Who Is Antonio Banderas Married To? A Look at His Marriages, Relationships, and Love Life
Antonio Banderas’ First Marriage: Ana Leza
Antonio Banderas’ love story has spanned decades, beginning with his first marriage to Ana Leza, a talented actress from Madrid. The pair tied the knot in 1987 after a whirlwind romance, just as Banderas was on the cusp of breaking into Hollywood. Leza, who had a profound impact on his career, played a pivotal role in helping him transition into English-speaking roles. According to Banderas, Ana’s support was invaluable when he landed his first major English-language film, *The Mambo Kings*. She became his English tutor, offering the emotional and professional support he needed to break into Hollywood:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
However, after nearly nine years of marriage, the couple divorced in 1996. While their marriage did not produce any children, Ana Leza has since moved on, remarrying and living a more private life. Despite their divorce, the two share a history intertwined with Banderas’ early success in the American film industry.
How Did Antonio Banderas and Ana Leza Meet?
The story of how Antonio and Ana met is a classic example of serendipity. According to sources, they crossed paths in Madrid, where their mutual love for acting brought them together. It was Ana’s ability to navigate both the Spanish and American film industries that allowed her to not only connect with Banderas on a personal level but to also guide him through a challenging phase in his career. Their brief yet intense romance culminated in marriage just months after meeting:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Antonio Banderas’ Second Marriage: Melanie Griffith
Antonio’s second marriage to Melanie Griffith is perhaps his most publicized relationship. Banderas and Griffith were Hollywood royalty, having met on the set of *Two Much* in 1995. At the time, both were married to other people, but their undeniable chemistry quickly blossomed into a relationship. They married in 1996, and their love was both celebrated and scrutinized by the media. Together, they share a daughter, Stella Banderas, who was born in 1996:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
Despite their divorce in 2015, Banderas and Griffith have maintained an incredibly close bond. In interviews, Banderas has frequently spoken of his enduring affection for Griffith, even calling her his “best friend.” Melanie, in turn, has expressed similar sentiments, praising their ability to co-parent and remain close friends despite the end of their romantic relationship:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
What Led to Their Divorce?
Like many high-profile couples, Banderas and Griffith struggled with the pressures of fame. Griffith has openly admitted that her marriage to Banderas began to fall apart because she felt “stuck” in her personal life. In a 2017 interview, she noted that the stagnation she experienced during their marriage played a significant role in its unraveling:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Despite the split, their deep respect for one another is a testament to the strength of their bond.
Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kimpel: His Current Partner
Today, Antonio Banderas is in a committed relationship with Nicole Kimpel, a German-born businesswoman and model. The couple met in 2014 at the Cannes Film Festival, shortly before Banderas finalized his divorce from Griffith. Despite rumors to the contrary, Banderas has stated that Kimpel had nothing to do with his separation from Griffith. Their relationship blossomed naturally after the divorce was finalized:contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}:contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
Nicole Kimpel, in contrast to Banderas’ previous partners, is not involved in the film industry. She is an entrepreneur with a background in finance, having worked as an investment consultant for Merrill Lynch and other high-profile firms. Today, she runs a fashion brand alongside her twin sister, Barbara Kimpel, and manages several business ventures:contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
The Role of Nicole Kimpel in Antonio Banderas’ Life
Nicole’s impact on Banderas goes beyond just emotional support. In 2017, she quite literally saved his life. When Banderas suffered a heart attack, it was Nicole who, by sheer luck, had aspirin on hand, which helped save him before emergency medical services arrived. According to Banderas, Nicole’s quick thinking gave him a “second chance at life”:contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
Antonio Banderas’ Life After Marriage: Love, Career, and Family
While Antonio Banderas’ romantic life has been the subject of much public interest, his focus has always been on maintaining strong family ties. Though he is no longer married to Melanie Griffith, they remain close, co-parenting their daughter Stella and maintaining familial ties with Dakota Johnson, Griffith’s daughter from her first marriage. In numerous interviews, Banderas has reiterated that despite the end of his marriages, his ex-wives and children are an integral part of his life:contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
How Antonio and Melanie Co-Parent
Banderas and Griffith have set a strong example of co-parenting in Hollywood. Their dedication to raising their daughter Stella together has allowed them to keep their family close-knit, even after their divorce. Banderas has spoken often of how he still considers Griffith and her children from previous marriages to be his family:contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Quotes from Antonio Banderas
– “I am not married to Melanie anymore, but she is my family.” – *Vulture Interview, 2019*:contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
– “Nicole saved my life. If she hadn’t been there, I might not be here today.” – *Jimmy Kimmel Live, 2019*:contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
Quotes from Social Media
– “Enjoying every moment, grateful for all the love and support.” – *Antonio Banderas’ Instagram, referring to his recovery after the heart attack*:contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | José Antonio Domínguez Banderas |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1960 |
| Current Partner | Nicole Kimpel |
| Previous Marriages | Ana Leza (1987-1996), Melanie Griffith (1996-2015) |
| Children | Stella Banderas |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who was Antonio Banderas first married to?
*Antonio Banderas was first married to Spanish actress Ana Leza from 1987 to 1996.*
Q2: Why did Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith divorce?
*The couple separated after almost 20 years of marriage, citing personal differences, though they remain close friends.*
Q3: Is Antonio Banderas currently married?
*No, but he is in a long-term relationship with Nicole Kimpel, a German businesswoman.*
Q4: How did Nicole Kimpel save Antonio Banderas’ life?
*She administered aspirin during his 2017 heart attack, helping to stabilize him until medical assistance arrived.*
References:
hollywoodlife.com
people.com
scmp.com
nickiswift.com
