Who is Antonio Banderas Married To? A Deep Dive Into His Relationship History

Antonio Banderas’ Current Partner: Nicole Kimpel

Antonio Banderas, the charismatic actor known for his roles in Zorro, Puss in Boots, and Desperado, has had a dynamic personal life that has intrigued fans worldwide. After his highly publicized marriage and subsequent divorce from Melanie Griffith, many are curious about his current relationship status. So, who is Antonio Banderas currently with? His partner, Nicole Kimpel, has been by his side since 2014, and their relationship has continued to thrive.

Nicole, a Dutch investment consultant, first met Antonio at the Cannes Film Festival. Contrary to tabloid speculation, their relationship did not lead to his split from Griffith. In fact, Banderas has made it clear in multiple interviews that Nicole had nothing to do with his divorce. He emphasized this point during a candid conversation with HOLA! Magazine, stating: “Nicole was not the motive of my divorce. I met her at the Cannes Festival, but I was still a married man, although things were already heading the way they have now ended up” [8].

Their connection deepened after Banderas’ divorce was finalized, and since then, Nicole has become an integral part of his life. Not only is she a successful entrepreneur, but she’s also played a crucial role during pivotal moments in Banderas’ life, particularly when he suffered a heart attack in 2017. During a heartfelt interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Banderas recalled, “Nicole saved my life. She gave me an aspirin when I was showing symptoms of a heart attack, and that simple action prevented something far worse” [11].

How Antonio Banderas Met Nicole Kimpel

The story of how Antonio Banderas met Nicole Kimpel reads like a romantic movie script. In 2014, Banderas was attending the Cannes Film Festival when he crossed paths with the Dutch beauty. At that time, Banderas was still married to Melanie Griffith, but their relationship had already started to deteriorate. According to Banderas, meeting Nicole didn’t immediately change his situation. He stated, “We both knew where we were. I was still a married man, but we started talking after my divorce was official” [8].

Nicole, an investment consultant and model, is a woman of many talents. She runs a clothing and accessories line with her twin sister, Barbara Kimpel, called Baniki. Together, they also manage an investment firm and a TV company called the Success Network. Nicole’s sharp business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit make her a formidable partner, complementing Banderas’ creative energy [9].

The Cannes Festival Connection

The Cannes Film Festival has always been a glamorous backdrop for Hollywood stars, but for Antonio Banderas, it marked a turning point in his personal life. At the festival, surrounded by the world’s elite, he met Nicole. It was here that their relationship blossomed, slowly growing into the partnership it is today. The two have since been spotted attending high-profile events together, including the Venice Film Festival, charity galas, and more [12].

Nicole Kimpel’s Role in Antonio Banderas’ Life

Nicole Kimpel has become more than just Antonio Banderas’ partner; she’s been a life-saver—literally. In 2017, Banderas suffered a heart attack, and it was Nicole who stepped in to provide immediate aid. Her quick thinking, giving him an aspirin during the initial symptoms, was instrumental in his recovery. Banderas has since spoken about how this near-death experience changed his perspective on life and made him appreciate Nicole even more [11].

Banderas has publicly credited Nicole not only with saving his life but with helping him maintain a balance between work and personal life. Nicole’s entrepreneurial endeavors—managing a fashion line, consulting in real estate, and running Success Network—have allowed her to be a successful partner both personally and professionally.

Nicole Kimpel’s Professional Background

Nicole’s resume is just as impressive as her personal story. She’s an accomplished investment advisor and former consultant for firms like Merrill Lynch and Lombard Odier. This extensive background in finance has allowed her to independently run her own business ventures, alongside her sister Barbara. Together, they manage a variety of projects, including their clothing line and blog, which covers topics ranging from fitness and fashion to travel [9].

Antonio Banderas’ Marriage to Melanie Griffith

Before his relationship with Nicole Kimpel, Banderas was married to Melanie Griffith, a prominent American actress. The couple met in the mid-90s while working on the film Two Much and married in 1996. Their union lasted nearly 20 years and produced a daughter, Stella Banderas. Despite their separation in 2015, Banderas and Griffith have maintained a friendly relationship. In fact, Banderas has stated in interviews, “I am not married to Melanie anymore, but she is still family to me. We will always be connected through Stella and the years we shared” [9].

Why Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith Divorced

Their divorce, though amicable, was the result of growing apart over time. In a candid interview, Griffith stated, “I think part of the reason my marriage to Antonio fell apart was because I was stuck; nobody else is to blame. It’s just that I personally got stuck and I won’t let that happen again” [12]. Both parties have expressed mutual respect and continue to co-parent their daughter.

Antonio Banderas’ First Marriage to Ana Leza

Banderas’ first marriage was to Ana Leza, a Spanish actress, in 1987. The couple was married for nearly a decade before parting ways in 1996. Leza played a pivotal role in helping Banderas break into Hollywood, assisting him in learning English for roles such as his breakthrough performance in The Mambo Kings [9].

Though little is known about their private life together, Banderas has expressed gratitude for Leza’s support during his early career. After their divorce, Leza stepped away from the limelight and now leads a more private life with her current husband, Dharma Villareal.

Ana Leza’s Life Post-Divorce

After her split from Banderas, Ana Leza moved on and married Dharma Villareal, a documentary filmmaker. Together, they live a quiet life, far removed from the Hollywood scene, and have two children [9].

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Antonio Banderas still friends with Melanie Griffith?
A: Yes, Banderas has said that despite their divorce, they remain close friends and consider each other family.

Q: Who is Nicole Kimpel, Antonio Banderas’ girlfriend?
A: Nicole Kimpel is a Dutch investment consultant and entrepreneur who has been with Antonio Banderas since 2014.

Q: Does Antonio Banderas have children?
A: Yes, he has one daughter, Stella Banderas, with his ex-wife Melanie Griffith.

Q: Why did Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith break up?
A: Both Banderas and Griffith have said they grew apart over time, with Griffith explaining that she felt “stuck” in the marriage.

References:

people.com
hollywoodlife.com
featuredbiography.com
express.co.uk
instyle.com