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 for her role on 'The Young and the Restless' before achieving widespread fame as Gabrielle Solis on the hit television series 'Desperate Housewives,' earning her Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe nomination. She has also starred in films like 'The Sentinel' and 'Overboard'. More recently, she appeared on 'Only Murders in the Building,' winning another Screen Actors Guild Award.

Sections (4)

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

September 2009: Appointed to National Museum Commission

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

2009: Philanthropist of the Year & Fort Boyard appearance

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

April 2011: Publication of Eva's Kitchen

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

October 2012: Speaker at McAfee Focus 2012 Event

In October 2012, Eva Longoria spoke at the McAfee Focus 2012 event, highlighting the theme of safety encompassing financial and emotional security, arising from her philanthropic work.

2012: Co-chair of Barack Obama's reelection campaign

In 2012, Eva Longoria was named co-chair of Barack Obama's reelection campaign, and on September 6, 2012 she spoke at the Democratic National Convention endorsing 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 Ted Cruz, and Colin Allred for Texas's 32nd congressional district against Pete Sessions.

July 2019: Support for Special Olympics Texas Summer Games

In July 2019, Eva Longoria supported the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games held at 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.

January 2, 2021: 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.

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, recognizing her charity work through the Eva Longoria Foundation in support of programs for Latinas.

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 Democratic Contender

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