Eva Mendes is an American actress, model, and businesswoman who rose to prominence in the late 1990s. She was born in Miami to Cuban parents and raised in Los Angeles. Her breakthrough role came in the 2001 film Training Day, which led to appearances in major studio productions. She is well known for her roles in films such as 2 Fast 2 Furious, Hitch, and The Other Guys. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with directors like Derek Cianfrance on films including The Place Beyond the Pines. Beyond acting, she has served as a global ambassador for brands like Revlon and Estée Lauder. Mendes launched her own fashion line, the Eva Mendes Collection, in partnership with New York & Company. She has been in a long-term relationship with actor Ryan Gosling since 2011. The couple shares two daughters together. In recent years, she has stepped back from acting to focus on her family and entrepreneurial ventures. She remains a prominent figure in pop culture and fashion media. Her work has earned her several award nominations throughout her career.