In 2004 Longoria landed a role that elevated her to the A-List. She starred as adulteress Gabrielle Solis in the worldwide break-out ABC hit Desperate Housewives. As the show became an overnight sensation, Longoria's career was well and truly launched. But, she never considered her career to jump off so fast, "I think it’s funny when people say I’m an overnight sensation, because I’ve been working at it for 10 years,"[2]
Shortly after her debut on Desperate Housewives, Longoria starred in a poorly received direct-to-video film titled Carlita's Secret, for which she was also co-producer. In 2005, she was rewarded for her performance as Gabrielle Solis in Desperate Housewives when she was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy along with her co-stars. Even though Longoria or the rest of the cast didn't win, she was awarded the prestigious ALMA AWARD, and named entertainer of the year She also stars opposite Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland in the 2006 thriller The Sentinel, which is her first major role in a theatrical movie (both Douglas and Sutherland noted that much to their surprise, Eva whipped both of them in gun practice). Longoria continues to be included in lists of Hollywood's Most Beautiful, and was listed as #1 in Maxim's Hottest Female Stars of 2005 and 2006, becoming the first woman to top the list in two consecutive years. In her most recently released film, Harsh Times, she plays Sylvia. She co-stars with actors Freddy Rodriguez and Christian Bale.
On her interview with Ryan Seacrest on The Interview with Ryan Seacrest on E! she has stated: "I don't want to be on 7th Heaven -- on for 20 years and no one's really watching and it's hanging on by a thread." She has stated multiple times that she will not renew her Desperate Housewives contract once it is up. She has set her sights on the film industry.[3] At the time of her statements, the length of her contract was not known, but she has since revealed it to be 10 years, starting from the first season.[4]
In 2006, Longoria appeared on Jessica Simpson's music video "A Public Affair" along with Christina Milian, Christina Applegate, Ryan Seacrest, Maria Menounos and Andy Dick.
Also in 2006, Longoria was voted on to PETA's Worst Dressed List for wearing fur.[5]
Longoria was on cover of the September 2006 issue of Maxim Magazine. Longoria sat down with Maxim and discussed how contrary to belief, her life really is normal. "Tony [Parker] and I spend most of our time in San Antonio. We have such a normal life there. I mean, we hang out and have breakfast, go to his parents, go to my parents. Do laundry."
Longoria recently won a People's Choice Award for Best TV Actress.[6]
Longoria has recently rebuffed rumors that she will quit Desperate Housewives.[4]
In January 2007, Eva Longoria has been chosen to be the first face of Bebe Sport. She will appear in the Spring/Summer 2007 campaign, photographed by Greg Kadel. The actress also holds model contracts with L’Oreal and Hanes, New York & Co.[7]
Longoria will also host the 2007NCLR ALMA AWARDS,on TUESDAY, JUNE 5, 2007 9/8C ABC
In 2007, the ladies of Desperate Housewives each renewed their contracts with ABC for four years worth $40 million dollars.
