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 TV series 'Desperate Housewives,' earning her multiple awards and nominations. Longoria has also appeared in several films, including 'The Sentinel' and 'Overboard,' and she recently won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her guest-starring role in 'Only Murders in the Building.'

Sections (4)

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

September 2009: Appointment 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: Enrollment 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, to deepen her understanding for her NCLR involvement and charity work.

2009: Philanthropist of the Year Award & Fort Boyard appearance

In 2009, Eva Longoria was named Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter for her dedication to Latino causes and community service. Also in 2009, she was on Fort Boyard, raising 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

Check it on Amazon

October 2012: Speaker at McAfee Focus 2012 Event

In October 2012, Eva Longoria spoke at the McAfee Focus 2012 event, highlighting safety in various aspects of life influenced by her philanthropic efforts.

2012: Co-chair of Obama's Reelection Campaign

In 2012, Eva Longoria was named co-chair of Barack Obama's reelection campaign.

May 2013: Graduation with Master's Degree

In May 2013, Eva Longoria graduated with a master's degree in Chicano studies.

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.

March 2017: Included in Richtopia's List of Influential Philanthropists

In March 2017, Eva Longoria was listed at No. 42 on Richtopia's list of 200 Most Influential Philanthropists and Social Entrepreneurs Worldwide.

2018: Endorsement of Beto O'Rourke and Colin Allred

In 2018, Eva Longoria endorsed Beto O'Rourke for Senate and Colin Allred for Texas's 32nd congressional district.

July 2019: Support for Special Olympics Texas Summer Games

In July 2019, Eva Longoria supported the Special Olympics Texas Summer Games 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, 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 on Georgia's voter ID laws during the runoff elections.

March 2024: Courage and Civility Award

In March 2024, Eva Longoria was granted the $50 million Courage and Civility Award by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez in recognition of her charity work through the Eva Longoria Foundation.