Eva Longoria was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Ella Eva (Mireles) and Enrique Longoria, Jr. The youngest of four sisters who grew up on a ranch near Corpus Christi, Longoria attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology. After graduating from college, she entered a talent contest that brought her to Los Angeles, where she was spotted and subsequently signed by a theatrical agent. After landing roles on Amour, gloire et beauté (1987), Hôpital central (1963) and co-starring on Beverly Hills (1990), she auditioned for and won the role of "Isabella" on the popular series, Les feux de l'amour (1973). After Y&R, Eva Longoria became well known worldwide thanks to Desperate Housewives (2004) where she plays adulteress "Gabrielle Solis". She also has a contract with L'Oreal and has been named one of the most beautiful people. A passionate advocate of education she founded The Eva Longoria Foundation which helps Latinas build better futures for themselves and their families through education and entrepreneurship and earned a Masters in Chicano Studies presenting her thesis on "Success STEMS From Diversity: The Value of Latinas in STEM Careers." Eva has also contributed writing to publications on the subject of education.
