Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes, a couple celebrated in Hollywood, have built a strong partnership that extends beyond the screen into their family life. Since 2011, their relationship has blossomed, particularly after they co-starred in The Place Beyond the Pines in 2012. This on-screen family experience sparked a real-life desire for Gosling, leading them to welcome two daughters into their lives: Esmeralda Amada, born in 2014, and Amada Lee, born in 2016. Their journey as parents is a testament to their commitment to family amidst their thriving careers.
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Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes navigate family life while maintaining their Hollywood careers.
A Private Family in the Public Eye
Despite their fame, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are known for maintaining a notably private family life. This intentional privacy shields their daughters from the intense public scrutiny often associated with celebrity families. Mendes has openly discussed setting “clear boundaries” to protect her children’s privacy, particularly on social media. She expressed in an Instagram post in 2020 her decision to refrain from sharing images of her daughters until they are old enough to consent, respecting their autonomy and understanding of online presence.
This commitment to privacy was evident during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Mendes publicly thanked media outlets for respecting their children’s privacy by not focusing cameras on their daughters’ faces, highlighting her gratitude for the media’s understanding and cooperation in protecting her family’s private moments.
Hands-On Parenting Approach
Sources close to the couple have described Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes as “hands-on parents” who are deeply involved in raising their daughters without much external help. An insider revealed to PEOPLE in August 2023 that their primary focus outside of work is their children, emphasizing their dedication to being present and active in their daughters’ lives.
Gosling himself echoed this sentiment in a 2024 interview with Variety, reflecting on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of family. He emphasized that his priority is spending quality time with his family, reinforcing the image of a father deeply cherishing his moments with his children and prioritizing family above all else.
Esmeralda Amada Gosling: The Firstborn
Esmeralda Amada Gosling, their elder daughter, arrived on September 12, 2014, in Santa Monica, California. The couple’s ability to keep the pregnancy a secret for a considerable time underscores their commitment to privacy. A source mentioned to PEOPLE that Mendes has always preferred to keep her personal life, especially concerning her family, away from excessive public attention, a value shared by the inherently private Ryan Gosling.
Upon Esmeralda’s birth, sources reported that Gosling was “madly in love” with his new daughter, and Mendes was overjoyed with motherhood. Becoming a mother led Mendes to temporarily step back from acting to embrace being a stay-at-home mom, a role she openly admits is more challenging than her acting career, highlighting the immense dedication and effort she puts into parenting.
Gosling publicly acknowledged his family during his Golden Globe acceptance speech for La La Land. He dedicated his award to Mendes and his daughters, recognizing Mendes’ sacrifices and efforts in raising their daughter and supporting her family while he was working. This heartfelt dedication showcased his deep appreciation for his family’s support and his profound connection with them. He further honored Mendes’ late brother in his speech, adding a layer of personal tribute to his family acknowledgment. Mendes has also shared glimpses into Esmeralda’s creative spirit, recounting anecdotes about her unique fashion choices, like wearing socks as sleeves, celebrating her daughter’s imaginative nature.
Amada Lee Gosling: Completing the Family
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Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes at an event, representing their blended public and private personas as a family unit.
Amada Lee Gosling, their second daughter, was born on April 29, 2016. The public was unaware of Mendes’s second pregnancy until just a month before Amada’s birth, again emphasizing their ability to maintain privacy. Amada is named after Mendes’ grandmother, and the name itself means “beloved” in Spanish, signifying the deep familial connections and affection within the Ryan Gosling Family.
Mendes has described their parenting style as “controlling” or “bulldozing,” indicating their proactive and highly involved approach to raising their children. She humorously mentioned on The Kelly Clarkson Show that they feel the need to be constantly attentive, underscoring their commitment to ensuring their daughters’ well-being and safety. Mendes also finds inspiration in her daughters’ creativity and freedom of expression, encouraging their unique perspectives and unconventional ideas, like wearing socks on their hands or costumes with pajamas, fostering an environment of creativity and acceptance within their home.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mendes shared relatable parenting moments, such as her daughters’ playful makeup sessions and their shared enjoyment of Cuban music, offering a glimpse into their family life during quarantine. She emphasized fostering creativity, even embracing boredom as a catalyst for imagination, advocating for less screen time and more unstructured play to stimulate her children’s inventive minds.
Conclusion: Family First for Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have crafted a family life that prioritizes privacy, hands-on parenting, and fostering creativity in their daughters. Despite their demanding careers in Hollywood, their commitment to their “ryan gosling family” remains paramount. They navigate the challenges of fame while ensuring a nurturing and private environment for Esmeralda and Amada, showcasing a balanced approach to celebrity life and family values.
