Antonio Banderas shares Los Angeles moments with daughter Stella, ex-wife Melanie
Synopsis
Antonio Banderas' recent Los Angeles family gathering with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and daughter Stella signals the enduring warmth between former spouses. But the real story is his quiet pivot away from Hollywood: a 2017 heart attack sent him back to his birthplace of Málaga and to theatre, where he says he's found genuine happiness — a reminder that sometimes life's most important turning points arrive as health crises.
Key Takeaways
Antonio Banderas recently shared a photograph from Los Angeles featuring his daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas , her husband Alex , and his ex-wife Melanie Griffith .
Banderas and Griffith married in 1996 in London and have maintained a friendship described as "lifelong." Their daughter Stella made her on-screen debut in Banderas' directorial film "Crazy in Alabama" in 1999 .
A heart attack in 2017 prompted Banderas to reassess his life and shift focus from Hollywood to theatre.
Banderas now resides in Málaga, Spain , his birthplace, with partner Nicole Kimpel .
Antonio Banderas, the Spanish-American actor, recently shared a glimpse into his personal life, posting a photograph featuring himself alongside his daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas, her husband Alex, and his former wife Melanie Griffith. The 65-year-old actor described the gathering in Los Angeles as a "lovely and fun moment," underscoring the enduring bond he maintains with his ex-spouse.
"A lovely and fun moment yesterday in Los Angeles with my son-in-law Alex, my daughter Stella, and my ex-wife and lifelong friend, Melanie," Banderas wrote in the social media caption accompanying the image.
A Relationship Spanning Decades
Banderas and Griffith began their relationship in 1995 while filming "Two Much." The pair married in 1996 in London and welcomed their daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas shortly thereafter. Stella made her on-screen debut alongside her mother in Banderas' directorial project "Crazy in Alabama," released in 1999. Despite their separation, the former couple has maintained a friendship, as evidenced by their recent family gathering.
From Hollywood to Theatre
In a separate interview with The Times newspaper published in March, Banderas reflected on a transformative period in his life following a serious health crisis. The actor experienced a heart attack in 2017, an event he has described as a watershed moment that fundamentally altered his perspective on life and career.
Following his medical emergency, Banderas stepped back from his Hollywood commitments and relocated to Málaga, Spain, his birthplace. The actor credited this life-altering event with redirecting him toward his true passion: theatre performance.
A Perspective Reshaped by Mortality
"Faced with death, it made me look back and realise that I am, in fact, a theatre actor. I have never been so happy," Banderas told The Times. He characterised his heart attack as "a really serious warning" that fundamentally changed how he views existence and priorities.
Banderas currently resides in Spain with his partner Nicole Kimpel. His journey from international film stardom to theatre-focused contentment underscores a broader personal evolution driven by health circumstances and introspection. The actor's willingness to publicly discuss both his family relationships and his health crisis demonstrates a commitment to authenticity in his public discourse.
Point of View
Coupled with his public candour about mortality and authenticity, positions him as an outlier in an industry obsessed with relevance and box-office returns. His friendship with Griffith, maintained across decades and personal changes, also challenges the narrative of bitter celebrity divorces. It suggests that some relationships, once stripped of romantic pressure, can mature into something more durable.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the family members in Antonio Banderas' recent Los Angeles photograph?
The photograph features Antonio Banderas , his daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas , her husband Alex , and Banderas' ex-wife Melanie Griffith . Banderas described the gathering as a "lovely and fun moment."
When did Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith marry?
Banderas and Griffith married in 1996 in London . They met while filming "Two Much" in 1995 and have remained friends following their separation.
What significant health event changed Antonio Banderas' life?
Banderas suffered a heart attack in 2017 , which he has described as a transformative moment that altered his perspective on life and career. Following the incident, he stepped back from Hollywood and relocated to his birthplace of Málaga, Spain .
What is Antonio Banderas' current focus in his career?
Since his heart attack in 2017 , Banderas has shifted his primary focus to theatre acting. He has stated that he is "a theatre actor" and has never been happier, having moved away from Hollywood commitments.
Where does Antonio Banderas currently live?
Banderas currently resides in Málaga, Spain , his birthplace, with his partner Nicole Kimpel . He relocated there following his 2017 heart attack as part of a broader life reassessment.
