Many huge Hollywood stars come from humble beginnings, and toiled away doing menial jobs before they were famous. Brad Pitt, for an example, wore a chicken costume to hand out samples for El Pollo Loco.

But thanks to some lap-spanking new, super rare photos (via Fleshbot), we've learned that Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria's pre-acting job was far less embarrassing--she was an underwear model.

The Daily Mail reports:

Before taking up residence on Wisteria Lane, Eva Longoria's desperate quest for fame saw her try her hand at lingerie modeling.

The star posed for a racy underwear campaign seven years ago when she was a struggling actress eager for her big Hollywood break.

The recently unearthed pictures show Eva in a series of barely there ensembles and at one point she is sprawled seductively across an animal print chair wearing underwear and PVC boots.

Now we know why Eva wears her super-slinky negligees with such flair and ease on Desperate Housewives . . . she's had plenty of (amazing) experience!