Interview Magazine August 2008: Eva Mendes

Eva Mendes, who spent time in rehab earlier this year, opens up in a revealing interview in the new issue of Interview magazine about substance abuse and addiction. Rehab is not a joke or something to be made fun of, at least not to her.

Interview with David Colman: Now let's talk about substance abuse. My favorite topic.
Eva Mendes: Great.
DC: First of all, what is it with actors and substance abuse?
EM: I don't know. I'm not a spokesperson for any kind of substance-abuse organization.
DC: They're going to have to change the name of it to "Alcoholics Unanimous."
EM: [silence]
DC: I'm sorry, that's a bad joke.
EM: I'm not making jokes, because people die from this stuff. So, honestly, I think it's a bit tacky that you made a joke. I've got to be honest.
DC: You're angry. Listen . . .
EM: I'm not angry. People have died, and I've lost friends too–even recently. So I can be a little
sensitive on the subject.
DC: Look, I haven't had a drink in 11 years. I'm just trying to be light-hearted about it, because it's an awkward topic.
EM: I'm not angry. But because celebrities' lives are so visible, I think it makes it look lighter than it is. I have a really good sense of humor, I'm just very sensitive. The other day I was reading an article. I don't even remember who the actress was, but she's been around for a long time. She said something like, "I'm proud that I've had a whole career without making it to rehab." I thought, That's such a negative twist on it. I'm proud of people who have the determination and the fearlessness to actually go and face their demons and get better. This is a life or death situation. Again, I'm not a spokesperson for this, but it's just that I want to support people for their decisions when they do go in and get help.


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