Eva Longoria is turning 41 on Tuesday, March 15. And we feel like there is the need for us to remind ourselves from time to time that the "Telenovela" star is already a quadragenarian. While she may not look her actual age, the Texas native has already been through so much in the process of living her wonderful life.

Here are some of the interesting and remarkable things from Longoria's journey from way back during her fledgling days in Corpus Christi and into her rise to awesomeness.

Longoria Was Once The Ugly Duckling

Growing up as a child with her three older sisters, the "Desperate Housewives" actress was dubbed as "la prieta faya" or "the ugly dark one." The reason behind this is her dark hair and complexion, which was uncharacteristic of her family. It even crossed her mind that she was adopted. But, the ugly duckling has blossomed into a beautiful swan. In 2006, she was named as the World's 3rd Most Beautiful People.

She Grew Up on a Texas Ranch

At the tender age of 4, Longoria was already equipped with shooting skills to hunt deer, turkey and wild boar, thanks largely to her childhood being spent on a Texas ranch.

She's a College Degree Holder

Longoria wasn't just one of those success stories in the entertainment industry. She prides herself on being one of the few who was able to finish college. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Kingsville with a degree in kinesiology.

She Won a Beauty Pageant

Who'd have thought that the "la prieta faya" child would eventually be crowned as the fairest of them all in her hometown? Longoria was named Miss Corpus Christi in 1998, which opened up doors for her acting career.

She's One of the Sexiest, too

Our birthday girl was also hailed as one of the sexiest women in the world. For two years running, she had the throne for Maxim's Hot 100 list. And in 2007, Longoria was also voted for the top spot on Hollywood's Sexiest Legs list by the Life & Style Magazine.

Two Failed Marriages

Not a lot of people know that prior to her much-publicized marriage to San Antonio Spurs superstar guard Tony Parker, Longoria was previously married to actor Tyler Christopher from 2002 to 2004. Currently, she is happily engaged to businessman Jose Antonio Baston.

She Does Inspiring Works

Apart from her glamorous world as a celebrity, Longoria also devotes herself to numerous charity works and social activism. In 2012, Longoria received the Inspiration Woman of the Year award from Glamour UK. She was also chosen as the Philanthropist of the year in 2009 by The Hollywood Reporter.

She Has Her Own Restaurant

Longoria opened her Latin-themed restaurant called Beso back in 2008. It is located on the Hollywood Boulevard.

She Got Inked

As some of her fans may know, Longoria has tattoos on her wrist, hand and nape. But, it looks like she had some change of heart as she recently had procedures to remove some of them, including the one dedicated to ex-husband Tony Parker.

A Pussycat Dolls Dancer

Longoria also revealed that she was once a Pussy Cat Doll, but just as a dancer.

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