The television series 'Desperate Housewives' concluded in 2012, but its leading actresses have not disappeared from our screens. Over eight years of filming, the project won two Golden Globes for Best Television Series and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Cast, while its heroines became recognizable worldwide. After the finale, each of the stars took her own path: some continued acting in film and television, others moved into directing and producing, and some returned to public life after a long hiatus. Here is how the actresses have changed and what projects they are working on in 2026.
Teri Hatcher: Return to the Major Theater Stage
Following the end of 'Desperate Housewives', Teri Hatcher did not stop acting, although her subsequent work did not achieve the same massive scale of success. The actress appeared in the TV series 'Supergirl', 'The Odd Couple', and other television projects. In 2026, she returned to the theatrical stage: on October 20, Hatcher made her debut in the London production of the musical 'The Devil Wears Prada', taking on the role of Miranda Priestly. Previously, this character was played by Vanessa Williams, who, notably, also starred in 'Desperate Housewives' as Renee Perry. As of November 2026, the actress is already performing on the Dominion Theatre stage, with her run scheduled through February 6, 2027. In an interview with HELLO! magazine in September 2026, Hatcher also shared that she wants to return to television comedy projects and is working on a cooking show idea, noting that her theatrical work in London could mark the beginning of a new career chapter.
Felicity Huffman: The Path After the College Admissions Scandal
Following her role as Lynette Scavo, Felicity Huffman continued acting in film and television—her credits include the series 'American Crime' and 'When They See Us'. However, in 2019, the actress's career found itself at the center of a major scandal: she pleaded guilty to participating in a college admissions bribery scheme, paying $15,000 to boost her daughter's entrance exam score. The court sentenced her to 14 days in prison, a $30,000 fine, and community service, which she completed in the fall of 2019. After a break, Huffman gradually returned to the profession: in 2025, she joined the second season of the medical drama Doc, playing Dr. Joan Ridley, a mentor to the main character Amy Larsen, portrayed by Molly Parker. The character's story concluded at the end of the second season, and the actress will not return for the third season as a main cast member—Joan's death was planned by the writers during the season's development. The second season of Doc became available on Netflix in September 2026, and Netflix Tudum highlighted Felicity Huffman among the actors joining the story.
Marcia Cross: Fighting Illness and New Projects
After the series, Marcia Cross continued her acting career, appearing in the crime thriller 'Quantico', the psychological series 'You', and the musical drama 'Monarch'. In 2018, the actress shared a personal story: she was diagnosed with anal cancer, and following treatment, she announced she was in remission. Since then, Cross has spoken publicly about the disease, the importance of medical awareness, and the prevention of HPV-associated cancers. In 2026, in an interview with L'Officiel Monaco, she discussed new professional plans: she completed work on the independent film Exit Right, which also stars Susan Sarandon and William H. Macy. The film follows a married couple who, after receiving difficult health news, decide to leave their familiar home and go on a journey; filming wrapped in the summer of 2026. Aside from film, Cross continues to work in theater, calling her staging of the play 'Honour' one of the most significant artistic experiences of her life, and noted that due to family circumstances she cannot accept every offer right now.
Eva Longoria: From Actress to Director and Producer
After 'Desperate Housewives', Eva Longoria became one of the most active members of the cast in the film industry, not limiting herself to acting and expanding into directing and producing. Among her notable works are the series 'Devious Maids', where she served as an executive producer, the feature film 'Flamin' Hot', which marked her directorial debut, and one of the leading roles in the series 'Land of Women'. In 2026, Longoria worked on the new Netflix comedy 'The Fifth Wheel', serving as director of the film starring Kim Kardashian.
New Formats: A Podcast About a Favorite Show
Beyond the stage and screen, the 'Desperate Housewives' actresses are also exploring other formats. For instance, Teri Hatcher announced the launch of the podcast 'Desperately Devoted', in which she, alongside her daughter Emerson Tenny and actress Andrea Bowen—who played Julie in the show—will rewatch the iconic series. For Bowen, the participation is especially symbolic as she is expecting a child with actor Josh Zuckerman, who also starred in 'Desperate Housewives'. Fans are guessing whether other stars of the project will appear on the podcast, though Hatcher herself speaks about the show exclusively in a positive light. The combination of these projects—from a London musical and a medical drama to directorial debuts and podcasts—shows that more than a decade after the finale, the main heroines of 'Desperate Housewives' remain in demand and continue to expand their professional boundaries.
