The Ultimate 'Girl Dad': 5 Fascinating Facts About Ryan Gosling's Private Life With His Kids

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Ryan Gosling, the man who effortlessly transitioned from a heartthrob in *The Notebook* to a global cultural phenomenon as Ken in *Barbie*, maintains one of the most intensely private family lives in Hollywood. As of December 22, 2025, the actor and his long-time partner, Eva Mendes, are dedicated parents to two daughters, a role Gosling has repeatedly called the most important in his life. The couple has masterfully shielded their children from the spotlight, making every rare detail about their family dynamic a fascinating glimpse into the world of Hollywood's most elusive power couple.

This commitment to privacy means that many fans are unaware of the unique names and ages of his children, or how fatherhood has fundamentally reshaped his career choices, leading him to become the industry’s ultimate ‘Girl Dad.’ The decisions he makes on and off-screen are now entirely filtered through the lens of his life at home, prioritizing his family above all else.

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes: A Private Hollywood Power Couple Profile

The relationship between Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes began in 2011 while filming the critically acclaimed drama *The Place Beyond the Pines*. Over a decade later, their bond is defined by an unwavering commitment to keeping their personal lives out of the media frenzy, a choice that has allowed them to raise their family in a relatively normal environment.

  • Ryan Thomas Gosling (Partner)
    • Born: November 12, 1980 (Age 45 as of late 2025)
    • Birthplace: London, Ontario, Canada
    • Career Highlights: Three-time Academy Award nominee; known for roles in *The Notebook*, *Half Nelson*, *La La Land*, *Drive*, *Blade Runner 2049*, and the global smash hit *Barbie*.
    • Current Focus: Selecting roles that are 'fun' for his daughters and avoiding 'dark' or 'heavy' material to maintain a positive home environment.
  • Eva de la Caridad Méndez (Partner)
    • Born: March 5, 1974 (Age 51 as of late 2025)
    • Birthplace: Miami, Florida, U.S.
    • Heritage: Cuban-American (Parents are Cuban immigrants).
    • Career Highlights: Actress, model, and businesswoman; known for films like *Training Day*, *2 Fast 2 Furious*, and *Hitch*. She has largely retired from acting since 2015 to focus on motherhood and her business ventures.
    • Role in Family: Primary caregiver and the architect of their family's intense privacy.

The Two Daughters: Esmeralda Amada and Amada Lee

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes share two daughters, both born in Santa Monica, California. The names they chose are deeply personal, reflecting Eva Mendes' Cuban heritage and a strong connection to her family.

1. Esmeralda Amada Gosling

The couple’s first child, Esmeralda Amada, was born on September 12, 2014. As of December 2025, she is 11 years old.

  • Name Meaning: 'Esmeralda' is a Spanish and Portuguese name meaning "emerald." 'Amada' is a Spanish name meaning "beloved" or "dear."
  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame Connection: Eva Mendes has stated that the name Esmeralda was inspired by the character Esmeralda from Victor Hugo's novel *The Hunchback of Notre Dame*, a figure she and Ryan both admire.

2. Amada Lee Gosling

Their second daughter, Amada Lee, was born almost two years later on April 29, 2016. As of late 2025, she is 9 years old and will celebrate her 10th birthday in the spring of 2026.

  • The Shared Name: In a unique choice, both daughters share the middle name 'Amada.' This is not a coincidence; the name is a tribute to Eva Mendes’ grandmother.
  • Family Heritage: Mendes explained that in her Cuban culture, it is common to reuse family names, emphasizing the importance of honoring their roots and creating a strong familial bond through the naming tradition.

How Fatherhood Transformed Ryan Gosling’s Career and Public Persona

The arrival of his daughters marked a seismic shift in Ryan Gosling’s professional and personal life. He has openly discussed how his role as a father—often called the "Ultimate Girl Dad"—now dictates the roles he accepts and the public image he projects. This influence became most visible during his transformative role in *Barbie*, a film he took on explicitly for his children.

The 'Girl Dad' Influence on Film Choices

Gosling's decision to play Ken in the 2023 *Barbie* movie was directly influenced by his daughters. He noticed their indifference to Ken dolls, which sparked a curiosity about the character and the role.

  • Avoiding 'Dark' Roles: The actor has made a conscious decision to move away from the darker, more intense roles he was known for in films like *Drive* or *Blue Valentine*. He seeks out projects that will be fun for his family and that he can feel comfortable bringing home.
  • The *Barbie* Effect: The global success of *Barbie* and his Oscar-nominated performance as Ken allowed Gosling to embrace a new, lighter persona. He credits his daughters with giving him the inspiration and permission to be "Kenough."
  • Eva Mendes’ Perspective: Eva Mendes, who retired from acting to focus on motherhood, has supported this shift, highlighting the importance of their shared parenting responsibilities. She hopes their example shows their girls that there are no gender-specific roles in a family.

The Commitment to Unprecedented Privacy

One of the most defining aspects of the Gosling-Mendes family is their extreme commitment to privacy. Unlike many celebrity couples who share curated glimpses of their children, Ryan and Eva have chosen to keep their daughters completely out of the public eye.

  • No Red Carpet Appearances: Esmeralda and Amada have never walked a red carpet, and their parents rarely discuss them in detail during interviews.
  • Protecting Childhood: This intense privacy is a deliberate effort to ensure their children have a normal, grounded childhood away from the scrutiny and pressures of Hollywood. Eva Mendes, in particular, has been vocal about this decision, stating that they are simply trying to protect their kids.
  • Prioritizing Family Time: The couple often takes extended breaks between projects to ensure one parent is always home, demonstrating their co-parenting commitment. This balance highlights their dedication to being present parents, not just celebrity parents.

Ryan Gosling's journey from a young Canadian actor to a global superstar and devoted father is a compelling narrative. His daughters, Esmeralda Amada and Amada Lee, are the central focus of his world, driving his career choices and solidifying his public image as a caring, dedicated 'Girl Dad' in the ever-evolving landscape of 2025 Hollywood. His and Eva Mendes' success in maintaining a private, loving family life remains a testament to their shared values and commitment.

ryan gosling kids
ryan gosling kids

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