's voter ID laws in preparation for the state's runoff elections.

2021: Investment in Mexican football club Necaxa

In 2021, Eva Longoria became part of a high-profile investment group, NX Football USA, LLC, which acquired a 50% ownership stake in the Mexican football club Necaxa. Longoria was one of the most visible figures in this new era, joined by other investors and celebrities like Mesut Özil, Shawn Marion, Justin Verlander, and Kate Upton.

March 2024: Granted Courage and Civility Award

In March 2024, Eva Longoria was granted a $50 million Courage and Civility Award by Jeff Bezos and his fiancée Lauren Sánchez. This was in recognition of her charity work through the Eva Longoria Foundation, which supports programs for Latinas.

April 2024: Investment in Wrexham AFC

In April 2024, Eva Longoria, as part of Necaxa’s investment team, expanded their international presence by acquiring a 5% stake in Wrexham AFC, the Welsh club revived by actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. McElhenney and Reynolds also became minority stakeholders in Necaxa as part of a reciprocal partnership.

August 22, 2024: Speaker at the 2024 Democratic National Convention

On August 22, 2024, Eva Longoria spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

2024: Potential Senate Contender

In 2024, Eva Longoria was touted by Texas Monthly as a potential top Democratic contender in the 2024 United States Senate election in Texas, based on her past refusal to rule out a future run for office.