Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes: A Timeline of Their Private Romance
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are known for being one of Hollywood’s most private couples. Their relationship, which began in 2011, has largely remained out of the public eye, despite both being successful actors. Here’s a look at their journey, from meeting on set to building a family and continuing to support each other’s careers.
How They Met
Gosling and Mendes first met on the set of their 2011 film, The Place Beyond the Pines, where they played a married couple. Their on-screen chemistry quickly translated into a real-life connection. The Knot notes that their portrayal of a husband and wife foreshadowed their own romance.
Building a Family
The couple began dating shortly after meeting and welcomed their first daughter, Esmeralda Amada Gosling, in September 2014. Their second daughter, Amanda Lee Gosling, arrived in April 2016. Mendes has spoken about prioritizing family and taking a step back from acting to focus on raising their children. Glamour reports that Mendes clarified a “nonverbal agreement” with Gosling to limit her acting roles, emphasizing her desire to be present for her kids.
Supporting Each Other’s Careers
Despite maintaining a private life, Gosling and Mendes have publicly shown their support for each other’s work. In 2017, Gosling dedicated his Golden Globe award for La La Land to Mendes, acknowledging her sacrifices while he pursued his career. He highlighted that she was raising their daughter while pregnant with their second child and supporting her brother through cancer treatment. People detailed this heartfelt speech.
Recent Public Appearances
In February 2025, Mendes playfully supported Gosling’s film, Project Hail Mary, by posting photos on Instagram wearing a “Believe in the Hail Mary” T-shirt. Glamour highlighted this Valentine’s Day gesture. More recently, in August 2024, the couple made a rare joint public appearance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Glamour reported on this event. Gosling also surprised Mendes with a birthday appearance on The Tonight Show, a rare television appearance for the couple. EW covered this surprise.
A Lasting Relationship
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have maintained a remarkably stable relationship for over a decade, consistently prioritizing their family and supporting each other’s endeavors while largely staying out of the spotlight. Their commitment to privacy has allowed them to build a strong and lasting bond away from the pressures of Hollywood.