José Antonio Domínguez Banderas

Early Life & Education

Antonio Banderas was born on August 10, 1960, in Málaga, Spain, to Ana Banderas Gallego, a schoolteacher, and José Domínguez Prieto, a police officer in the Guardia Civil. He dreamed of playing professional football until a broken foot at 14 changed his trajectory. Inspired by the performing arts, he joined the School of Dramatic Arts in Málaga, training in theatre before moving to Madrid in 1979 to pursue acting full-time. He studied fashion design at Central St. Martin in London in 2015.

Career

Breakthrough & International Success

Banderas emerged in the Spanish cultural scene during the post-Franco ‘Movida’ movement, gaining notice in director Pedro Almodóvar’s films (Labyrinth of Passion, Law of Desire, Matador, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!). Almodóvar is credited for launching his international career.

Moving to Hollywood in the early 1990s, Banderas starred in The Mambo Kings (1992), Philadelphia (1993), and reached stardom with Desperado (1995), Evita (1996), and The Mask of Zorro (1998). He became known for his action, drama, and romantic roles, as well as his sensual charisma.

He is also celebrated for family blockbusters such as the Spy Kids series, voicing “Puss in Boots” in the Shrek franchise and spinoffs, and a range of European and Hollywood films, including The Skin I Live In and Pain and Glory (2019).

Directing & Producing

Banderas directed films such as Crazy in Alabama and served as producer on various projects, earning critical acclaim and festival recognition.

Filmography (Selected, Top Roles)

Net Worth & Properties

Antonio Banderas’s net worth is estimated at $45–50 million in 2025, attributed to his long-running success in film, directing, producing, brand endorsements, and business investments in theatre, wine, and fragrance. He previously owned homes in Los Angeles and Spain, with his current residence in Marbella and a UK mansion in Surrey.

Awards & Recognition

Banderas has won numerous awards, including:

• Cannes Film Festival Award (Best Actor, Pain and Glory, 2019)
• Goya Award (Best Actor, Pain and Glory, 2019)
• European Film Award, Drama Desk Award, and New York Film Critics Circle Award
• Nominated for Academy Award, Tony, Golden Globe, and Primetime Emmy (notably for Evita, The Mask of Zorro, And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself, Genius: Picasso, Pain and Glory)
• 70 wins and 90 nominations overall

Personal Life & Philanthropy

Banderas was married to Ana Leza (1987–1996) and later to Melanie Griffith (1996–2015), with whom he has a daughter, Stella del Carmen. Since 2014, he has been in a relationship with Nicole Kimpel, an investment banker. Known for his philanthropy, he was awarded the Stella Adler Angel Award for charitable contributions.

Health & Recent Life

Antonio overcame surgery for a benign tumor in 2009 and a heart attack in 2017, which he described as “one of the best things to ever happen,” giving him new perspective on life.

Trivia

• Banderas started as a soccer protégé until an injury at 14 redirected him toward acting.
• Holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Málaga.
• Active in promoting Spanish culture abroad and collaborating with Spanish and international filmmakers.
• Owner of fragrance and wine brands, and involved in the fashion industry.

Upcoming Projects

Banderas continues to work in Spanish and international cinema, most recently starring in Official Competition (2021), The 33 (2024), and developing new acting and producing projects for global platforms.