Eva Longoria's path to success has been anything but conventional. Best known for her role as Gabrielle on the hit TV series "Desperate Housewives," Longoria has since carved out a remarkable career as a savvy investor, putting her money behind a diverse array of ventures that have yielded impressive returns. Her most notable investment, a last-minute $6 million infusion that saved the production of the action film "John Wick," not only revived Keanu Reeves' career but also kickstarted Longoria's own foray into the world of high-stakes investing.

Turning a Desperate Situation into a Blockbuster Success

Saving "John Wick" from Collapse

Ten years ago, Eva Longoria found herself in an unexpected position – the unlikely savior of the action film "John Wick." With just a week before production was set to begin, the film's directors, Chad Stahelski and David Leitch, had run out of money after losing nearly $6 million in gap financing. Unbeknownst to them at the time, Longoria stepped in with the necessary funds to complete the movie, a decision that would have a profound impact on her future as an investor.Longoria, who was then best known for her role on "Desperate Housewives," was approached by the film's financiers at CAA, who offered her the opportunity to invest in the project. "She came to the rescue," Stahelski later recounted, describing Longoria's pivotal role in saving the film from being shut down.

The Unexpected Blockbuster and Longoria's Newfound Interest in Investing

The rest, as they say, is history. "John Wick" went on to become a surprise box office hit, earning over $86 million worldwide and spawning a successful franchise. The film not only revitalized Keanu Reeves' career but also turned Stahelski and Leitch from stunt guys into viable action directors. For Longoria, this experience marked a turning point, kick-starting her interest in becoming a major investor in Hollywood."I had no idea how investments worked," Longoria admitted, reflecting on her initial foray into the world of film financing. "I was like, 'So how does it work?' I had no idea. I would love to say I was an investment genius and I just knew and I calculated my risk. No, none of that."

Longoria's Investment Philosophy: Backing Passionate Entrepreneurs

Despite her lack of experience, Longoria's instincts proved to be spot-on. She was drawn to the "hunger and scrappiness" of Stahelski and Leitch, recognizing their passion and expertise in the industry. "They had seen all the bad movies and knew how to make a good one," Longoria said, explaining her decision to invest in the project.This investment philosophy has since become a guiding principle for Longoria, who now seeks out entrepreneurs and ventures that align with her values and vision. "I love investing in people," she said. "You can tell me you're opening a chicken farm, but if you're fucking passionate about it and you've done the work and know the market, I mean, Chad and David did their work."

The Lasting Impact of the "John Wick" Investment

Longoria's investment in "John Wick" has had a lasting impact, not only on her own career but also on the action genre as a whole. "It changed the genre," she said, reflecting on the film's success. "Took Keanu in a whole new trajectory."Even a decade later, Longoria continues to reap the benefits of her investment, with regular checks arriving in the mail. "What I'm pissed off about is I wasn't connected to the rest of them," she lamented, referring to the subsequent "John Wick" sequels. "That was the gamble. But that was my only mistake, not being attached to all of the films."

Diversifying Her Portfolio: From Soccer to Tequila and Beyond

Emboldened by the success of her "John Wick" investment, Longoria has since diversified her portfolio, investing in a range of industries and ventures. She has invested in two soccer clubs, including Natalie Portman's Angel City FC, the most valuable team in women's sports history. She has also put her money behind a tequila brand, Casa Del Sol, and a food company, Siete Foods, which recently sold to PepsiCo for over $1 billion.Longoria's investment strategy is driven by a desire to support businesses and entrepreneurs that align with her values and have a clear purpose. "I like to say, 'Yes, I'm a genius,'" she joked. "No, everything comes up in different ways. I get asked a lot to invest and the things I invest in have to have purpose, they have to have a point of view, they have to fix a market problem or improve upon a market problem."

Balancing Acting and Investing: Longoria's Evolving Priorities

While Longoria's investments have taken center stage in recent years, she hasn't abandoned her acting roots. She has continued to take on select acting projects, including a role in the Apple TV+ series "Land of Women" and hosting the CNN series "Searching for Mexico" and "Searching for Spain."However, Longoria's primary focus has shifted to her work behind the camera, with her production company, Hyphenate Media Group, serving as the "tentpole of the circus." She is now more interested in developing and producing content for others, rather than starring in everything herself."I want to make 40-50 more Eva Longorias," Longoria said, expressing her desire to uplift the next generation of actors, writers, and producers, particularly from the Latino community and among women. "I don't want to star in everything, I want to build up the next generation."As Longoria continues to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood and beyond, her story serves as a testament to the power of taking risks, following one's passions, and leveraging investments to create lasting impact. From her unexpected role in saving "John Wick" to her diverse portfolio of successful ventures, Eva Longoria has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of entertainment and entrepreneurship.