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

Antonio Banderas Biography

Antonio Banderas is a world-class star. The actor, who started his career in Spain, later moved to Hollywood and achieved massive success, though he never stopped working in his homeland, taking pride in his roots. His most famous films include "Desperado," "Matador," "The Mambo Kings," "Zorro," and many others.

Childhood

Antonio Banderas was born in Málaga, Spain, on August 10, 1960. His full name is José Antonio Domínguez Banderas. His mother, Ana, was a schoolteacher, and his father, José, served in the Spanish Civil Guard. The family had another child – a younger son, Francisco Javier.

The future actor wasn't particularly fond of studying and spent all his free time playing soccer. He dreamed of becoming a professional player, but a broken leg forced him to consider other options for his future.

Antonio Banderas with his parents and brother

Right around that time (it was 1974), Antonio saw a production of "Hair." Neither he nor his friends cared about theater, but word had spread around town that the actors appeared on stage completely naked, and the troublemakers, who'd hit puberty, couldn't resist buying tickets. The show told the story of hippie Claude and glamorous Sheila, whose romance unfolded against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, youth obsession with Buddhist philosophy, and soft drugs. Antonio was so blown away by what he saw that he became fired up about trying his hand on stage.

Antonio Banderas and his younger brother Francisco

The 14-year-old joined a local theater troupe. Nobody took his obsession with acting seriously. Colleagues just laughed at his enthusiasm, peers who were crazy about rock and roll didn't get his new passion, and his parents saw their son's interest as a childish whim.

When the theater went on tour, Antonio's mother hoped that the harsh nomadic life would knock some sense into her son. Antonio rarely went on stage. Mostly he had to build sets, sew costumes for actors, apply makeup, and adjust lighting. But the tough life of a theater handyman only strengthened his desire to become an actor.

First Steps Toward Success

At 16, Antonio took the next step – he enrolled in the National School of Dramatic Arts in Málaga, graduating four years later before heading off to conquer the capital. During those years, Spain, having freed itself from dictator Francisco Franco (who died in 1975), was experiencing a cultural renaissance (known as "La Movida," which translates to "the movement"). Young creators, including theater directors and actors, gained freedom of expression.

At 20, Antonio Banderas set out to conquer Madrid

Banderas fit perfectly into this wave, participating in bold experimental productions while working side jobs as a waiter or loader to make ends meet, until he was officially accepted into the National Theater troupe. For the next six years, he performed on its stage, taking any role offered – whether classical or "controversial," like characters from Bertolt Brecht's plays.

Meeting Pedro Almodóvar

In 1982, a strange-looking man with a disheveled appearance and wild eyes approached Banderas backstage and asked Antonio if he wanted to star in his film about, as he put it, "a gang of criminals." Banderas thought to himself: "He's either crazy or a genius," and said yes.

Pedro Almodóvar brought Banderas to cinema

Pedro Almodóvar, with his liberal views, was the brightest representative of "La Movida." His film tackled themes that no one in Spanish cinema had ever dared to touch: a gay Muslim who also happens to be royalty, falling in love with a nymphomaniac with the purest, most selfless devotion... Banderas landed the role of an Islamic radical in love with the aforementioned prince in this provocative yet ultimately tender film.

Antonio Banderas in the film "Labyrinth of Passion"

This collaboration launched a fruitful creative partnership and friendship between Banderas and Almodóvar. The actor and director would go on to work together seven more times.

The actor and director released 8 films together

Their next meeting came in 1986, during the filming of the drama "Matador," in which Antonio Banderas took on his first leading role – young Ángel, the son of a religious fanatic who dreams of nothing more than becoming a bullfighter. Audiences got their first taste of a character type they'd see again and again: the simple guy, a bit naive, somewhat insecure and slightly cocky, but adored by everyone around him – especially women.

That same year, Almodóvar released "Law of Desire," his first truly serious melodrama. The young Banderas, at the peak of his sexuality, took on the role of one point in a gay love triangle.

Young Antonio Banderas in the film "Matador"

The 1988 film "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" earned the honor of opening the Cannes Film Festival program. Banderas appeared in such an unexpected role that he became a national hero.

A shot from the film "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown"

In 1989 came the last Banderas-Almodóvar collaboration for the next 20-plus years – the melodrama "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!" Antonio played an infantile psychiatric patient who kidnaps an actress he knows, holds her captive, and soon enough, the hostage falls for her captor.

Antonio Banderas in the film "Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!"

The duo wouldn't reunite until 2011, marking their return with the thriller "The Skin I Live In," which earned a Golden Palm nomination at Cannes.

Hollywood Career

In 1992, Antonio Banderas got his shot at conquering Hollywood. Arne Glimcher, an American director, was planning to adapt Oscar Hijuelos's novel "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love" and invited the Spaniard to play one of two Cuban musician brothers. Banderas worked extensively with an English tutor to nail the pronunciation, then spent six months on the shoot in America. By the end of those six months, the actor realized he'd fallen in love with the country and wanted to continue his career there.

Antonio Banderas in the film "The Mambo Kings"

Before this, Americans barely knew who Banderas was. After "The Mambo Kings" - even though the film didn't live up to expectations - American directors started taking notice of the Spanish actor.

Even before its theatrical release, Antonio had already signed on for "The House of the Spirits" (1993) with Meryl Streep and Glenn Close, as well as "Philadelphia" – a bold and progressive film for its time. In the latter, Banderas played the lover of Tom Hanks's AIDS-stricken character. Banderas stayed true to himself by taking the role: the project tackled the previously almost-taboo subject of homosexuality in cinema and unequivocally condemned homophobia.

Antonio Banderas and Tom Hanks on the set of "Philadelphia"

Next, the Spanish actor transformed into a vampire in "Interview with the Vampire" (1994). The film brought together all the male sex symbols of the era: Antonio Banderas, Brad Pitt, and Tom Cruise.

Antonio Banderas in "Interview with the Vampire"

Robert Rodriguez's "Desperado" (1995) only solidified his macho image, after which he received offers from three directors simultaneously. While working on one of these three films ("Two Much"), Banderas met his future wife, Melanie Griffith. The actress was married to Don Johnson at the time, and Banderas insists their relationship was strictly platonic back then.

Desperado - Antonio Banderas - Cancion del Mariachi

Meeting Melanie prompted the actor to think about buying a mansion in Los Angeles. Until then, he'd refused to purchase a house, since he considered himself first and foremost a citizen of Spain. But after marrying Griffith in fall 1996, he found not just new love but a new home.

Antonio's filmography grew rapidly: each year brought at least several new films. He didn't try to coast on his looks alone, so he chose diverse roles, trying on new personas. The musical "Evita" (1996), the adventure film "The Mask of Zorro" (1998), the dramatic action thriller "The 13th Warrior" (1999) – all proof of the actor's desire to evolve and push himself.

In 2000, Robert Rodriguez assembled a cast for some playful mayhem in "Spy Kids." The film's success turned it into a trilogy, with Banderas as an essential and integral part of the project. Antonio also agreed to join Angelina Jolie in "Original Sin" (2001) – a twisted and intriguing drama that dissects relationships in the finest detail. "Frida" (2002) with Salma Hayek as the famous artist proved equally emotional, and Banderas couldn't resist the biopic.

Two years later, the actor joined the already-celebrated voice cast and voiced Puss in Boots in "Shrek 2" (2004). Then, as if by irony, he starred in "The Legend of Zorro" (2005), coming full circle on his persona as a skilled and charming swordsman.

Gradually, the number of A-list films featuring Antonio dwindled, but even more modest projects sometimes hit the mark.

Antonio Banderas voiced the cat in the "Shrek"

In 2011, Almodóvar decided it had been too long since he'd invited his friend to work together. They made "The Skin I Live In" (2011), a psychological thriller about relationships and place, and once again earned rave reviews. Rodriguez also remembered his old acquaintance—landing the actor in "Machete Kills" (2013), and shortly after adding him to the star-studded cast of '80s and '90s icons in the cult action film "The Expendables 3" (2014).

Business

Beyond his acting career, Banderas has consistently invested his earnings in various ventures: from winemaking to fashion. He owns vineyards across Spain, and the wine produced there is partially released under the actor's name.

Antonio Banderas is engaged in wine production

Banderas has repeatedly served as the face of global brands, including Viceroy and Orbit. He's also launched his own fragrances, with help from Puig. The "Antonio Banderas" brand has maintained its popularity ever since, constantly introducing new releases for both men and women.

In 2016, he partnered with Selected to launch a men's clothing line, with the actor personally overseeing the design.

The actor has launched his own clothing line

On the advice of a friend who understood finance and smart investments, Antonio bought the restaurant "El Pimpi" in his hometown of Málaga.

Banderas is a gifted singer who performs his own vocal parts in films. These days, Antonio not only gives concerts but has also performed at major events. In 2005, he presented a song from "The Motorcycle Diaries" (2004) at the Oscars ceremony, accompanied by guitarist Carlos Santana.

Shortly before filming began on the series "Genius" (2017), Banderas suffered a heart attack. Everything turned out fine, but he completely rethought his approach to daily activities and habits: he quit smoking, gave up alcohol entirely, took up yoga and regular running.

Antonio Banderas as Pablo Picasso in the TV series Genius

In 2018, the Russian film "Beyond Reality" featuring Antonio hit theaters. Since the actor takes on many roles, his schedule is booked years in advance. One of the most anticipated projects on that list was "Pain and Glory" (2019) by Pedro Almodóvar, starring Antonio's friend and the director's favorite actress Penélope Cruz.

Beyond the Edge (2019) | Official Trailer

In 2019, Pedro Almodóvar's new film "Pain and Glory" was released, with the lead role once again played by the no-longer-young but still captivating Antonio Banderas. The film turned out to be largely autobiographical; Banderas' character is an aging director who's run out of ideas and now reflects on his past. For this performance, the Cannes Film Festival jury awarded Banderas the prize for Best Actor.

A shot from the movie "Pain and Glory" (2019)

In November 2019, Teatro del Soho CaixaBank opened its doors—Banderas' theatrical passion project based in his hometown of Málaga. In March 2020, the theater had to close due to the pandemic, but the production of the musical "A Chorus Line" returned to the stage in Madrid in winter 2021.

The decade kicked off with Banderas joining forces with Robert Downey Jr. in the fantasy adventure "Dolittle," which hit theaters in 2020.

Antonio Banderas bald, in makeup, with a beard — Antonio Banderas in "Dolittle"

In March 2021, Banderas directed, produced, wrote, and co-hosted the live broadcast of the 35th Goya Awards directly from his theater. The circumstances forced the industry to get creative, and Antonio made the most of it.

2021 also saw him working on the dark comedy "Official Competition" alongside Penélope Cruz. The film was a satirical take on the film industry. That same year, the action flick "Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" came out, with the actor playing shipping magnate Aristotle Papadopoulos.

Antonio Banderas and Oscar Martínez staring intently at the camera — Still from "Official Competition"

From November 17, 2021, through April 3, 2022, Banderas dove back into directing, staging the musical "Company" at his Teatro del Soho. This New York-set musical, built around a series of relationship vignettes, tackled questions of marriage, fear of loneliness, and the need for independence. The production originally debuted on Broadway in 1970, and now found new life under the Spaniard's direction.

In 2022, Banderas appeared as antagonist Santiago Moncada in "Uncharted" with Tom Holland, and also returned to voice everyone's favorite character in "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish." His filmography also expanded to include the action films "The Enforcer" and "Banshee."

2023 marked Banderas's appearance in the blockbuster "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" as a character named Renaldo. Later, Antonio admitted that he felt much more creatively free working on... "Paddington in Peru."

Antonio Banderas in retro adventurer costume against a jungle backdrop with a suspension bridge — Antonio Banderas in "Paddington in Peru"

In this heartwarming family adventure, he transformed into the adventurous Hunter Cabot, a riverboat captain, plus two of his ancestors who appeared as voices in Hunter's head. Banderas admitted that playing multiple characters was both fun and challenging, especially given the hours spent in the makeup chair.

Antonio Banderas's Personal Life

With his striking looks and fiery temperament, Banderas never lacked female attention. But even before his name became synonymous with masculine sexuality worldwide, Antonio had already tied the knot.

Ana Leza

Back in 1987, the actor married Spanish actress Ana Leza. He first spotted her at a small restaurant near the theater where he worked and fell head over heels at first sight. Their nine-month romance saw Antonio behaving like a lovesick teenager – showering her with flowers, writing poetry, serenading her. They tied the knot in 1988, and his parents welcomed their daughter-in-law with open arms.

In the late '80s, Banderas became the object of Madonna's affection – though he had no clue. When the pop queen invited him to her movie premiere and Antonio showed up with Ana on his arm, Madonna locked herself in a room screaming "Disaster!" When the 1991 documentary "In Bed with Madonna" came out, featuring her confession of feelings for Banderas, he said he was flattered but had a wife he was happy with.

Five years later, Madonna and Antonio Banderas reunited on the set of "Evita." Her feelings hadn't faded, but she'd already missed her chance – in 1995, while filming "Two Much," Antonio met the woman who would eclipse Ana: actress Melanie Griffith.

Melanie Griffith

Both were unavailable – Melanie was married to actor Don Johnson and raising kids. Antonio was married too, but lately felt things cooling off since his wife preferred living in Spain, forcing him to bounce between work and home.

After wrapping "Two Much," the former co-stars kept calling each other, meeting up occasionally, and during one of these meetups, Banderas realized he'd fallen head over heels again. Being an open person, he didn't want to sneak around behind his wife's back and showed up at a public event with Melanie.

Ana flew urgently to the States and showed up at her husband's house in the middle of the night, where he was sleeping with Melanie. She begged him not to make a mistake, pleaded with him not to throw away all their years together, but it was useless. All she got was aggression for the late-night visit.

Ana dug in her heels and declared she wouldn't grant a divorce. Around this time, Antonio decided to head to Spain with Melanie to introduce her to his parents. The Spanish press dumped bucket after bucket of dirt on his new love, painting Griffith as a home-wrecking witch and Ana as the tragic victim. On top of that, his potential in-laws spoke to Melanie with such ice in their voices that their son's rebellious streak kicked in. He firmly decided he was staying with Melanie.

Melanie and Antonio's wedding happened in 1996, the same year their family grew: their daughter Stella del Carmen was born.

Daughter of Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith's marriage lasted 18 years. They were called Hollywood's perfect couple. The actor bonded with Dakota Johnson, Melanie's daughter from a previous marriage.

Antonio Banderas is the stepfather of Dakota Johnson, star of "Fifty Shades of Grey"

In 2014, Melanie filed for divorce over her husband's alleged affair with actress Natalie Burn, Antonio's co-star in the action flick "The Expendables 3." Later, Natalie gave comments to the press, claiming she'd had no relationship with Banderas and that Melanie had destroyed their marriage with baseless jealousy.

Antonio Banderas with his wife and children

Since then, the press constantly churns out rumors about Banderas's supposed new flames. The moment he appears with a woman, the media jumps to bold conclusions. Even Sharon Stone once had to comment to journalists after they labeled her Antonio's partner. The actress is friends with both Griffith and Banderas, so she quickly issued a denial to avoid any drama.

Nicole Kempel

Antonio didn't stay single for long. In 2015, at the Cannes Film Festival, he met financier Nicole Kempel and won her heart. His new love is 21 years younger, but they insist the age gap doesn't matter to them at all. The couple has no plans to make things official. According to Banderas, there's no need – they already feel married.

Nicole isn't just a girlfriend – in a very real sense, she saved the actor's life. In 2017, the night before an important event, she developed a headache and went to the pharmacy for painkillers. The only thing she found on the shelf was maximum-strength aspirin. The next morning, when Banderas suffered a heart attack, Nicole placed an aspirin tablet under his tongue – and that saved his life. The actor said: "I got a second chance, and since then, a lot has changed in my life."

Antonio Banderas Now

In 2024, Banderas appeared in the Christmas musical "Journey to Bethlehem" as King Herod, the thriller "The Killer" and the action film "Cleaning Crew." At the same time, Banderas worked on the erotic thriller "Babygirl" directed by Halina Reijn alongside Nicole Kidman.

Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kidman sitting on a couch embracing, a scene from the film — Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kidman in "Babygirl"

Banderas continues developing his theater and sponsors a new performing arts school in Málaga – the Sohrlin Andalucía School of Arts, located on the grounds of a former metallurgical factory. The school's mission is to create, develop, and export talent worldwide.

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