Antonio Banderas biography, net worth, wife, young, age, children, height and weight 2025

Biography of Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas is a world-class star. The actor began his career in Spain before moving to Hollywood, where he achieved massive success while continuing to work in his homeland, staying proud of his roots. His net worth is about $60 million

Early life

Antonio Banderas was born in Spanish Malaga on August 10, 1960. His full name is Jose Antonio, Domínguez Banderas. His mother Ana was a teacher, and his father José served as an officer in the Guards. The family had another child — his younger brother, Francisco Javier.

The future actor wasn't particularly fond of studying and devoted all his free time to football. He dreamed of becoming a professional player, but a broken leg forced him to look for other career options. That's when the boy saw a performance of "Hair" and became excited about trying his hand at acting.

The next step was joining the local theater school at the age of 16, and later he joined the studio run by Ángeles Rubio-Arguelles, the wife of a writer and cinematographer Edgar Neville.

Career of the actor

It was on stage that Antonio really began learning the craft of acting. He toured the country and got into trouble for performing in a Bertolt Brecht play — he was even arrested by police since the work hadn't passed censorship.

By age 19, Banderas couldn't see himself as anything else — only as an actor. He decided it was time to "move up," so he relocated to Madrid and joined the country's National Theater.

Antonio transitioned to film largely thanks to Pedro Almodóvar. The appearance of the actor in the «Labyrinth of Passion» (1982) marked the beginning of long-term cooperation and friendship with the director. Throughout the '80s, Banderas worked in his homeland and became highly recognizable. All the films of that period shaped Antonio's screen persona, but it was his collaborations with Almodóvar that brought him closer to international stardom, such as «Matador» (1986), «Law of Desire» (1986), «Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown» (1988), «Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!»(1990).

Antonio Banderas in the movie «Labyrinth of Passion»

Banderas got his shot at Hollywood when he landed his first American role in «The Mambo Kings» (1992). Even before its release, Antonio signed on to star in «The House of the Spirits» (1993) with Meryl Streep and Glenn Close, as well as in «Philadelphia» ‒ a bold and progressive film for its time. In the latter, Banderas played the lover of Tom Hanks' terminally ill character.

Antonio Banderas in the movie «Interview with the Vampire»

Next, the Spanish actor transformed into a vampire in «Interview with the Vampire» (1994). The film brought together all the male heartthrobs of the era: Antonio Banderas, Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. «Desperado» (1995) only reinforced his macho image, and a year later, while filming «Two Much» (1996), Banderas met his future wife.

Antonio Banderas is singing a song in the film «Desperado»

Antonio's filmography expanded rapidly, with several new films added each year. Rather than relying solely on his looks, he chose diverse roles, constantly exploring new characters. The musical «Evita» (1996), the adventure film «The Mask of Zorro» (1998), the dramatic action film «The 13th Warrior» (1999) confirmed the actor's commitment to growth and versatility.

Antonio Banderas in the film called «The Mask of Zorro»

In 2000, Robert Rodriguez assembled a cast with the goal of "acting like hooligans" in «Spy Kids». The success of the film allowed it to grow into a trilogy, and Banderas remained a crucial part of the franchise. Antonio also agreed to join Angelina Jolie in «Original Sin» (2001) ‒ an intricate and intriguing drama, which explored the intricacies of relationships in intimate detail. The film «Frida» (2002), with Salma Hayek in the role of a famous artist, proved equally compelling, and Banderas couldn't resist the biographical drama.

Antonio Banderas in the film «Original Sin»

Two years later, the actor joined the already famous team of dubbing and voiced The Puss in Boots in «Shrek 2» (2004). Ironically, he then starred in «The Legend of Zorro» (2005), reprising his role as the skilled and charming swordsman.

While Antonio's A-list film appearances became less frequent, he continued taking on smaller projects from time to time.

Antonio Banderas voiced a cat in a cartoon about Shrek

In 2011, Almodovar realized he hadn't worked with his old friend in far too long. They made «The Skin I Live In» (2011), a psychological thriller exploring relationships and identity, and once again earned critical acclaim. Rodriguez also reached out to his old friend. This led to his role in «Machete Kills» (2013), and soon after, he joined the star-studded cast of '80s and '90s action heroes in the cult franchise «The Expendables 3» (2014).

Just before filming the series «Genius» (2017), Banderas suffered a heart attack. Fortunately, he recovered fully, but the experience made him completely overhaul his lifestyle: he quit smoking, gave up alcohol entirely, and embraced yoga and regular jogging.

Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso in the series «Genius»

In 2018 a Russian film «Beyond the Edge» with Antonio's participation was released. With the actor constantly in demand, his schedule stays booked years ahead. One of the most anticipated projects was «Pain and Glory» (2019) by Pedro Almodovar, featuring Antonio alongside the director's frequent collaborator and close friend Penelope Cruz.

Antonio Banderas in the film «Beyond the Edge»

Business activities

Beyond acting, Banderas has strategically invested his earnings across diverse ventures, from winemaking to fashion. He owns vineyards in Spain, with some of the wine produced there marketed under his own name.

Antonio Banderas is engaged in wine production

Banderas has repeatedly acted as the face of world brands, including «Viceroy» and «Orbit». He also released his own perfume, in which the company «Puig» helped him. The «Antonio Banderas» brand has maintained its popularity ever since, continuously launching new fragrances for both men and women. In 2016, he launched a men's clothing line with «Selected», personally overseeing the design process.

Eau de toilette «Blue» by Antonio Banderas

Following advice from his partner Nicole, who has expertise in finance and investments, Antonio purchased the restaurant «El Pimpi» in his hometown of Malaga.

Antonio Banderas is dancing the tango in the movie «Take the Lead»

Banderas is also a talented singer, often performing vocal parts in his films. Antonio now not only performs in concerts but has also graced major events with his performances. So, in 2005, at the Oscar ceremony, he performed a song from the film «Diarios de Motocicleta» (2004). He was accompanied by guitarist Carlos Santana.

Personal life of Antonio Banderas

According to Zoomboola.com, in 1988, the actor married the Spanish actress Ana Leza. The marriage appeared solid and happy from the outside until news of their divorce suddenly broke in 1995. The reason was Antonio's love affair with a colleague in the film «Two Much» Melanie Griffith, who was also not free at the time of the meeting. She was involved with Don Johnson and had given birth to his daughter Dakota, who would later star in "Fifty Shades of Grey."

Antonio Banderas and his first wife Ana Leza

The wedding of Melanie and Antonio took place in 1996; that same year, they welcomed their daughter Stella del Carmen. In 2014, Melanie filed for divorce because of the betrayal of her husband with actress Natalie Burn.

Antonio Banderas and his wife Melanie Griffith

Since then, rumors about Banderas's alleged new relationships constantly surface in the press. Whenever he's spotted with a woman, the media immediately jumps to conclusions. Sharon Stone once had to address reporters after they linked her romantically to Antonio. Since Stone is friends with both Griffith and Banderas, she quickly issued a denial to avoid any drama.

Antonio Banderas with his wife and children

Antonio didn't stay single for long. In 2015, he met financier Nicole Kempel and swept her off her feet. The new lover is 21 years younger than the actor, but they assure that they do not pay attention to the age difference at all. The couple isn't planning to tie the knot. According to Banderas, there's no need since they already feel like they're married.

Antonio Banderas now

Banderas continues to act in films. In 2019, he appeared in "The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle." Antonio also starred in the dramatic film "The Laundromat" in the role of Ramon Fonseca.

In 2020, Antonio Banderas appeared in the title role in the movie "Lamborghini". In addition, the premiere of "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" is expected in the same year.

Antonio Banderas: latest news and articles

Choose Hollywood actor with the most piercing gaze
14 Aug 2022

Kevin Jesus Ross

Everybody knows that movies with Antonio are great.

2021-05-10 16:42:45
Charles Murray

Before I didn`t like movies with Banderas and now he became mature and I started to like watching movies with him.

2021-05-07 11:25:30
Felicia Stewart

Before Banderas used to play only sweet guy and breaking the hearts of the girls :) and now he started to play serious roles.

2021-04-21 20:39:42
Matthew Adrian Hughes

I like him for the movies The Mask of Zorro and The Expendables and I also like his perfume :)

2021-03-07 11:45:07
Landon Miguel Evans

Banderas is cool, his best roles are in The Expendables.

2021-02-27 17:58:20

Photos: Antonio Banderas