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 American actress, producer, director, and businesswoman who gained recognition for her role on "The Young and the Restless" before achieving widespread fame as Gabrielle Solis on "Desperate Housewives," earning her multiple accolades, including Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Golden Globe nomination. She has also starred in several films, such as "The Sentinel" and "Overboard," and won an Imagen Award for the latter. More recently, she guest-starred in "Only Murders in the Building," adding another Screen Actors Guild Award to her accomplishments.

Sections (4)

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

2006: Founded Eva's Heroes

In 2006, Eva Longoria founded Eva's Heroes, a charity based in San Antonio, Texas, which supports young adults with developmental disabilities. The charity was inspired by her sister, who has intellectual disabilities.

September 2009: Appointed to National Museum Commission

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

2009: Enrolled in Master's Program

In 2009, Eva Longoria enrolled in a Master's program in Chicano studies and political science at Cal State University, Northridge. She aimed to gain a better understanding of her community to help create change through her charity work.

2009: Named Philanthropist of the Year

In 2009, Eva Longoria was named Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter, recognizing her commitment to Latino causes and community contributions. She also appeared on Fort Boyard in 2009, raising over €20,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

April 2011: Published First Book

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

October 2012: Spoke at McAfee Focus 2012 Event

In October 2012, Eva Longoria spoke at the McAfee Focus 2012 event, focusing on the theme of safety beyond computers, encompassing financial and emotional security, resulting from philanthropic efforts.

2012: Co-Chaired Obama's Reelection Campaign

In 2012, Eva Longoria was named co-chair of Barack Obama's reelection campaign and spoke at the 2012 Democratic National Convention endorsing his reelection.

May 2014: Initiated the 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: Endorsed Marianne Williamson

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

July 26, 2016: Spoke at the Democratic National Convention

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

March 2017: Included on List of Most Influential Philanthropists

In March 2017, UK-based company Richtopia included Eva Longoria at No. 42 on its list of 200 Most Influential Philanthropists and Social Entrepreneurs Worldwide.

2018: Endorsed Beto O'Rourke and Colin Allred

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

July 2019: Supported Special Olympics Texas Summer Games

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

August 2020: Hosted Democratic National Convention

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

2020: Assisted San Antonio Food Bank with COVID-Relief Efforts

In 2020, Eva Longoria assisted the San Antonio Food Bank with their COVID-19 relief efforts.

January 2, 2021: Participated in VoteRiders Textbanking Event

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

2021: Investment in Necaxa

In 2021, Eva Longoria joined a star-studded ownership group as part of NX Football USA, LLC's investment in the Mexican football club Necaxa, acquiring a 50% stake. Longoria became a visible and influential figure, joined by other celebrities and sports figures.

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, which supports programs for Latinas.

April 2024: Investment in Wrexham AFC

In April 2024, Eva Longoria's investment team expanded their international presence by acquiring a 5% stake in Wrexham AFC, the Welsh club famously revived by actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds. In return, McElhenney and Reynolds became minority stakeholders in Necaxa.