Eva Mendes, the actress known for her roles in films like ‘Hitch’ and ‘The Place Beyond the Pines,’ has taken a step back from acting since her last film, ‘Lost River,’ directed by her husband Ryan Gosling, in 2014. While she doesn’t seem to have any regrets about leaving the industry, she hinted at a possible return if the right opportunity arises.
In an interview with the Sunday Times, Mendes revealed, “I was never that passionate about acting. Not to be self-deprecating, but I’m not a great actress. I’ve just worked with some really wonderful people.” She acknowledged Ryan as one of those remarkable individuals, saying he “brought out something in me that I didn’t even know I had access to.” Though she doesn’t regret stepping away from acting, she admitted that working with Ryan again is “the only thing I would ever want to do.”
While reflecting on her past roles, Mendes shared that not all of them were fulfilling. “There were some terrible roles,” she confessed, revealing that she had faced casting challenges due to her appearance and ethnicity. “I was told, ‘She’s too ethnic’ for a while. It’s brutal, but it happened for a while. Then at some point it became, ‘Being ethnic is cool now,’ or ‘Latinos are cool.’ I was so mad, and it gave me this energy, this power.”
Mendes and Gosling began dating after meeting on the set of ‘The Place Beyond the Pines’ in 2012. Following ‘Lost River,’ she voiced a character in the animated series ‘Bluey’ in 2021, but has primarily focused on other ventures. She runs her own clothing and kitchenware brands and has become an accomplished children’s book author. As a mother, she prioritizes homeschooling her daughters, emphasizing her continued ambition.
“I still have the same level of ambition as before,” she explained, “it’s just changed.” Mendes’ story highlights the evolving nature of Hollywood and the personal choices that drive individuals to prioritize different paths in life. Her heartfelt reflections on her career, her family, and her hopes for the future offer a glimpse into the life of a woman who continues to pursue her dreams, however they may manifest.
