Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling | Source; Getty Images
Eva Mendes recently opened up about her personal life in a candid interview, but fans couldn’t help but point out that her face has changed noticeably.
Ryan Gosling’s partner, Eva Mendes looked stunning in an official pantsuit as she promoted her new book on “The Tonight Show.”
A fan comments on Eva Mendes’s facial appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” as she promoted her new children’s book, from an Instagram video, dated September 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/pagesix/
The actress had a chat with Jimmy Falon about her first children’s book “Desi, Mami, and the Never-Ending Worries,” which she has been promoting ever since it was released on September 17, 2024.
Mendes is excited about her latest project and she couldn’t help gushing about it on air. However, viewers seemed focused on her facial appearance , expressing mixed reactions after seeing her during the interview.
Eva Mendes on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” promoting her new children’s book, from a YouTube video, dated September 19, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@fallontonight
Fans expressed their concerns, with one saying , “She has had too much work done. She is young and she is naturally beautiful without all the extra surgical work.”
Eva Mendes on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” promoting her new children’s book, from a YouTube video, dated September 19, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@fallontonight
Another fan complimented Mendes while advising her, “She looks like herself but her face is lacking natural movement. A new injector will get her to the sweet spot without overdoing it. Such a naturally beautiful, funny, and charismatic woman!”
Eva Mendes on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” promoting her new children’s book, from a YouTube video, dated September 19, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@fallontonight
One user cringed , “If only her face moved 🥴.” Another fan took a more sarcastic tone, writing , “Oh I see her plastic surgery went wrong haha, oh Eva Aunty hahahaa.” A different viewer noted the change in her look over time, “She looks so different from the 2001 Training Day Eva.”
Eva Mendes on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” promoting her new children’s book, from a YouTube video, dated September 19, 2024 | Source: Youtube/@fallontonight
Some also pointed out specific features, with one saying , “I never realized she blew her lips up with Botox. She is so stunning there was no need for that.”
Despite the critiques, a few fans still showered Eva Mendes with praise, as one stated , “She is drop Dead gorgeous,” while another gushed , “She is so beautiful and classy as the same time. Wow.”
Today, she doesn’t feel the need to wear revealing clothing and even wonders why she was keen on doing that in the past.
As much as fans sometimes comment on her appearance, Mendes had previously said , “I don’t succumb to societal pressure. Whatever I want to do, I do.” In 2023, when she shared that she had been shaving her face, she received comments from several women who had been doing the same for years.
Eva Mendes having her face shaved, from an Instagram post, dated June 6, 2023 | Source: Instagram/evamendes/
The actress wrote , “Ok I guess ‘dermaplaning’ is the preferred word but it is what it is and I LOVE it!” She attached pictures of herself undergoing the procedure, affirming her fans who do the same.
The 50-year-old now finds beauty to be undefinable , saying it can be found in anything and everything as long as one is open to seeing it. Her style has evolved since she was in her 30s and she now adores flowy dresses, big hoops, and wrapping her hair.
Today, she doesn’t feel the need to wear revealing clothing and even wonders why she was keen on doing that in the past. She acknowledged that her new view towards clothing may be attributed to the fact that she is a mother of two girls.
More than two decades ago, Mendes chose to leave her acting career behind to take care of her daughters Esmeralda Amada and Amada Lee, whom she shares with Ryan Gosling . She noted that the decision was easy to make, adding , “All those years are just so formative. I wanted to be there for all of it.”
As she focuses on her family, Mendes has also been drawn into the world of business and publications. She is the co-owner of the cleaning brand Skura Style and is now an author.
Eva Mendes promoting her new children’s book, from an Instagram post, dated September 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/evamendes/
Mendes speaks passionately about her book, revealing , “It’s based on my experience with my kids and putting them to bed and the worries that we have all day and how the voices are louder.”
Eva Mendes promoting her new children’s book, from an Instagram post, dated September 19, 2024 | Source: Instagram/evamendes/
She mentioned that kids’ worries tend to feel more intense just before falling asleep. So, Mendes hopes that other parents and caregivers will appreciate the message she aims to convey in her book.
Just as fans have focused on Mendes’ appearance as she promotes her new book, they previously shared similar views about her partner, Gosling at “The Fall Guy” premiere at SXSW. His appearance sparked public reaction as fans noted a significant change in his usually familiar features. Some suggested he had too many fillers.
Ryan Gosling during “The Fall Guy” premiere, dated April 2024. | Source: Instagram/CriticsChoice
While Gosling shared his thoughts about the movie, the online community focused on something else. Soon, X, formerly Twitter, was flooded with comments about Gosling’s seemingly altered appearance.
Ryan Gosling during “The Fall Guy” premiere, dated April 2024. | Source: Instagram/CriticsChoice
Fans expressed their confusion and disappointment with various comments on social media. One fan asked , “What’s going on with Ryan Gosling’s face?”
Ryan Gosling during “The Fall Guy” premiere, dated April 2024. | Source: Instagram/CriticsChoice
Meanwhile, others expressed sadness and nostalgia for his previous looks. “Omgosh [sic], he used to be handsome, sad!” one post read. Speculations about aging and weight gain also made their way online. “He got old,” a person wrote . “He gained some weight?” a second presumed .
Ryan Gosling during “The Fall Guy” premiere, dated April 2024. | Source: Instagram/CriticsChoice
More pointedly, several comments suggested that cosmetic procedures might be the cause of the change. Accusations like, “Fillers ruined him,” and speculations such as “Why he wants to go for fillers…it utterly destroyed his face,” were prevalent.
One particularly harsh criticism stated , “Look what a plastic surgeon did to Ryan Gosling’s face. This is from SXSW in Austin last month. Men…don’t do this.” Another comment mentioned , “Cheek filler overload!”
Ryan Gosling at the Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The overwhelming consensus among fans indicates a mixture of surprise and dismay, highlighting the intense scrutiny public figures face regarding their physical appearance.
Ryan Gosling at the Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Gosling’s appearance raised eyebrows not just at the SXSW. It also triggered concerns about his suitability for his role as Ken in the “Barbie” movie.
Ryan Gosling perfroming at the Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The public debate around his appearance has not been limited to casual comments. It was also extensive enough to feature in significant publications, which reported on “Barbie” fans slamming Gosling for being too old to play Ken.
Ryan Gosling perfroming at the Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood in 2024 | Source: Getty Images
This wasn’t Gosling’s first rodeo with appearance-based criticism; however, his response remained diplomatic and slightly amused. Gosling wittily addressed the criticisms by saying , “I would say, you know, if people don’t want to play with my Ken, there are many other Kens to play with.”
Ryan Gosling and sister Mandi Gosling in New York in 2006 | Source: Getty Images
This light-hearted comeback highlights his ability to stay above the fray of public scrutiny. Further detailing his connection to the role, Gosling revealed how his daughters played a crucial role in his preparation and interpretation of Ken.
Ryan Gosling at the World Premiere of “Barbie” on July 9, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
They were a huge source of inspiration and actively contributed feedback on his performance, indicating their integral part in his creative process. He mentioned, “They’ve seen a lot pieces of [the film], and helped me a lot with it,” underscoring their influence.
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes with their child | Source: Instagram.com/Evamendes
Despite this close involvement, Gosling humorously noted that it might still be “weird” for his daughters to see their father fully embody Ken, suggesting he might delay their viewing of the complete “Ken energy” on screen.
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes | Source: Instagram.com/Evamendes
His approach to the role and the familial interactions surrounding it reflect a personal journey that deeply contrasts with the public’s sometimes harsh gaze.
Ryan Gosling at the World Premiere of “Barbie” on July 9, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Through this discourse, Gosling painted a picture of Ken as an underdog whose story deserved to be told, imbuing the character with an unexpected depth and defending his role with a personal dedication that extended beyond mere acting.
“I care about this dude now. I’m like his representative,” he joked , encapsulating his deep dive into the character’s portrayal. Mendes came forward to staunchly defend her partner, Gosling, amid the scrutiny and criticism he faced over his appearance and role in the “Barbie” movie.
Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling at “The Place Beyond The Pines” premiere in Toronto in 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Taking to Instagram, Mendes expressed immense pride in Gosling’s work, particularly in light of the backlash he received for portraying Ken.
Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes in New York in 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Her post read , “So proud of my man. So much hate when he took on this role. So many people trying to shame him for doing it. Despite all the #Notmyken ridicule and articles written about him, he created this completely original, hilarious, heartbreaking, now iconic character and took it all the way to Oscars. So beyond proud to be this Ken’s Barbie.”
Accompanying her heartfelt message, Mendes shared a photo of herself wearing a shirt that featured Gosling in his Ken role, visually supporting her words and further emphasizing her admiration and support for his creative achievements.
Despite his recent appearance at SXSW stirring debates and questions about his “Barbie” role, Gosling remains an A-list star and one of Hollywood’s most admired men. However, it’s noteworthy that despite his heartthrob status, Gosling has never been named “Sexiest Man Alive” by People magazine.
Ryan Gosling attends the 22nd Annual Critics’ Choice Awards at Barker Hangar on December 11, 2016, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
This fact surprises many, given his widespread appeal and significant fan base that has often rallied for him to receive this accolade. In 2011, when Bradley Cooper received the title, fans were so incensed that they protested outside People’s headquarters, advocating for Gosling to be chosen instead.
Ryan Gosling during the Apple Store Soho Presents Meet The Filmmaker: Ryan Gosling, “Lost River” at Apple Store Soho on April 11, 2015 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Julie Jordan, a Senior Writer at People, explained the selection process, saying , “There is always a good pool to choose from. In the past, we have considered Ryan Gosling, but it’s a matter of who wants and deserves it.”
Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, and Ryan Gosling at “The Place Beyond The Pines” premiere at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival | Source: Getty Images
According to a source, “They tried a few times, especially during his huge year in 2011. The consensus was he’s too serious for it, too artsy.” Gosling’s reluctance to embrace the “sexiest” label is consistent with his public persona; he has often expressed discomfort with his “heartthrob” status.
Ryan Gosling during the 89th Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
People’s Editorial Director also commented on the decision-making process, especially in 2014 when Chris Hemsworth was named “Sexiest Man Alive.”
They remarked , “While I look forward to the day when Ryan Gosling is named Sexiest Man Alive, this was not his year. Our 2014 honoree Chris Hemsworth was our first and only choice. If you want to know why, just look at him. I mean, seriously.”
Ryan Gosling during the 22nd Annual Hollywood Film Awards on November 4, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
This reinforces the notion that while Gosling is a contender, the timing and context have never quite aligned for him to take the title, despite his undeniable appeal and significant fan support.