eva mendes says "it's harder for asians stars"

I've never thought much of Eva Mendes as an actress, and this doesn't do much to change that... but it does raise her stock several points in my book. In the latest issue of Interview, she comments on the sad state of diversity in Hollywood, and the lack of roles for her as a Latino American woman... but makes note that it's even worse for Asians. Read about it here.

Mendes also says being a Cuban-American actress has helped her career " but Hollywood executives are slow to realize that ethnic diversity is "the future" of America.

"We are the future," she says. "I mean, we're all just mixing together that much more. We are the future in that sense. I don't mean Latinos, I just mean ethnic diversity."

Though Mendes " who stars in the upcoming films The Women (September) and The Spirit (December) " thinks "being a woman in Hollywood is a big enough challenge" because of "the lack of roles," she says she is often passed over for roles.

"What makes it frustrating is when a director or a studio head doesn't see me for the same part that they'll see, let's say, Drew Barrymore for," Mendes says.

"Drew's a great friend of mine," Mendes adds. "But it's like, 'No, we want more of an American type of girl.' And it's like, American has opened up. I'm an American girl, born and raised."

But Mendes doesn't consider it a challenge and thinks it's harder for Asian stars: "We have so many Asian girls in this country, and they're so not represented up on the screen."

Tell us something we don't know. Unfortunately, no one gives a damn. Most people will probably just dwell on her stint in rehab and be done with it. Still, it's kind of nice to see someone, anyone in mainstream media comment on this and give the issue a little attention. If only we could expect the same of Lucy Liu.