Was Eva Mendes Researching Role In Rehab?

Actress Eva Mendes reportedly may have checked herself into a rehab clinic in January to prepare herself for a new role where she plays a Spanish drug lord.

The actress checked herself into Utah's Cirque Lodge to deal with "some personal issues," her representative stated at the time.

Hollywood was shocked at the move, but now it seems there may have been more to her rehab stay than she let on.

We have now learned that the 30-year-old actress has landed a role alongside Josh Hartnett and Sir Ben Kingsley in a new movie "Queen of the South." Mendes plays Teresa Mendoza, who flees to Spain from Mexico when her drug-runner boyfriend is murdered.

Hollywood is now speculating that Mendes may have been researching a role in rehab - a theory backed by leading acting coach John Kirby.

Kirby told Star Magazine, "It's not unusual at all for an actor or actress to go to the extreme of checking into rehab to prepare for a character. In fact, I would encourage that for my students, because you want to fully immerse yourself in the role."