“Why is it so hard for some people to reconcile beauty or sexiness with smart?” asks Eva Longoria. The actress seems to embody those adjectives, and has so far had an enviable career and public life that blend her passions of acting, activism and philanthropy. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
The Texas A&M-Kingsville University grad (she majored in human kinetics) moved to California after winning the Miss Corpus Christi title in 1998. (Kevin P. Casey / Los Angeles Times)
As “Housewives” was getting going, Eva Longoria starred in a film called “Harsh Times” in 2005. She made other films during and after the ABC show’s run, but her film career has not equalled the success of her TV stints. (Jim Sheldon / Bauer Martinez Distribution)
As a spokeswoman for Brita’s “Drink Up” campaign, Longoria encouraged Burbank kids to make drinking water a part of their daily routine. It’s one of many community-based organizations in which she’s involved. (David Laurell / Burbank Leader)
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Longoria, pictured with mother Ella Eva Mireles, was imbued with a philanthropic sense of duty early on through the volunteer services received by her older, special-needs sister. (Juan Naharro Gimenez / Getty Images)
A red carpet staple, Longoria’s looks, which helped her land multiple magazine covers, also helped her sign contracts with L’Oreal, Bebe, Heineken, LG Fashion Touch and more. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Longoria steps up before making the first pitch before a game between the New York Yankees and the Angels in 2005. She is a well-known sports fan. (Alexander Gallardo / Los Angeles Times)
Longoria’s passion for food led her to owning numerous restaurants, including “Beso,” opened in 2008 in Hollywood (pictured) and “SHe” in Las Vegas, with varying degrees of success. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
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Longoria was married to actor Tyler Christopher from 2002 to 2004. She divorced French-born San Antonio Spurs star Tony Parker in 2011 after four years together and is now dating Mexican media mogul Jose Antonio Baston. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP/Getty Images)
Longoria, pictured with former President Bill Clinton, has always been politically active, recently serving as a co-chair of President Obama’s re-election campaign. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)
Longoria recently received her master’s degree in Chicano studies to better understand and help in the fight for equal rights. (Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images)