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What really happened to the Desperate Housewives: From an explosive photoshoot row to ‘racism’ claims and the ‘difficult’ star left dating her cat… ANTONIA HOYLE reveals fallout after the show – and who wants a reunion

BBG News

For eight seasons, from 2004 to 2012, many people found themselves captivated by the strange and intriguing events unfolding in the lives of the residents on Wisteria Lane, a street where affairs, murders, fake pregnancies, and even a bizarre tornado incident involving an impaled husband were just a few of the unexpected twists that kept viewers hooked.

The female characters from the series became well-known figures in many households. With their larger-than-life personas, they mirrored our own dreams and flaws, whether we acknowledged them or not. Interestingly, the show managed to maintain a lighthearted tone despite its depth. This could be why the show, now available on Disney+, has become surprisingly popular among Gen Z, with over two billion views of the #desperatehousewives hashtag on TikTok.

Following many esteemed TV series, it seems younger audiences are drawn more towards its absurdity. This has led to a new spin-off show being unveiled, titled “Wisteria Lane,” which centers around five complex friendships among residents living in a pristine cul-de-sac. However, one may wonder about the fate of the original cast members?

Here, we reveal the successes and scandals that came after the cameras stopped rolling…

TERI HATCHER, 60: THE ‘DIFFICULT’ CAST MEMBER LEFT DATING HER CAT

In the series, Hatcher portrayed the character Susan Meyer, who was the emotional core and the relatable neighbor mom. However, off-screen, she is known for having a somewhat stern and dominant personality, earning her the nickname of a “prickly queen bee.

As a seasoned lifestyle guide, I’ve learned a fascinating tidbit from the behind-the-scenes of the hit show, Desperate Housewives. The insightful Patty Lin, one of its writers, shared in her memoir that during read-throughs, the creators, including myself, would subtly observe our talented cast members from a discreet distance. We’d take care to avoid eye contact with Teri Hatcher, ensuring our focus remained on the script and the magic they were about to bring to life.

The difficulty people found in working with her, stemming from a disastrous 2005 Vanity Fair photo shoot involving the female Housewives stars that left Teri crying, is an issue that has persisted for her ever since.

During the finale of the show, her name wasn’t included in the stars’ gift for the crew (she admitted she didn’t know who had done what), and later on, executive producer Marc Cherry remembered a well-known actress with significant behavioral issues as part of the series. Trying to get along with this actress over the course of the show was challenging for everyone involved, as it turned out to be an insurmountable task.

Hatcher’s name wasn’t mentioned but she was widely assumed to be the guilty party.

In the ’90s, I was recognized as Lois Lane from The New Adventures of Superman, but long before that, I was just an eager fan like you, tuning in every week to see my favorite superhero save the day! Fast forward a few years, and I tied the knot with personal trainer Markus Leithold in 1988. That relationship didn’t last forever, but it did lead me to my second husband – actor Jon Tenny – whom I was lucky enough to be with from 1994 until 2003. With Jon, I welcomed our beautiful daughter Emerson into the world, who is now a vibrant 27 years old.

As a lifestyle expert, Recently, I found myself single after being removed from the dating app Hinge due to suspicions about the authenticity of my profile. In an interview last year, when asked about my romantic pursuits, I shared that I don’t actively seek male companionship and instead find comfort and companionship in my feline friend.

In her words, men no longer seem to form the queues like they did when she was younger. Back then, she’d often find herself pondering if a man might become more than just a casual acquaintance. Now, with a hint of humor, she muses about potential partners and wonders: ‘When will it be my turn to change this person’s diapers?’

Definitely, there’s ample space for her house cat to explore within their home, which spans approximately 4,100 square feet in Los Angeles. This property boasts a koi pond and an outdoor kitchen, and it was offered for rent at around £23,000 per month back in 2018 while Teri was away shooting – contrary to initial reports suggesting she was financially struggling. ‘I’m not homeless and I’m not living out of a van,’ clarified Teri.

POST-HOUSEWIVES HIGH

Transforming into a culinary influencer, blending video content with mental health resources, here’s her latest Instagram recipe for a nutritious chicken bite: ‘Pair your emotions with this nourishing sandwich!’

POST-HOUSEWIVES LOW

In the year 2016, Teri became part of the rebooted CBS sitcom “The Odd Couple,” a revival of the ’70s series. Starring Matthew Perry, this version received both negative critical and audience reception, with one critic labeling it as ‘the most lackadaisical television show ever made.’

UP FOR A REUNION?

Probably not, although she said cryptically in 2023: ‘I think the women would probably all do it.’

FELICITY HUFFMAN, 62: SCANDAL-HIT STAR WHO SERVED PRISON TIME

In simpler terms, Huffman’s character, Lynette Scavo from Desperate Housewives, is often praised as the most intelligent among the housewives. However, outside of this role, she is now primarily recognized for her questionable actions in the U.S. college admissions scandal, which many found to be rather unintelligent.

This individual used her influence to secure university admission for her children by paying £11,000 to alter her daughter Sophia’s test grades. As a result, she served an 11-day sentence in a California prison in October 2019, an incident that has been widely publicized.

Reflecting on my actions, I acknowledged, “I accomplished it. The outcome was clear-cut, in stark contrast like night and day.” Later, expressing my sincere regrets, I apologized to the students and their families who have diligently sacrificed and worked tirelessly to reach their destinations honestly, stating, “I’m sorry for any inconvenience caused to those who strive for legitimate success.

Her fellow “Desperate Housewives” cast member Ricardo Chavira, who portrayed Carlos Solis, implied that race played a role in her brief statement. In a tweet containing a link to a related news article, he stated: ‘White Privilege. I witnessed it for Eight years, so I am well-informed about the matter. For them, Accountability and Responsibility hold no significance.’

[Link to the news article]

He followed it with a second tweet saying: ‘I saw eight years worth of it working on Housewives.’

Although she had initially expressed fear about marriage, stating that she “was so terrified of marriage… I thought I’d rather step in front of a bus,” she is currently wed to actor William H Macy. She is a proud mother of two daughters, Sophia and Georgia. Among her close friends on the show are Eva Longoria and Marcia Cross.

As the honoree nominated for an Oscar for my portrayal of a transgender woman in the 2005 film “Transamerica,” I now share a tranquil Colorado sanctuary with Macy on the very land where I spent my childhood, a place that my late husband had proposed we revitalize following his mother’s passing.

POST-HOUSEWIVES HIGH

Among the Desperate Housewives cast, it was only Kathy Griffin who managed to secure an Emmy award for her performance. She received nominations for three more Emmys, all for portraying Barb Hanlon in ABC’s American Crime from 2015 to 2017.

POST-HOUSEWIVES LOW

Last year, speaking candidly about my current situation, I shared that finding employment post-prison has proven to be a significant challenge for me. It’s been like losing part of my old life and feeling the loss along with it. I’m still trying to make sense of it all, working through this new reality one day at a time.

UP FOR A REUNION?

To some extent, Huffman professes a significant admiration for Kerry Washington, the executive producer of the Wisteria Lane reboot. However, he humorously suggested that his role might be limited to offering refreshments and snacks on set, which in movie terms is referred to as ‘craft services.’

MARCIA CROSS, 63: CANCER BATTLE THAT BECAME HER CAUSE

Reinterpreted: Bree Van de Kamp, a devoted homemaker, strives for a flawless lifestyle but encounters setbacks such as divorce, widowhood, and struggles with alcoholism that complicate her pursuit.

It’s possible that one of the main characters, Cross, is relatively low-key. She is married to stockbroker Tom Mahoney, whom she refers to as her family’s ‘pillar and light’. Her twin daughters Savannah and Eden were born via IVF just before her 45th birthday in February 2007.

In a 2023 interview, she shared that solitary outings often make me feel uncomfortable due to the attention. When I’m with my beloved husband, I prefer to keep a low profile and avoid being in the spotlight. Truth be told, I lean more towards being reserved and enjoying some quiet time.

Apparently, Cross seemed to find it displeasing when Hatcher became the focus during the well-known Vanity Fair photo shoot, as reported by the author of the related article.

In a dazzling cherry-red swimsuit, Hatcher apparently captivated everyone, causing Cross to react dramatically by leaving the set, allegedly in a huff while putting on her robe.

POST-HOUSEWIVES HIGH

Motherhood, as she puts it, expands your heart tremendously. High-profile acting opportunities have been scarce – ‘Hollywood isn’t very keen,’ she stated in 2023 – but she landed her modeling debut for the Farfetch designer’s spring/summer campaign that same year.

POST-HOUSEWIVES LOW

2017 found me confronted with a shocking reality: anal cancer. I couldn’t help but ponder, ‘What are the chances, in this world of television, that I’d be portraying the most stiff-necked character and then find myself battling a disease so taboo it’s barely whispered about?’ Now, I dedicate my time to spreading knowledge about this illness, in hopes that we can shatter the silence surrounding it.

UP FOR A REUNION?

She didn’t dismiss the possibility. She described the job as her dream, expressing gratitude and luckiness for each workday.

EVA LONGORIA, 50: SHOW’S SUCCESS STORY – WHO FLED TO SPAIN

Previously, Longoria portrayed Gabrielle Solis, a character with roots in Mexico who was once a renowned model. After the show concluded, she has become exceptionally active in her acting career, recently gracing our screens as a lead in the popular TV series “Only Murders In The Building”.

She frequently runs in circles under the starlit sky, being a close friend of the Beckhams. They first met when the family relocated to Los Angeles in 2007.

As an ardent admirer, let me share this delightful exchange: I’ve always considered Victoria as the wittiest soul around, but she insists that Eva is not only the smartest woman she’s ever encountered, but also the most stunningly beautiful. In a unique bond, Eva serves as the godmother, or shall we say, the playful aunt who indulges her, to little Harper Beckham.

In 2016, Eva Longoria donned a wedding gown designed by Victoria Beckham when she married her third husband, business magnate Jose Baston. They first met during a blind date three years prior to their nuptials.

In a surprising twist, their seven-year-old grandson, Santiago, opened up a fresh perspective on life for her. However, the most peculiar find surfaced in 2010 when a genealogy TV show unexpectedly uncovered that her cousin was none other than the renowned actress Meryl Streep.

Longoria was present at Sanchez’s bachelorette celebration in Paris, but unfortunately couldn’t make it to the wedding of Sanchez and Bezos in Venice.

In the previous year, I found myself bidding adieu to the sunny shores of California and embracing a luxurious six-bedroom villa nestled in the picturesque town of Marbella, Spain. The growing unrest in American politics had left me feeling disenchanted, prompting this life-altering move.

Speaking about herself, the ex-beauty pageant contestant expresses that she’s fortunate to travel and explore, while many Americans find themselves trapped in this troubled nation. She feels deep empathy and sorrow for their situation. Previously struggling with no resources in LA, she eventually got roles on shows like Beverly Hills 90210, CBS soap The Young And The Restless, and later Desperate Housewives. In the year 2008, explicit lingerie photos of Longoria wearing PVC boots surfaced from her modeling days in Hollywood as she sought a breakthrough in the industry.

In 2019, when Huffman was accused of fraud, Longoria publicly defended him by writing a letter to the judge, highlighting his positive character. During this television series, Longoria claimed that she had been subjected to bullying from an unnamed individual.

She found her workdays unbearable when accompanied by a certain individual, as it felt like an endless ordeal. However, one day Felicity put a stop to the torment, and thankfully, it ceased. Felicity seemed to sense my underlying fear even though I never voiced my distress or disclosed the mistreatment to anyone. Her friendship was instrumental in helping me endure those ten challenging years.

POST-HOUSEWIVES HIGH

Apart from gracing the red carpets and various screens regularly, her Instagram audience of 10.7 million surpasses that of many other celebrities. Not only is she a star, but she’s also a director and an advocate for Latina rights. A year ago, she admitted to being busier than ever before.

POST-HOUSEWIVES LOW

Following her 2011 split with NBA player Tony Parker, her second husband, she experienced a period of emotional turmoil and poor health. She admitted, “I wasn’t eating properly. I was deeply depressed. I was sad. All I consumed was coffee.

UP FOR A REUNION?

Potentially. ‘I miss being on that set. I miss everything about it,’ she said in 2017.

NICOLLETTE SHERIDAN, 61: KILLED OFF, BUT FINALLY BOUNCING BACK

In my perspective as a lifestyle connoisseur, I’d describe Edie Britt, portrayed by the talented Nicollette Sheridan in “Desperate Housewives,” as a dynamic and captivating real estate agent who had a penchant for romantic entanglements that often intertwined with the personal lives of her fellow Wisteria Lane residents. This intricate web of past relationships, ex-husbands, and former lovers added an undeniable dash of excitement to the suburban landscape we all came to know and love.

Sheridan, originally from Sussex but raised in the U.S., had relationships with singer Michael Bolton during the 1990s and later in the 2000s.

She was previously married to actors Harry Hamlin and Aaron Phypers but is currently thought to be unattached. In her own words, she has expressed that marriage wasn’t a necessity for her.

According to Sheridan, her character Edie on Desperate Housewives was written off (dramatically electrocuted) in season five due to an alleged altercation with executive producer Marc Cherry. She claimed he had struck her over the head and she reported this as assault. In 2010, Sheridan filed a lawsuit against Cherry and ABC network for £15 million. However, the case was dismissed, with fellow Desperate Housewives stars testifying in support of Cherry.

She is deeply committed to the well-being of animals, as she expressed, “My pets have shown me the importance of love, care, and happiness.

POST-HOUSEWIVES HIGH

A return to man-eating form playing Alexis Carrington in the 2017 re-make of Dynasty.

POST-HOUSEWIVES LOW

1. She referred to her ‘humiliating and disheartening’ departure from the series, which left Sheridan feeling ‘out of sight’.

2. Her account of her ‘shameful and dispiriting’ departure from the show made Sheridan ‘hide away’.

3. She described her ‘demeaning and demoralising’ exit from the series as causing Sheridan to ‘take cover’.

4. In her words, her ‘humiliating and disheartening’ farewell from the series led Sheridan to ‘disappear off the radar’.

5. She termed her ‘degrading and deflating’ exit from the show as making Sheridan ‘lay low’.

UP FOR A REUNION?

It would be quite challenging. Beyond the behind-the-scenes turmoil, Sheridan expressed about Edie: ‘I held her dear, yet they took her life away.’

PS. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SEXY GARDENER?

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but reminisce about the captivating days when Jesse Metcalfe, now 46, ignited our hearts as the teenage gardener John Rowland, who found himself in a passionate entanglement with Gabrielle. An instant heartthrob, Metcalfe shared a romantic journey with Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle from 2006 to 2008, a relationship he once confessed was ‘wreaking havoc’ on my life at the time. Heartbreakingly, he parted ways with his fiancée of four years, actress Cara Santana, in 2020, and rumors swirl that he is currently dating estate agent Helene Immel.

Metcalfe has mentioned having a lasting friendship with the Duchess of Sussex, dating back ‘several years’.

UP FOR A REUNION?

In principle. ‘I could be one of the parents of the younger cast,’ he has said.

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2025-07-23 03:57

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