Antonio Banderas at 64: A look back at his career and love life

In the 90s, he was considered one of the best and most handsome actors. On 10th August, Antonio Banderas celebrates his 64th birthday. On this occasion, we revisit the story of his relationship with Melanie Griffith, whom he separated from after 18 years.

Thanks to roles in films such as "Interview with the Vampire", "Philadelphia", "The Mask of Zorro" and "Desperado", he gained international fame. Antonio Banderas was born on 10th August 1960 in Malaga, Spain. Although he initially wanted to become a footballer, he broke his leg at the age of 14. A year later, when he saw the musical "Hair" on stage, he knew he wanted to be an actor.

At the age of 19, he moved to Madrid, where he completed the School of Dramatic Art. He then joined the Spanish National Theatre. From the beginning of his career, he supplemented his income as a model but also worked as a waiter, shop assistant, and cinema worker. His personal life is as rich as his professional one.

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas saw each other for the first time during the Oscars in 1989. Their paths crossed again on the set of the film "Too Much", where they played a couple. The connection turned out to be so strong that the actor left his wife Ana Leza, with whom he had been for 9 years, for his new love. A few months after the divorce, Banderas and Griffith got married.

The couple married on 14th May 1996, and soon their daughter Stella was born. Banderas is also a stepfather to the actress's children from her previous relationships - Alexander Bauer and Dakota Mayi Johnson.

The actress had previously struggled with addictions. While in a relationship with Banderas, she became addicted to painkillers. The actor supported his wife in her fight against addiction, accompanying her to AA meetings and helping other addicted people. Despite their efforts, their relationship did not survive.

The media reported a marriage crisis, suggesting Melanie was losing control of her behaviour and Antonio was tired of the situation. There were also reports that their feelings had faded.

At the same time, Melanie began to make extensive use of plastic surgery, which some interpreted as an attempt to cope with marital problems. Antonio is said to have asked his wife to stop these procedures, and doctors warned that it could be a form of replacing one addiction with another.

The divorce occurred due to "irreconcilable differences". Although the couple officially separated in 2015, they maintain a friendly relationship to this day. Banderas and Griffith still keep in touch.

The actor is dating a Dutch investment consultant, Nicole Kimpel, who is 20 years younger. He often appears with his beloved at events, taking his 27-year-old daughter Stella. Banderas and Griffith's daughter has developed an interest in acting and directing while also building a career as a photo model.