Eva Mendes is opening up about the sweet and unexpected way she and Ryan Gosling first bonded when they started dating.
In a recent interview with New Beauty, the 51-year-old actress shared how their shared love for cleanliness helped strengthen their connection.
A Shared Passion for Cleanliness
Mendes, who grew up in a Cuban family, recalled how cleaning was a big part of her childhood. “Some of my best memories from when I was little are of my mom cleaning the house over the weekend,” Mendes said.
“She’d be playing a record super loudly, and it would wake me up. There was the smell of Pine-Sol and the sounds of her singing to El Puma.”
When Mendes started dating Gosling in 2011, while they were both starring in The Place Beyond the Pines, she discovered that Gosling shared a similar appreciation for cleanliness. “He would come over. He just loved it.
When my family was around, we would literally take over the kitchen. It had to be clean,” Mendes shared. “It was a bonding experience.”
This shared ritual of cleaning together brought them closer, strengthening their connection early in their relationship and showcasing the simple but meaningful ways they bonded.
Expanding the Skura Style Collection
Mendes also talked about her recent work with her lifestyle brand, Skura Style. She is particularly excited about the expansion of her collection, co-owned with Skura Style. “I have my own packaging, which I’m just nuts for.
It was so fun designing that,” she said, revealing how much pride she takes in the brand and its aesthetic.
The Training Day star is clearly passionate about her business ventures, which reflect her love for design and home life.
Quality Time With Her Family
Looking ahead to summer, Mendes shared how much she values spending time with her daughters, Esmeralda Amada, 10, and Amada Lee, 9, whom she shares with Gosling. “Summer is their time to be kids, and I’m really taking it in… I just want to be with them.
Whatever I’m doing, as long as I’m with them and Ryan, of course, that’s where I’m happiest,” she said, emphasizing the importance of family time in her life.
Mendes also spoke about how she finds peace and clarity in the simple act of doing dishes. In an earlier conversation with PEOPLE, she revealed that a clean sink helps clear her mind, calling dishwashing “meditative” and her “happy place.”
Despite her busy schedule, Mendes values the moments of calm in her home life and continues to find joy in nurturing her family.
A Focus on Family Over Career
Since the birth of her daughters, Mendes has stepped away from acting, focusing instead on her role as a mother. Her last major acting project was the 2014 film Lost River, which was directed by Gosling.
Since then, Mendes has been primarily involved in voice work, like her role in the popular children’s series Bluey, which allows her to stay involved in the entertainment world while prioritizing her family.
Eva Mendes’ reflections on her life with Ryan Gosling highlight a relationship rooted in simple pleasures and shared values. Whether it’s cleaning the kitchen together or spending time with their daughters, Mendes’ focus is on what truly brings her happiness—being present with her family.
As she continues to build her brand and enjoy family life, Mendes exemplifies a balanced approach to work and personal fulfillment.
