The film that really made the world sit up and notice Eva Mendes was Training Day, a tense drama directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Scott Glenn, and Tom Berenger. She was also featured in action thriller Once Upon A Time In Mexico, directed and written by Robert Rodriguez and starring Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Johnny Depp, and Mickey Rourke. Eva has done comedy too, including a part in Peter and Bobby Farrelly’s film Stuck On You, with Greg Kinnear and Matt Damon. Hitch, a romantic comedy directed by Andy Tennant gave her a starring role opposite Will Smith.

Mendes is a popular talk show guest and has appeared on shows hosted by Jay Leno, Tony Danza, and Oprah Winfrey. In 2003, she took part in The Osbourne Family Christmas Special extravaganza, which featured Ozzy Osbourne, Sharon Osbourne, Jack Osbourne, and Kelly Osbourne with a host of stars, including Carmen Electra, Brendan Fraser, Mike Myers, and rock star Rob Zombie.

Media interest in the love life of Mendes is inevitable, and she has quashed rumors of relationships with Matt Damon and Joaquin Phoenix. She does have a long-standing relationship with film director George Gargurevich who hails from Peru.

Mendes has other interests outside of movies. She has worked as an interior designer and written books for children. She has also joined the advertising campaign for cosmetics firm Revlon.

Another movie project for Mendes is scheduled for release in 2007. Called Ghost Rider, it is written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson and stars Nicolas Cage in a story based on Marvel comic book characters.

Eva Mendes may have been noticed primarily for her looks and didn’t get any kudos for her acting ability at the beginning of her career, but there's no doubt that her skills as an actress have greatly improved over time.

YUDDY