The role helped launch a movie career in films such as The Sure Thing, Beverly Hills Ninja, Noises Off and Spy Hard. As she reached MILF status, her career achieved another high when she was cast as Edie Britt in the blockbuster ABC comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives. She starred in it for five series from 2004 to 2009 before her character was killed off, picking up a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress along the way.
Nicollette filed a $20 million lawsuit for wrongful dismissal and alleged assault against Desperate Housewives creator/producer Marc Cherry, but the case was ultimately unsuccessful. She has had various high profile relationships over the years with the likes of Leif Garrett, Harry Hamlin and singer Michael Bolton. Lithe beauty Nicollette has appeared in both People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People and Maxim's Hot List.