'Desperate Housewives': Where Are The Cast Of The Hit Show Now?

Daniel Welsh
(Photo: Stewart CookVarietyStartraks PhotoBroadimageABCRexShutterstock)
(Photo: Stewart CookVarietyStartraks PhotoBroadimageABCRexShutterstock)

It’s now been more than a decade since the first episode of ‘Desperate Housewives’ aired, bringing some much-needed drama, glamour and scandal back to our screens.

During its eight years on our TV screens, the show delivered shock twist after shock twist, reinstating Teri Hatcher’s place in the public consciousness once again, and making household names out of the rest of the cast, including Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria.

But what have they been up to since saying goodbye to Wisteria Lane in the tear-jerking finale?

Some have managed to hold onto their star power, either going on to land other huge roles in the acting world, or pursuing alternative avenues in the entertainment industry. And others… others have not.

Here’s what the cast of ‘Desperate Housewives’ have been up to since the show ended...

Marcia Cross played Bree Van De Kamp

Conservative, traditional and obsessed with how things appeared to the outside world, Bree was one of the show's central characters, appearing in all eight series.<br /><br />She did take a brief break in the middle of the show's run, when Marcia Cross went on maternity leave (which was just as well, because they were starting to run out of household items to hide her pregnant stomach behind).
Conservative, traditional and obsessed with how things appeared to the outside world, Bree was one of the show's central characters, appearing in all eight series.

She did take a brief break in the middle of the show's run, when Marcia Cross went on maternity leave (which was just as well, because they were starting to run out of household items to hide her pregnant stomach behind).

Marcia Cross

Since 'Desperate Housewives' ended, it seems acting has taken a back seat for Marcia, although she did recently enjoy success in a recurring role in the TV thriller, 'Quantico'.<br /><br />She also starred in that advert for potatoes. Remember that?
Since 'Desperate Housewives' ended, it seems acting has taken a back seat for Marcia, although she did recently enjoy success in a recurring role in the TV thriller, 'Quantico'.

She also starred in that advert for potatoes. Remember that?

Teri Hatcher played Susan Mayer

Susan was best known for... well, for falling over all the time, wasn't she?<br /><br />When she wasn't tripping over, though, Susan did manage to find herself in some dramatic situations, most notably due to her relationship with Mike Delfino.<br /><br />Behind the camera, reports repeatedly suggested that Teri - the highest-paid of the 'Housewives' - didn't get on with her co-stars, who even allegedly sent a gift to creator Marc Cherry separately from her when the show concluded.
Susan was best known for... well, for falling over all the time, wasn't she?

When she wasn't tripping over, though, Susan did manage to find herself in some dramatic situations, most notably due to her relationship with Mike Delfino.

Behind the camera, reports repeatedly suggested that Teri - the highest-paid of the 'Housewives' - didn't get on with her co-stars, who even allegedly sent a gift to creator Marc Cherry separately from her when the show concluded.

Teri Hatcher

Teri returned to the sitcom world in 2016, when she landed the role of Charlotte in Matthew Perry's reboot of 'The Odd Couple'.<br /><br />She also voiced the coveted role of Dottie in both 'Planes' and its sequel, 'Planes: Fire And Rescue'.
Teri returned to the sitcom world in 2016, when she landed the role of Charlotte in Matthew Perry's reboot of 'The Odd Couple'.

She also voiced the coveted role of Dottie in both 'Planes' and its sequel, 'Planes: Fire And Rescue'.

Felicity Huffman played Lynette Scavo

It's fair to say that Felicity Huffman really got to flex her acting muscles in the role of Lynette Scavo, to whom life dealt some serious blows during her time on Wisteria Lane.<br /><br />During the eight years 'Desperate Housewives' was on the air, Lynette battled cancer, suffered addiction to ADHD medication, learned that her husband had fathered a secret daughter (before taking in the child when Tom's ex was shot dead in a siege) and had to rebuild her life when a tornado blew destroyed her entire house.
It's fair to say that Felicity Huffman really got to flex her acting muscles in the role of Lynette Scavo, to whom life dealt some serious blows during her time on Wisteria Lane.

During the eight years 'Desperate Housewives' was on the air, Lynette battled cancer, suffered addiction to ADHD medication, learned that her husband had fathered a secret daughter (before taking in the child when Tom's ex was shot dead in a siege) and had to rebuild her life when a tornado blew destroyed her entire house.

Felicity Huffman

Felicity currently plays the lead in 'American Crime', for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe.<br /><br />She's also apparently a brunette now, which goes against the laws of 'Desperate Housewives' nature.
Felicity currently plays the lead in 'American Crime', for which she was nominated for a Golden Globe.

She's also apparently a brunette now, which goes against the laws of 'Desperate Housewives' nature.

Eva Longoria played Gabrielle Solis

Gabrielle provided much of the scandal in the early days of 'Desperate Housewives' thanks to her illicit affair with her gardener, John.<br /><br />In later years, though, viewers were able to see the character truly develop as she tackled challenges like motherhood and starting her own business.
Gabrielle provided much of the scandal in the early days of 'Desperate Housewives' thanks to her illicit affair with her gardener, John.

In later years, though, viewers were able to see the character truly develop as she tackled challenges like motherhood and starting her own business.

Eva Longoria

In recent years, acting has taken a back seat for Eva, though she did appear in the sitcom 'Telenovela' which - obviously - centred around telenovelas.<br /><br />She was also an executive producer on the show 'Devious Maids', but is probably best known now for her philanthropic work and political campaigning.
In recent years, acting has taken a back seat for Eva, though she did appear in the sitcom 'Telenovela' which - obviously - centred around telenovelas.

She was also an executive producer on the show 'Devious Maids', but is probably best known now for her philanthropic work and political campaigning.

Shawn Pyfrom played Andrew Van De Kamp

During his adolescent years, Andrew proved to be a royal pain in the bum for his mum, Bree, getting in all kinds of trouble and, in one memorable scene, even sleeping with her boyfriend, resulting in her casting him out of her home.
During his adolescent years, Andrew proved to be a royal pain in the bum for his mum, Bree, getting in all kinds of trouble and, in one memorable scene, even sleeping with her boyfriend, resulting in her casting him out of her home.

Shawn Pyfrom

In 2013, Shawn starred in 'Killing Lincoln', one of his few post-'Housewives' roles.<br /><br />Following the death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman in 2014, Shawn was moved to open up about his own experiences of addiction.
In 2013, Shawn starred in 'Killing Lincoln', one of his few post-'Housewives' roles.

Following the death of Phillip Seymour Hoffman in 2014, Shawn was moved to open up about his own experiences of addiction.

Nicolette Sheridan played Edie Britt

Nicolette was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Edie Britt, which she did for five series. The character wasn't one of the main 'Housewives', but did have a special place in fans' hearts.
Nicolette was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Edie Britt, which she did for five series. The character wasn't one of the main 'Housewives', but did have a special place in fans' hearts.

Nicolette Sheridan

Behind the scenes, things weren't so rosy between Nicolette and executive producer Marc Cherry, whom she accused of assault, wrongful termination and gender discrimination, around the time her character was killed off in season five.<br /><br />Since then, Nicolette has appeared in TV movies, and also made a small cameo in 'Let's Kill Ward's Wife'.
Behind the scenes, things weren't so rosy between Nicolette and executive producer Marc Cherry, whom she accused of assault, wrongful termination and gender discrimination, around the time her character was killed off in season five.

Since then, Nicolette has appeared in TV movies, and also made a small cameo in 'Let's Kill Ward's Wife'.

Vanessa Williams as Renee Perry

Shortly after her starring turn in 'Ugly Betty' came to an abrupt end, Vanessa Williams was confirmed to be joining 'Desperate Housewives' as a new addition to Wisteria Lane.
Shortly after her starring turn in 'Ugly Betty' came to an abrupt end, Vanessa Williams was confirmed to be joining 'Desperate Housewives' as a new addition to Wisteria Lane.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa hasn't had to look far for work since the end of 'Desperate Housewives', appearing in hit shows like 'The Good Wife' and landing a small role in 'The Mindy Project'.<br /><br />Shortly after the end of 'Desperate Housewives', Vanessa also voiced a new character in the M&Ms advert.
Vanessa hasn't had to look far for work since the end of 'Desperate Housewives', appearing in hit shows like 'The Good Wife' and landing a small role in 'The Mindy Project'.

Shortly after the end of 'Desperate Housewives', Vanessa also voiced a new character in the M&Ms advert.

Andrea Bowen played Julie Mayer

The role of Julie was Andrea's biggest to date when she joined 'Housewives' in 2004. She played Susan's daughter, who often took on a parental role towards her own mother.
The role of Julie was Andrea's biggest to date when she joined 'Housewives' in 2004. She played Susan's daughter, who often took on a parental role towards her own mother.

Andrea Bowen

After the show ended, Andrea appeared in the surprisingly-enjoyable teen comedy 'G.B.F.', and is currently starring in two films set for release in 2016, 'Under Fire' and 'Johnny's Sweet Revenge'.
After the show ended, Andrea appeared in the surprisingly-enjoyable teen comedy 'G.B.F.', and is currently starring in two films set for release in 2016, 'Under Fire' and 'Johnny's Sweet Revenge'.

James Denton played Mike Delfino

Mike was Susan's love interest throughout 'Desperate Housewives', with the two eventually getting married and having a son together.<br /><br />Sadly, it wasn't a case of happily ever after, though, as Mike tragically died in the last series.
Mike was Susan's love interest throughout 'Desperate Housewives', with the two eventually getting married and having a son together.

Sadly, it wasn't a case of happily ever after, though, as Mike tragically died in the last series.

James Denton

James presently has a recurring role in the TV series 'The Good Witch', and recently made a brief appearance in former co-star Eva Longoria's show 'Devious Maids'.<br /><br />We're also pleased to note that he's also still very handsome.
James presently has a recurring role in the TV series 'The Good Witch', and recently made a brief appearance in former co-star Eva Longoria's show 'Devious Maids'.

We're also pleased to note that he's also still very handsome.

Steven Culp as Rex Van De Kamp

Steven played Bree's husband Rex for the first series of 'Desperate Housewives', later making occasional appearances in flashbacks after he was killed off.
Steven played Bree's husband Rex for the first series of 'Desperate Housewives', later making occasional appearances in flashbacks after he was killed off.

Steven Culp

Steven's most recent film credit was in 2014's 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', in which he played Senator P. Wenham.<br /><br />Since 'Desperate Housewives', he's also had small roles in the TV series 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Bosch' and 'Arrow'.
Steven's most recent film credit was in 2014's 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier', in which he played Senator P. Wenham.

Since 'Desperate Housewives', he's also had small roles in the TV series 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Bosch' and 'Arrow'.

Jesse Metcalfe played John Rowland

Jesse was one of the early break-out stars of 'Desperate Housewives', playing Gabrielle Solis's teenage gardener, with whom she was having an illicit affair.
Jesse was one of the early break-out stars of 'Desperate Housewives', playing Gabrielle Solis's teenage gardener, with whom she was having an illicit affair.

Jesse Metcalfe

After landing household name (and teen heart-throb) status, Jesse landed a number of roles, including the lead in the teen film 'John Tucker Must Die' and the reboot of 'Dallas'.<br /><br />While it looked as though he was going to be a huge star post-'Housewives', he's yet to bag a part as big as John, though he recently appeared in '2 Broke Girls' and 'Chesapeake Shores'.
After landing household name (and teen heart-throb) status, Jesse landed a number of roles, including the lead in the teen film 'John Tucker Must Die' and the reboot of 'Dallas'.

While it looked as though he was going to be a huge star post-'Housewives', he's yet to bag a part as big as John, though he recently appeared in '2 Broke Girls' and 'Chesapeake Shores'.

Dana Delany played Katherine Mayfair

Katherine was a late arrival to Wisteria Lane, and of course she brought with her a lot of secrets.<br /><br />Though she initially appeared as a rival to Bree, the two later became good friends.
Katherine was a late arrival to Wisteria Lane, and of course she brought with her a lot of secrets.

Though she initially appeared as a rival to Bree, the two later became good friends.

Dana Delany

In addition to her sitcom roles, Dana is a successful voice actress, most notably playing Lois Lane in 'Superman'.<br /><br />In 2014, Dana was nominated for the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for her performance in the play, 'The Parisian Woman'.
In addition to her sitcom roles, Dana is a successful voice actress, most notably playing Lois Lane in 'Superman'.

In 2014, Dana was nominated for the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for her performance in the play, 'The Parisian Woman'.

Ricardo Antonio Chavira played Carlos Solis

Gabrielle and her husband, Carlos, had a tumultuous relationship, particularly in the early days when his neglect pushed her way, and into the arms of their gardener.
Gabrielle and her husband, Carlos, had a tumultuous relationship, particularly in the early days when his neglect pushed her way, and into the arms of their gardener.

Ricardo Antonio Chavira

In 2016, it was announced that Ricardo had been cast in a recurring role in 'Scandal', as Governor Vargas, following a short-lived stint in the sitcom 'Welcome To The Family', which lasted just three episodes.
In 2016, it was announced that Ricardo had been cast in a recurring role in 'Scandal', as Governor Vargas, following a short-lived stint in the sitcom 'Welcome To The Family', which lasted just three episodes.

Doug Savant played Tom Scavo

Tom was Lynette's right-hand man for <i>most </i>of the time 'Desperate Housewives' was on the air, though they did sadly split up briefly in the last series, only to reconcile in the last few episodes.
Tom was Lynette's right-hand man for most of the time 'Desperate Housewives' was on the air, though they did sadly split up briefly in the last series, only to reconcile in the last few episodes.

Doug Savant

Though 'Desperate Housewives' remains one of Doug's most impressive acting stints, he has enjoyed brief appearances in shows like 'Hot In Cleveland', 'Drop Dead Diva' and, most recently, the remake of 'The X Files'.
Though 'Desperate Housewives' remains one of Doug's most impressive acting stints, he has enjoyed brief appearances in shows like 'Hot In Cleveland', 'Drop Dead Diva' and, most recently, the remake of 'The X Files'.

Kathryn Joosten played Karen McCluskey

Throughout all eight seasons, Kathryn played Mrs McCluskey, the housewives' elderly neighbour. <br /><br />Although she initially bucked heads with Lynette, she eventually became a confidante for the characters, even getting Bree out of prison in the memorable finale.
Throughout all eight seasons, Kathryn played Mrs McCluskey, the housewives' elderly neighbour.

Although she initially bucked heads with Lynette, she eventually became a confidante for the characters, even getting Bree out of prison in the memorable finale.

Kathryn Joosten

Sadly, Kathryn died shortly after the end of 'Desperate Housewives'. In fact, viewers in the UK saw her character's death just one day after the announcement came that she had died.<br /><br />However, her story continues to be an inspiration to many, as Kathryn didn't even begin acting until 1987, when she was in her late 40s.
Sadly, Kathryn died shortly after the end of 'Desperate Housewives'. In fact, viewers in the UK saw her character's death just one day after the announcement came that she had died.

However, her story continues to be an inspiration to many, as Kathryn didn't even begin acting until 1987, when she was in her late 40s.

Kyle MacLachlan played Orson Hodge

Orson seemed a perfect match for Bree when the two first met, although - as was always the case on Wisteria Lane - he came with a few secrets of his own.
Orson seemed a perfect match for Bree when the two first met, although - as was always the case on Wisteria Lane - he came with a few secrets of his own.

Kyle MacLachlan

Kyle is probably best known for his role as Dale Cooper in 'Twin Peaks', which he'll be reprising in the upcoming revival.<br /><br />He also starred in 'The Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.', and provided the voice of Riley's dad in the Pixar film, 'Inside Out'.
Kyle is probably best known for his role as Dale Cooper in 'Twin Peaks', which he'll be reprising in the upcoming revival.

He also starred in 'The Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.', and provided the voice of Riley's dad in the Pixar film, 'Inside Out'.

John Slattery played Victor Lang

John played Gabrielle's second husband, politician Victor Lang, whose death was one of the most memorable scenes in 'Desperate Housewives', after a tornado caused him to be impaled by a picket fence.
John played Gabrielle's second husband, politician Victor Lang, whose death was one of the most memorable scenes in 'Desperate Housewives', after a tornado caused him to be impaled by a picket fence.

John Slattery

Since 'Desperate Housewives', John's career has gone from strength to strength. He has starred as Roger Sterling in 'Mad Men', earning himself two Emmy nominations.<br /><br />His film credits in the past few years have also included 'Spotlight', 'Ant-Man' and the sequel to Seth MacFarlane's 'Ted'.
Since 'Desperate Housewives', John's career has gone from strength to strength. He has starred as Roger Sterling in 'Mad Men', earning himself two Emmy nominations.

His film credits in the past few years have also included 'Spotlight', 'Ant-Man' and the sequel to Seth MacFarlane's 'Ted'.

Cody Kasch played Zach Young

Cody's performance as the troubled Zach Young, whose mother takes her own life in the first episode of 'Desperate Housewive', earned him a Young Artist Award nomination in 2005.
Cody's performance as the troubled Zach Young, whose mother takes her own life in the first episode of 'Desperate Housewive', earned him a Young Artist Award nomination in 2005.

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