Eva Longoria landed her first TV job just a year after the pageant, hosting a weekend destination segment on "L.A. In A Day" and guest starring on "Beverly Hills, 90210."
She had her big break on CBS' "The Young and the Restless," playing Isabella Braña from 2001 to 2003, at which time she was cast as Gabrielle Solis in ABC's "Desperate Housewives." The eight-year role earned her a Golden Globe nomination.
Aside from an acting career, and several business ventures, including a restaurant in Hollywood, she is heavily involved in philanthropy work.
In 2006 she founded Eva's Heroes, a charity that helps developmentally disabled children, and she executive produced Shine Global Inc.'s documentary "The Harvest," which focused on child migrant farm workers.
Longoria has also been involved with St. Jude Children's Hospital and National Council of La Raza, the latter of which drove her to further her education in Chicano studies.
"Because of my involvement with the NCLR and my charity work, I really wanted a better, more authentic understanding of what my community has gone through so I can help create change," Longoria said.
The Hollywood Reporter named her "Philanthropist of the Year" in 2009.