Eva Longoria: Well-Paid Mexican American Actress

Eva Longoria

Reasons For Mexillence:

1. Persevered through initial struggles in order to pursue her career as an actress.

2. Demonstrates an example of Mexican-American success.

3. One of the highest-paid actresses.

This year Eva Longoria was named one of the highest-paid actresses on television. Although she is now an established star on Desperate Housewives, Longoria found success through perseverance.

Longoria

Background:

Longoria was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. Her Mexican-American heritage can be traced through history as her ancestors settled in Texas when Texas was part of Mexico. Longoria experienced a traditional Mexican-American upbringing. However, she experienced obstacles early in life as her family suffered from financial struggles. Moreover, Longoria was declined from a modeling agency because of her height (5'2"). After her high school graduation, she attended Texas A&M University (at Kingsville) and received a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology.





Career:

As she completed her bachelor's degree, Longoria entered and won Miss Corpus Christi in 1998. After her college graduation, she entered another talent contest and was signed by a theatrical agent in Los Angeles, California.

In 2000, Longoria made her debut as an actress in an episode of Beverly Hills, 90210. Although relatively unknown, she remained persistent and made more guest appearances on soap operas, such as General Hospital and The Young And The Restless. Eventually, her recurring appearances provided more national recognition for her abilities as an actress. Longoria even pursued her career as an actress in small films.

Longoria on Desperate Housewives

Finally in 2004, Longoria debuted on Desperate Housewives. Ever since her debut she remains an integral part of the television series. At around $13 million a year, Longoria easily became one of the highest-paid television actresses. Along with her success as an actress, Longoria has become one of the most identifiable Mexican-Americans in the United States.

Her prominence as an actress provides Longoria the opportunity to participate in several advertising campaigns. She has campaigned for Bebe Sport, L'Oreal, Hanes, Magnum Ice-Cream, and Heineken.

Longoria at a charity event

Other Ventures:

Longoria is continually featured on several magazines, such as People, People En Espanol, Maxim, FHM, and Vogue. In fact, she is often regarded as one of the most beautiful Mexican-Americans in several publications. Most recently, Longoria appeared as #14 in People's Most Beautiful List of 2011.

Aside from her professional career as an actress and model, Longoria participates in several philanthropic organizations. Longoria occasionally donates her time and resources to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.