Eva Jacqueline Longoria Parker is an American model and actress of Mexican descent. She was born on March 15, 1975 in Corpus Christi, Texas. Growing up, her family was very poor and in 2006 with the help of Oprah Winfrey and her show, she gave viewers a chance to see just where she grew up and with how little, by leading the cameras to her family's farm. Financial situation of her family got better only when her acting career took off.
After finishing high school Longoria attended Texas A&M University- Kingsville and received a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in kinesiology. She originally had her sights set on being a model but was declined by modeling agencies because of her height. After graduating from college, her entrance in a beauty contest brought her to L.A. where she was discovered and signed by an agent.
The first time she came on TV show in 2000 when she guest starred in an episode of the hugely popular series "Beverly Hills, 90210". After that she landed roles on soap operas like "General Hospital" and "The Young and The Restless" as well as a couple poorly received films.
Big breakthrough happened in 2004 when she was cast for the part of Gabrielle Solis in the hit TV series "Desperate Housewives". The show is now in it's sixth season and still hugely popular. She has been the face of fashion and cosmetics brands such as Bebe and L'Oreal.
Her first marriage to General Hospital co-star Tyler Christopher lasted from 2002-2004. In 2007, she married NBA star Tony Parker in Paris after being engaged for less than a year. After the conclusion of "Desperate Housewives" she and her husband plan to move to France. She is the founder of a charity called Eva's heroes which helps children who are developmentally disabled, and is also active in other charities.
