Eva Longoria

Born: March 15 1975
Where: Corpus Christi, Texas, USA

The actress is probably best known for the role of serial adultress Gabrielle Solis in the hit American series Desperate Housewives.

However, she is also making inroads on the big screen with appearances in the thrillers Harsh Times and The Sentinel.

The youngest of four sisters who grew up on a ranch, Longoria attended Texas A&M-Kingsville, where she received a science degree in Kinesiology (the study of human movement).

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 The Bold and the Beautiful, General Hospital and co-starring on Beverly Hills, 90210, she auditioned for and won the role of Isabella in The Young and the Restless.

She was then catapulted into the big time when she was cast in the series Desperate Housewives, for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe.

In 2004, she made her feature debut with a starring role in the action adventure Carlita's Secret and followed that with David Ayer's action drama Harsh Times with Christian Bale.

Recent work includes the thriller The Sentinel with Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland.