How Eva Mendes Gave Up Her Childhood Dream For A Career in Hollywood After Discovering Nuns Don’t Make Money!
Eva Mendes reflected on how her childhood aspiration of becoming a nun shifted to pursuing acting after realizing the financial realities of the vocation.
Eva Mendes discussing her career choices at a film premiere (Photo Credit – Instagram)
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Once upon a time, Eva Mendes dreamt of wearing a habit instead of a Hollywood glam gown. Yes, the sizzling star who lights up the screen with her performances was ready to devote her life to the Catholic Church. But the plot twist? She learned that nuns don’t get paid. Game over for the convent dream!
Growing up in LA, Mendes was raised in a lower-middle-class Cuban-American family. She had visions of becoming a nun dedicated to faith and service. But her sister shattered that holy dream with a simple yet crushing truth: “Eva, you know, nuns don’t get paid.” And just like that, the sacred aspirations evaporated faster than the last slice of pizza at a party.
In her quest for financial stability, Mendes made a sharp turn towards acting. “I wanted to provide a good life for my mom,” she revealed. The promise to buy her mother a big house and a car fueled her ambitions. So, she swapped her habit for Hollywood and never looked back.
Mendes initially dabbled in marketing at California State University, Northridge. But fate had other plans. A talent agent spotted her in some neighborhood photos and urged her to give acting a shot. After soul-searching, she decided to ditch the textbooks for the silver screen. Her debut? Children of the Corn V: Fields of Terror. Yikes! Talk about starting from the bottom.
Her journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. Mendes struggled with self-doubt, especially after that first performance. But she persevered through low-budget films, honing her craft until she landed her breakout role in Training Day. Suddenly, Hollywood was taking notice of the Latina beauty, and she was on her way to the top.
Fast forward to 2009, and Mendes was ready for a shift. “I started feeling extremely empty and unsatisfied with the work I was putting out there,” she admitted. A time for reflection she ensued, leading her to seek help for some personal issues. Mendes kept the specifics under wraps, maintaining that wall between her private and public life, but her dedication to self-improvement was apparent.
Despite the struggles, Mendes felt a calling to give back. She championed causes close to her heart, primarily through organizations like the Art of Elysium, helping children heal through art therapy. Her past fueled her desire to uplift others, making her Hollywood success feel all the more meaningful.
But it wasn’t just her professional life that transformed. Mendes, now happily partnered with Ryan Gosling and the mom of two girls, Esmeralda and Amada, found new priorities. “Parenting is the most creative thing I’ve ever done,” she alluded in a 2022 interview. Instead of hiring a nanny, Mendes and Gosling took a hands-on approach, echoing the nurturing environment her mother provided during her childhood. “I felt lucky enough. I want this time with them,” she said, reflecting on her commitment to being present.
So, while the dreams of becoming a nun may have slipped away, Eva Mendes carved a path that was undeniably her own. She might not be rocking a habit, but she knows how to make a statement on and off the screen. With her heart in the right place and her career flourishing, Mendes is proof that dreams can change, but the spirit of giving remains strong. Who needs a convent when you can light up Hollywood?
