Eva Mendes (Miami, 1974) is an American actress and model. She rose to fame in the early 2000s, particularly with her role in the crime drama Training Day (2001), alongside Denzel Washington.

Her film career has spanned several genres, demonstrating her versatility.

She has appeared in action films such as *2 Fast 2 Furious* (2003), successful romantic comedies such as *Hitch* (2005) with Will Smith, and intense dramas such as *We Own the Night* (2007) and *The Place Beyond the Pines* (2012).

Mendes is known for often playing strong, sensual, and charismatic female characters with great stage presence, capable of combining vulnerability and determination. Although she has reduced her film appearances in recent years, her impact on the Hollywood scene has been significant.