At a Glance
- Eva Mendes shared a 2016 photo showing how she hid her second pregnancy from the public
- She welcomed daughter Amada Lee that year with partner Ryan Gosling
- The couple also shares 10-year-old daughter Esmeralda Amada
- Why it matters: Mendes rarely discusses her private life, making these personal insights valuable to fans
Eva Mendes has opened up about concealing her second pregnancy nearly a decade ago. The actress participated in a viral social media trend by posting throwback photos from 2016, revealing how she managed to keep her pregnancy private during that time.
Hidden Bump
The 51-year-old actress shared a carousel of images on her Instagram on Thursday, January 15. The first slide shows Mendes sitting down with a smile, strategically covering herself with blankets layered across her lap.
“2016 – I was pregnant. This is me hiding my belly,” she wrote directly on the black-and-white photograph.
The photo series continued with images from her first professional photoshoot after giving birth. Mendes and her long-time partner Ryan Gosling welcomed their daughter Amada Lee in 2016. Their older daughter, Esmeralda Amada, is now 10 years old.
Personal Reflection
In her Instagram caption, Mendes provided context about that significant year. “2016 – I was hiding my second pregnancy from the public, made some pretty cool biz moves, and heartbreakingly, my brother John passed,” she wrote. “Thank God my youngest was born and saved the family. ♥️.”
This rare glimpse into her personal life comes as Mendes typically maintains privacy regarding her family. The actress has been selective about public appearances and interviews since becoming a mother.
Family Life
Despite her typically private nature, Mendes occasionally shares insights about parenting. In June, she spoke with New Beauty about spending summer with her daughters and Gosling, 45.
“I have no idea. We just go with the flow,” she said when asked about summer plans. “I’m not blaming my kids, but summer is their time to be kids, and I’m really taking it in.”
Mendes emphasized the importance of being present during this stage of her children’s lives. “Our little one turned 9 last week, and our oldest one is 10. I know these moments are fleeting,” she explained. “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.”
Relationship Timeline
The couple’s relationship began in 2011 when they met while filming “The Place Beyond the Pines.” Since then, they’ve maintained a relatively low profile while raising their two daughters.
In September 2024, Mendes appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show, where she discussed the evolution of identity after becoming a mother. Host Drew Barrymore asked about feeling lost after having children.
“Yeah, I felt, I actually didn’t feel lost. I felt very clear, but then I felt lost, if that makes sense,” Mendes responded. “Then, when it was like the cliché of, ok, well, who am I now after the kids can survive on their own?”
She continued, “I mean, they’re only 8 and 10, but you know what I mean? They don’t need me every second. It’s a little different. But I love talking to my girls about anything, so I feel very fulfilled.”
Key Takeaways
- Mendes successfully concealed her second pregnancy throughout 2016 using strategic posing and covering techniques
- The actress balances motherhood with occasional professional projects while maintaining family privacy
- Her reflections on parenting emphasize the fleeting nature of childhood and the importance of presence
- The couple’s decade-long relationship has produced two daughters while they continue to work in the entertainment industry
