Eva Longoria Net Worth

What is Eva Longoria's Net Worth and Salary?

Eva Longoria is an American television and film actress who has a net worth of $80 million.

rose to global fame in the mid-2000s as Gabrielle Solis on the ABC juggernaut "Desperate Housewives," a role that turned her into one of the most recognizable faces on television and made her a fixture of pop culture for nearly a decade. The success of the series gave Longoria leverage not just as an actress, but as a producer and businesswoman, allowing her to expand behind the camera and into brand-building ventures that outlasted the show itself.

Rather than remaining boxed into sitcom stardom, Longoria steadily reshaped her career around creative control. She launched her own production companies, developed scripted and unscripted television, and became a frequent episodic director across major networks and streaming platforms. At the same time, she cultivated a parallel identity as a savvy entrepreneur, partnering with global brands, launching consumer products, and investing in companies aligned with her interests in food, culture, and Latino representation.

Longoria's public profile also expanded through activism and advocacy. She has been one of the most visible Latina figures in Hollywood pushing for increased representation, civic engagement, and educational access. Over time, her reputation evolved from television star to multi-hyphenate power broker, someone equally comfortable on a film set, in a boardroom, or speaking on political and social issues. Her career arc reflects a deliberate shift away from celebrity for its own sake and toward longevity, ownership, and influence.

Salary From "Desperate Housewives"

During the run of "Desperate Housewives," Eva Longoria steadily renegotiated her compensation as the show became one of the most valuable properties on network television. By the later seasons, she was earning approximately $275,000 per episode. That figure was subsequently increased to around $325,000 per episode under a revised contract.

With back-end participation, bonuses, and other performance-related incentives, Longoria's total per-episode compensation was widely estimated to reach as high as $375,000. Based on a standard 23-episode season, her base salary alone would have translated to roughly $8.6 million per season, with total earnings believed to be significantly higher once all additional compensation was accounted for.

Had "Desperate Housewives" continued for a ninth season, Longoria's base salary reportedly would have increased again to approximately $350,000 per episode. She later acknowledged that the negotiation process was difficult and emphasized that the cast's leverage stemmed directly from the show's sustained ratings success, which allowed the lead actresses to negotiate from a position of collective strength.

Early Life and Education

Eva Jacqueline Longoria was born on March 15, 1975, in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was raised in a large Mexican American family as the youngest of four sisters. Growing up, Longoria has often noted that she did not initially view herself as conventionally attractive compared to her siblings, an experience she later credited with shaping her work ethic and sense of humor.

She attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville, where she earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. While in college, she participated in a local talent competition that led her to pursue opportunities in modeling and entertainment. After graduation, she moved to Los Angeles to explore acting professionally, taking classes while working and auditioning steadily.

Breakthrough With "Desperate Housewives"

Longoria's early television work included appearances on series such as "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "General Hospital," but her breakthrough arrived in 2004 when she was cast as Gabrielle Solis on "Desperate Housewives." The series quickly became one of the most successful network shows of its era, combining mystery, comedy, and melodrama in a way that attracted massive weekly audiences.

As Gabrielle, Longoria played a glamorous, sharp-tongued former model navigating marriage, ambition, and scandal in suburban America. The role showcased her comedic timing and screen presence, and she soon emerged as one of the show's standout performers. At the height of the series, she became one of the highest-paid actresses on television and appeared on countless magazine covers, red carpets, and global press tours.

"Desperate Housewives" ran for eight seasons and more than 180 episodes, cementing Longoria's place in television history. Importantly, the show also gave her exposure to production logistics, writing, and directing, sparking her interest in working behind the camera.

Film Career

While television remained her primary platform, Longoria also pursued film roles throughout and after her time on "Desperate Housewives." Her credits include comedies, dramas, and voice work, with appearances in projects such as "The Sentinel," "Over Her Dead Body," and "Lowriders." She also voiced characters in animated films, expanding her reach to family audiences.

Although she never focused on becoming a traditional box office movie star, Longoria used film selectively, often choosing roles that complemented her television work or aligned with her broader creative goals. Over time, directing and producing became a more central focus than acting in films.

Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Brand Endorsements and Modeling Work

Beyond acting and producing, Eva Longoria has maintained a long and lucrative career as a brand ambassador and fashion model. At the height of her television fame and well beyond it, she appeared on the covers of major international magazines, including "Vogue," "Marie Claire," "Maxim," "FHM," and "Harper's Bazaar," helping solidify her status as a global style figure.

Longoria has held major endorsement and modeling contracts with brands such as L'Oréal Paris and New York & Co., relationships that extended for years rather than functioning as short-term celebrity tie-ins. She has also served as a brand ambassador for companies including Bebe Sport, Magnum Ice Cream, Heineken, Microsoft, London Fog, and Lay's, appearing in international advertising campaigns across television, print, and digital platforms.

In addition to traditional endorsements, Longoria explored fashion entrepreneurship. She collaborated with Sunrise Brands to develop a clothing line and later launched her own fashion label through her personal website, positioning herself not just as a spokesperson but as a participant in product development and branding strategy.

Restaurants, Publishing, and Other Ventures

Longoria's business interests have extended into hospitality and publishing, with mixed results. In 2008, she co-founded a Hollywood restaurant called Beso, which was designed as a high-end Latin-inspired dining and nightlife destination. A second Beso location later opened in Las Vegas as part of an expansion effort.

Despite strong early buzz, Beso struggled financially. In 2011, Beso LLC filed for bankruptcy, triggering a detailed examination of the company's finances. Longoria, who owned approximately 32% of the business, was required to appear in court during the proceedings. The closure ultimately served as a high-profile reminder of the risks inherent in celebrity-backed hospitality ventures, even for well-capitalized public figures.

That same year, Longoria expanded into publishing with the release of "Eva's Kitchen: Cooking with Love for Family and Friends." The cookbook reflected her long-standing interest in food and family-oriented cooking and complemented her broader lifestyle brand, reinforcing her image as an entrepreneur with interests beyond entertainment.

Activism and Philanthropy

Longoria is widely recognized for her activism, particularly around Latino representation, education, and political engagement. She founded the Eva Longoria Foundation, which focuses on helping Latinas build better futures through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship.

She has been an outspoken advocate for voter participation and immigration reform, frequently appearing at conferences, fundraisers, and policy discussions. Unlike many celebrity activists, Longoria has combined public advocacy with behind-the-scenes organizing, fundraising, and coalition-building.

Her efforts have earned her recognition from numerous civic and cultural organizations, and she has often been cited as one of the most influential Latina voices in American media and politics.

Relationships

From 2002 to 2004, Eva Longoria was married to Tyler Christopher, an actor she had met on the set of "General Hospital." In 2007, Eva Longoria married Tony Parker, who was at that time the point guard for the San Antonio Spurs. Three years later, she filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. She later admitted that Parker had allegedly been texting another woman.

In 2016, she married a Mexican businessman named José Antonio "Pepe" Bastón Patiño, who was the president of mass media company Televisa. The couple welcomed a son into the world in 2018.

Real Estate

Eva Longoria has made significant investments in real estate over the years, and a large part of her net worth is in various properties around the nation.

In 2015, Eva paid $11.4 million for a three-acre compound in Hollywood Hills. The compound had been previously owned by Tom Cruise, who reportedly used it as a Scientology retreat. Eva spent nearly three years trying to sell the property, finally accepting a $3 million loss when she sold it in April 2020 for $8.2 million. Here is a video tour of this property:

In 2016, Eva Longoria put a property in Hollywood on the market for $1.395 million. She purchased the Mediterranean villa back in 2005 for $1.15 million and eventually sold the property for a slightly reduced price of  $1.375 million later that year. The three-bedroom, three-bathroom home features over 2,000 square feet of living space. Longoria also has an 8,600-square-foot home in Hollywood Dell, which she purchased in 2006 for $3.6 million. After listing the property for $3.795 million, she ended up settling for a loss of over $400,000 when the extensive home was sold in 2018 for $3.2 million.

In 2017, Eva bought a gated home high up in the hills of Beverly Hills for $13.5 million. The 11,000-square-foot mansion features a long, gated driveway that leads to a 1.42-acre property. Outside, there's a Baja pool and tennis courts, among other amenities. The house boasts six fireplaces, a formal dining room, a chef-ready kitchen, and oak flooring. In March 2023, Eva listed this property for sale for a shade under $23 million.

Eva Longoria also maintains a property in Zuma Beach, Malibu. She purchased the gated, 1,500-square-foot residence in 2008 for $2.5 million.

Eva Longoria bases her charity, Eva's Heroes, on a 3,500-square-foot residence in San Antonio. She purchased the property in 2005, and it's just north of downtown San Antonio.

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