Eva Mendes Opens Up About Pausing Acting Career for Family

Actress Eva Mendes has shed light on her hiatus from the silver screen, revealing that she made a deliberate choice to step away from acting in order to prioritize her family. In an interview with Today, Mendes disclosed that she and her husband, fellow actor Ryan Gosling, shared a tacit understanding that she would focus on parenting their two daughters, Esmeralda and Amada.

“It was like a no-brainer,” Mendes expressed. “I’m so lucky if I can have this time with my children.” Recognizing the demanding nature of the entertainment industry, particularly the constant travel associated with acting roles, Mendes emphasized the significance of being present for her kids during their formative years. While she continued to work in other capacities, such as producing and collaborating on projects behind the scenes, she consciously refrained from taking on acting roles that would require her to be away from home for extended periods.

Reflecting on their arrangement, Mendes likened it to a “nonverbal agreement” between herself and Gosling. She noted that while Gosling pursued his career, she opted to focus on her family responsibilities. Notably, the last movie in which Mendes acted was “Lost River” in 2014, a film written and directed by Gosling.

Mendes and Gosling’s journey into parenthood began when they met on the set of “The Place Beyond the Pines” in 2011. The couple welcomed their daughters over the following years, and Gosling has previously spoken about the significance of time and fatherhood. “On a personal level, I think about time more than I used to,” Gosling shared in an interview with GQ. “I have two kids and they’re growing up fast.”

The decision to prioritize family over career underscores Mendes and Gosling’s commitment to their roles as parents and their desire to cherish precious moments with their children as they grow.