Daijiworld Media Network - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, Jun 19: Hollywood star Eva Mendes recently opened up about the sweet, unexpected way she and Ryan Gosling first connected—over a shared love for cleaning.

Speaking to New Beauty, Mendes fondly recalled how their bond began in 2011 on the set of The Place Beyond the Pines, where their off-screen chemistry soon turned into a real-life relationship.

“I always thought loving a clean house was a Cuban thing,” said Mendes, 51. “Growing up, my mom would blast music, sing, and clean the whole house. That’s where some of my happiest memories come from—smelling Pine-Sol and hearing El Puma on the stereo.”

To her surprise, Gosling shared that same passion. “He’d come over and completely vibe with the energy. When my family was around, we’d all take over the kitchen—it had to be spotless. It turned into this lovely bonding ritual.”

The Training Day actress also spoke about her growing lifestyle brand, Skura Style x Eva Mendes Collection, praising the hands-on experience of designing her own product packaging. “I’m just nuts for it,” she said.

Looking ahead to summer, Mendes said her focus is entirely on family time with daughters Esmeralda, 10, and Amada, 9. “Summer is all about them being kids, and I just want to soak up every moment—with them and Ryan, of course. That’s where I’m happiest.”

Though fiercely private, Mendes first confirmed her marriage to Gosling in 2022, having reportedly tied the knot quietly in California years earlier.