The Secret Marriage: 7 Fascinating Facts About Who Eva Mendes Is Married To (Updated 2024)

For years, the question "Who is Eva Mendes married to?" was one of Hollywood's most intriguing mysteries, with the celebrated actress and her partner maintaining a legendary level of privacy. As of December 11, 2025, the answer is officially her long-time partner, the Academy Award-nominated actor Ryan Gosling. While the couple has been together for over a decade, their marital status remained a closely guarded secret until Mendes casually referred to Gosling as her "husband" in a 2022 interview, finally confirming the long-standing rumors of a secret wedding. This intensely private power couple has successfully managed to shield their relationship and family life from the intense glare of the spotlight, a deliberate choice that has only amplified public curiosity. Their union is built on a foundation of mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to protecting their two daughters, making them one of the most enigmatic and admired couples in modern cinema.

Complete Biography Profile: Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling

To fully appreciate the scope of their relationship, it is essential to understand the individual careers and personal backgrounds of both Eva Mendes and her husband, Ryan Gosling. They are two highly successful artists who have intentionally stepped back from the peak of their careers to prioritize their family.

Eva Mendes (Wife)

• Full Name: Eva de la Caridad Méndez
• Date of Birth: March 5, 1974
• Age (as of 2025): 51
• Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S. (of Cuban descent)
• Occupation: Actress, Model, Businesswoman, Designer (currently a "retired actress" focusing on family and business)
• Notable Works: Training Day (2001), 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), Hitch (2005), The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)
• Relationship Status: Married to Ryan Gosling (confirmed 2022)

Ryan Gosling (Husband)

• Full Name: Ryan Thomas Gosling
• Date of Birth: November 12, 1980
• Age (as of 2025): 45
• Birthplace: London, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: Actor, Musician
• Notable Works: The Notebook (2004), Drive (2011), La La Land (2016), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Barbie (2023)
• Relationship Status: Married to Eva Mendes (confirmed 2022)

The Ultra-Private Relationship Timeline: From Co-Stars to Secret Spouses

The story of Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling is not one of red carpet debuts and public declarations, but rather a slow-burn romance that blossomed away from the paparazzi's lens. Their relationship timeline is marked by key, yet subtle, milestones.

The Cinematic Spark: The Place Beyond the Pines (2011)

The couple first met on the set of the 2012 crime drama *The Place Beyond the Pines*. They played a troubled, on-screen couple with a child, and their chemistry quickly translated into a real-life romance. Shortly after filming wrapped, they were seen enjoying a date at Disneyland, marking the low-key beginning of their relationship.

The Arrival of Their Daughters

Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling are parents to two daughters. Their first child, Esmeralda Amada Gosling, was born in September 2014. In a sweet tradition, Amada is also the middle name of their second daughter, Amada Lee Gosling, who was born in April 2016. The name "Amada" is a tribute to Eva's Cuban heritage, as it was the name of her grandmother and means "beloved" in Spanish.

The Secret Marriage Confirmation (2022)

For years, the couple faced constant speculation regarding their marital status. In November 2022, Eva Mendes ended the mystery during an appearance on Australia's *Today* show. While discussing her parents, she casually referred to Ryan Gosling as her "husband," finally confirming their secret wedding and marital status. The couple is believed to have been married for "years" before this public acknowledgment.

Why Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling Keep Their Family Life a Secret

The most defining characteristic of their relationship is their unwavering commitment to privacy. This is a deliberate choice, often misunderstood by the public, but one that Eva Mendes has repeatedly explained is necessary for their family's well-being.

Protecting Their Children from the Spotlight

The primary reason for their secrecy is to protect their daughters, Esmeralda and Amada, from the intense scrutiny of fame. Eva Mendes has stated that she wants her children to have as normal a childhood as possible, which means keeping them out of the public eye and off social media. This decision is a rare and admirable move in a celebrity culture that often capitalizes on family life.

A Mutual Respect for Boundaries

The couple has a mutual agreement to keep their personal life separate from their professional careers. They rarely walk red carpets together, and when they do, they keep their comments about their relationship minimal. Mendes has explained that she is comfortable talking about her work, but when it comes to her "man" and "kids," she draws a firm line. This boundary allows them to maintain a sense of normalcy despite their global fame.

Fresh 2024 Updates: Rare Public Appearances and Praise

Despite their private nature, a few key moments in 2024 have provided fans with a rare and fresh glimpse into their long-lasting marriage and family life, reinforcing their status as one of Hollywood's most solid couples.

The Paris Olympics Family Outing

In August 2024, the couple made a rare public appearance with both of their daughters at the Paris Olympics. This was a significant event, as it marked one of the few times they have been photographed publicly as a complete family unit. The outing underscored their commitment to shared family experiences, even as they navigate the spotlight.

Eva Gushes Over Her "Ken"

Following Ryan Gosling's massive success in the 2023 film *Barbie*, Eva Mendes has been one of his most vocal, yet private, supporters. In a May 2024 interview, Mendes gushed about Gosling's dedication to his craft and his role as a father, calling him a "wonderful dad" and praising his ability to juggle his career with family life. This public praise, while rare, offers a touching insight into the deep mutual respect in their marriage.

The 'Ken' Influence on Family Life

The *Barbie* phenomenon has even seeped into their home life. Mendes revealed that Gosling's performance as Ken has brought joy to their daughters, who were able to see their father in a major, family-friendly role. The entire experience was a full-circle moment for the family, highlighting the balance they strive to maintain between their Hollywood careers and their personal lives.

The Enduring Legacy of Hollywood's Most Private Marriage

Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling have proven that a high-profile Hollywood relationship does not have to be a public spectacle. By choosing to keep their marriage and family life a secret for years, they have successfully cultivated a private sanctuary for themselves and their children. Their enduring partnership, confirmed in 2022 and still strong in 2025, is a testament to their mutual understanding, shared values, and commitment to a life away from the celebrity noise. The answer to "Who is Eva Mendes married to?" is not just Ryan Gosling, but a partner who shares her dedication to a quiet, meaningful family life.