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‘Here’s the thing, you might find me in the Hudson River tomorrow,’ joked Gosling after bringing Mendes on stage
Published Mar 06, 2026 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 2 minute read
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Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling on The Tonight Show.Article content
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Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling made their first appearance together as a couple in more than a decade when Gosling surprised his partner for her birthday on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Thursday night.
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Gosling, 45, was appearing on the talk show to promote his latest film, “Project Hail Mary,” when he brought Mendes, 52, on stage so the audience could sing “Happy Birthday” to her, with the song being led by a high school marching band.
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Audience filled with teachers
In “Project Hail Mary,” Gosling portrays a middle school teacher who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory. In keeping with the film’s theme, the studio audience was filled with teachers.
During the interview with Fallon, footage was shown of the actor asking Amazon Alexa facts about “Project Hail Mary.”
The AI replied, stating Mendes called the film a “masterpiece” and that “brings back the magic of the big screen experience” that you can’t get on your couch at home. Alexa also complimented Mendes, stating she had “incredible range” as an actor and she’s “smart in stepping back to focus on family.”
Gosling also told Fallon that Mendes “loves teachers” and even displays her hall monitor sash in their home.
The “Barbie” actor then announced that Thursday was Mendes’ birthday and brought her out from backstage.
“Here’s the thing, you might find me in the Hudson River tomorrow,” joked Gosling.
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Mendes also gave an impromptu speech to the teachers.
“We owe so much to you guys,” she said, “and you’re so underpaid! I had so many amazing teachers.”
“You’ll cut all this, right?” Mendes asked Fallon, who said “no” repeatedly as the audience laughs.
Fallon then brought out the marching band from North Bergen High School in New Jersey, who carried out a “Happy Birthday, Eva!” flag, as the crowd sang the Happy Birthday song to Mendes.
Mendes buried her face in her hands momentarily and kissed Gosling on the cheek as confetti dropped from the ceiling.
Actors Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling attend “The Place Beyond The Pines” premiere during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 7, 2012 in Toronto, Canada. Photo by Sonia Recchia /GettyCouple met during film shoot
Mendes and Gosling reportedly met in 2011 while filming “The Place Beyond the Pines.” In 2022, Mendes referred to Gosling as her husband, hinting they had tied the knot at an unknown time, People reported.
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Gosling and Mednes have two daughters together. The pair have kept their relationship and family life out of the public eye.
Mendes last known acting role was 2014’s “Lost River,” a film written and directed by Gosling, according to IMDB. She did voice acting work for animated series “Bluey” and “Bluey Book Reads” in 2021 and 2024 respectively.
Mendes will often accompany Gosling to appearances, choosing to stay backstage.
For instance, Mendes was backstage at the 2024 Oscars, where Gosling performed “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie.” The actor walked the red carpet with his mother, stepfather and sister.
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