Eva Mendes was born in Miami, Florida, to Cuban parents Eva Pérez Suárez and Juan Carlos Méndez. She was raised by her mother in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Silver Lake after her parents' divorce.

Mendes began her acting career with roles in films such as "Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror" (1998) and "Urban Legends: Final Cut" (2000). These early roles laid the groundwork for her future success.

Mendes's performance in "Training Day" (2001) marked a turning point in her career. Her role as the mistress of a corrupt cop, alongside Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke, earned her critical acclaim and led to more significant roles.

Mendes starred in the commercially successful films "2 Fast 2 Furious" (2003) and "Out of Time" (2003), solidifying her position in the film industry.

Mendes played the female lead in the romantic comedy "Hitch" (2005), making her one of the first minority actors to play the lead in a hit romantic comedy.

Mendes starred in film adaptations of comics, including "Ghost Rider" (2007) and "The Spirit" (2008), showcasing her versatility in different genres.

Mendes ventured into more dramatic territory with roles in "We Own the Night" (2007), "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" (2009), "Last Night" (2010), and "The Place Beyond the Pines" (2012), demonstrating her range as an actress.

Mendes appeared in her final film role in "Lost River" (2014) before retiring from acting.

After a brief retirement, Mendes returned to acting in 2021, although specific projects from this period are not detailed.

Mendes married in 2022, marking a significant personal milestone.