Eva Jacqueline Longoria (born March 15, 1975) is a Golden Globe Award-nominated American film and television actress. She is best known for her role as Gabrielle Solis in the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. She has also become an internationally recognized model after appearing in several high-profile advertising campaigns and numerous men's magazines. Longoria announced her engagement to French NBA guard Tony Parker on November 30, 2006.
Longoria was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Mexican-American Catholic parents, Enrique Longoria Jr. (born in Rachal, Brooks County, Texas) and Ella Eva Mireles (married in Falfurrias, Brooks County, Texas). She has three older sisters: Elizabeth Judina, Emily Jeannette, and Esmeralda. She attended Roy Miller High School and received her Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology at nearby Texas A&M University-Kingsville. During this time, she won the title of Miss Corpus Christi, USA in 1998. After completing college, Longoria entered a talent contest that led her to Los Angeles; shortly after, she was spotted and signed by a theatrical agent. With many family members still living in Corpus Christi, she still returns to her home town for visits.
Controversy
On December 24, 2005, a car driven by Parker was cited for impeding traffic. Longoria, who was a passenger, allegedly began verbally abusing the officer by yelling: "He's just a Mexican bike cop. He only wants your autograph." She later denied the allegations, saying through her publicist: "I never made any sort of racial slurs, let alone made any comments about the officer being Mexican, as a Mexican myself." Wikipedia
