# Eva Longoria > American actress and producer (born 1975) **Wikidata**: [Q163263](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q163263) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eva_Longoria) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eva-longoria ## Summary Eva Longoria is an American actress, producer, and restaurateur best known for her role as Gabrielle Solis on the television series *Desperate Housewives*. Beyond acting, she has directed and produced television and film projects, founded restaurants, and been recognized for her philanthropic and cultural contributions, including receiving the Ohtli Award from the Mexican government. ## Biography - **Born**: March 15, 1975 - **Nationality**: American - **Education**: Texas A&M University–Kingsville (Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology), California State University, Northridge (Master of Arts in Chicano Studies) - **Known for**: Acting in *Desperate Housewives*, producing television and film, and advocacy for Latino communities - **Employer(s)**: Texas A&M University–Kingsville (alumni), California State University, Northridge (alumni) - **Field(s)**: Entertainment (acting, directing, producing), hospitality (restaurateur), activism ## Contributions Eva Longoria has made significant contributions across multiple fields: - **Acting**: Starred as Gabrielle Solis in *Desperate Housewives* (2004–2012), becoming one of the most recognizable faces in television. - **Producing**: Executive produced *Devious Maids* (2013–2016) and *Telenovela* (2015–2016), expanding representation of Latino stories in mainstream media. - **Directing**: Directed episodes of *Black-ish*, *Jane the Virgin*, and *The Mick*, showcasing her versatility behind the camera. - **Restaurateur**: Co-founded *Beso* and *SHe by Morton’s*, blending culinary entrepreneurship with her public persona. - **Advocacy**: Founded the Eva Longoria Foundation (2012), focusing on education and entrepreneurship for Latina women. Received the Ohtli Award (2016) for her work empowering Mexican communities in the U.S. - **Awards**: Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017) and the Crystal Award for her contributions to film and television. ## FAQs ### **What is Eva Longoria best known for?** Eva Longoria is best known for her role as Gabrielle Solis on the hit TV series *Desperate Housewives*, which ran from 2004 to 2012. Her performance earned her global recognition and multiple award nominations. ### **Where did Eva Longoria go to college?** She earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University–Kingsville and later obtained a Master of Arts in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge. ### **What awards has Eva Longoria received?** Longoria has received several accolades, including the Ohtli Award (2016) from the Mexican government for her advocacy work, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017), and the Crystal Award for her contributions to film and television. ### **What businesses has Eva Longoria founded?** She co-founded the restaurants *Beso* and *SHe by Morton’s*, combining her passion for hospitality with her entrepreneurial spirit. ### **What philanthropic work is Eva Longoria involved in?** Through the Eva Longoria Foundation (established in 2012), she supports education and entrepreneurship initiatives for Latina women, addressing systemic barriers in these areas. ### **Has Eva Longoria worked behind the camera?** Yes, she has directed episodes of television series such as *Black-ish*, *Jane the Virgin*, and *The Mick*, and has produced shows like *Devious Maids* and *Telenovela*. ## Why They Matter Eva Longoria has reshaped the entertainment industry by bringing Latino stories to mainstream audiences, both as an actress and producer. Her advocacy work, particularly through the Eva Longoria Foundation, has created tangible opportunities for Latina women in education and business. As a director and producer, she has expanded representation in Hollywood, ensuring diverse voices are heard. Her entrepreneurial ventures in the restaurant industry further demonstrate her multifaceted influence, blending cultural pride with business acumen. ## Notable For - Starring as Gabrielle Solis in *Desperate Housewives* (2004–2012) - Receiving the Ohtli Award (2016) for empowering Mexican communities - Earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017) - Founding the Eva Longoria Foundation (2012) to support Latina education and entrepreneurship - Directing episodes of *Black-ish*, *Jane the Virgin*, and *The Mick* - Producing *Devious Maids* and *Telenovela* - Co-founding restaurants *Beso* and *SHe by Morton’s* - Holding a Master of Arts in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge - Being recognized with the Crystal Award for film and television contributions ## Body ### **Early Life and Education** Eva Longoria was born on March 15, 1975, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She pursued higher education at Texas A&M University–Kingsville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Later, she obtained a Master of Arts in Chicano Studies from California State University, Northridge, reflecting her commitment to Latino culture and advocacy. ### **Acting Career** Longoria rose to prominence as Gabrielle Solis in *Desperate Housewives* (2004–2012), a role that cemented her status as a household name. Her performance earned critical acclaim and multiple award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination. Beyond acting, she has taken on producing roles, including *Devious Maids* (2013–2016) and *Telenovela* (2015–2016), which highlighted Latino narratives in mainstream media. ### **Directing and Producing** Longoria has directed episodes of several television series, including *Black-ish*, *Jane the Virgin*, and *The Mick*. Her work behind the camera demonstrates her versatility and commitment to shaping diverse storytelling in Hollywood. ### **Entrepreneurship** In addition to her entertainment career, Longoria co-founded the restaurants *Beso* and *SHe by Morton’s*, blending her passion for hospitality with her public persona. These ventures reflect her entrepreneurial spirit and cultural pride. ### **Advocacy and Philanthropy** Longoria founded the Eva Longoria Foundation in 2012 to support education and entrepreneurship for Latina women. Her advocacy work has been recognized with the Ohtli Award (2016), conferred by the Mexican government for her contributions to empowering Mexican communities in the U.S. ### **Awards and Recognition** Longoria’s contributions to entertainment and advocacy have earned her numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2017) and the Crystal Award for her work in film and television. ### **Legacy** Eva Longoria’s impact extends beyond entertainment. She has used her platform to advocate for Latino representation in media and education, ensuring that diverse voices are amplified. Her entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts continue to inspire future generations of Latina women. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. Integrated Authority File 3. datos.bne.es 4. [WIF Awards Retrospective. 2020](https://womeninfilm.org/updates/wif-awards-retrospective/) 5. International Standard Name Identifier 6. MusicBrainz 7. Discogs 8. GeneaStar 9. Munzinger Personen 10. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 11. Virtual International Authority File 12. CONOR.SI 13. BBC Things 14. Library of Congress Control Number 15. [Source](https://www.yahoo.com/news/66-celebrities-snapchat-115847396.html) 16. The Movie Database 17. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/eva-longoria-107aDn7bC3/appearances)