Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes was born on March 5, 1974, in Miami, Florida. She was raised by her Cuban parents in Los Angeles after they divorced shortly after her birth. Mendes attended Hoover High School in Glendale and later studied marketing at California State University, Northridge but left college early to pursue acting. Her early life experiences helped shape her successful career in Hollywood.

Eva Mendes gained significant attention for her performance in the film 'Training Day,' released on October 5, 2001. Her role as Sara, the girlfriend of Denzel Washington's character, brought her recognition in Hollywood. The film was both critically acclaimed and a commercial success, and it solidified Eva Mendes’s presence in the industry, earning her more substantial roles in future films.

Eva Mendes starred as Monica Fuentes in '2 Fast 2 Furious,' released on June 6, 2003. The film is a sequel to 'The Fast and the Furious' and saw Mendes playing an undercover customs agent. Her performance helped the film gross over $236 million worldwide. Mendes’s role in this high-octane thriller further established her as a prominent actress in blockbuster cinema of the early 2000s.

In 2005, Eva Mendes co-starred with Will Smith in the romantic comedy 'Hitch,' which was released on February 11. She played the role of Sara Melas, a gossip columnist who becomes romantically involved with Smith's character, a professional dating consultant. The film was a major box office success, grossing over $368 million worldwide, and marked Mendes's biggest commercial hit at that time.

Eva Mendes starred opposite Nicolas Cage in 'Ghost Rider,' released on January 25, 2007. She took on the role of Roxanne Simpson, the love interest of Cage’s character, Johnny Blaze. Despite receiving mostly negative reviews from critics, 'Ghost Rider' was a box office success, grossing more than $228 million worldwide. Mendes’s involvement in the film showcased her continued appeal in action-adventure genres.

In February 2008, Eva Mendes checked into the Cirque Lodge rehabilitation facility in Utah for a substance abuse problem. Representatives for Mendes stated this was a personal issue, and her health and well-being were of utmost priority. The decision to seek treatment was praised by many as a responsible act, allowing her to continue her successful career with a focus on health and personal growth.

Eva Mendes began dating fellow actor Ryan Gosling in September 2011 after meeting on the set of 'The Place Beyond the Pines.' Their relationship attracted significant media attention, especially considering both are high-profile actors who maintain a private personal life. The couple has two daughters together and remains one of Hollywood's most enduring and private couples, often praised for managing to stay out of the spotlight.

Eva Mendes starred in the film 'The Place Beyond the Pines' alongside Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2012, and was highly acclaimed for its story and performances. Mendes played Romina, a role that was both challenging and well-received, marking a significant point in her career. This film led to widespread appreciation for her acting range.

Eva Mendes starred in 'Lost River,' a fantasy thriller directed by Ryan Gosling. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2014. Mendes played a pivotal role in Gosling's directorial debut, adding a new dimension to her acting portfolio. Despite mixed reviews at Cannes, Mendes's performance was noted for its depth and complexity, showcasing her ability to tackle diverse and challenging roles.

Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling welcomed their first child, Esmeralda Amada Gosling, on September 12, 2014. The couple's decision to keep the pregnancy and birth details private sparked significant interest. Esmeralda's birth was kept out of the public eye, highlighting the couple's commitment to privacy and family. This event marked an important milestone in Mendes's personal life, where family has played a significant role.