Antonio Banderas

Bio:
Antonio Banderas (born Jose Antonio Dominguez Banderas on August 10, 1960 in Malaga, Andalucía, Spain) is a Spanish actor and director. Antonio showed interest in the performing arts as a young age. His work with the theatre, including street performances, landed him a spot with the Spanish National Threatre. While acting, Antonio caught the eye of director Pedro Almodovar, who cast Antonio in 1982’s Labyrinth of Passion. Antonio and Pedro would continue to work together, including the 1988 film, Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. The role brought Antonio international recognition and critical acclaim. In 1991, Antonio made his Hollywood splash with Madonna’s movie, Truth or Dare. He then began his American career, even when speaking very limited English. His breakthrough into the mainstream came in 1993’s Philadelphia and the next year’s Interview with the Vampire. In 1995, Antonio teamed with Robert Rodriguez in the film, Desperado. He reunited with Madonna in 1996’s Evita, and found success in 1998 with the movie, The Mask of Zorro. Antonio achieved a new level of success by voicing the character Puss In Boots in both the Shrek film series as well as Puss’s individual spinoff. In 2011, Antonio reunited with Pedro Almodovar for the horror thriller, The Skin I Live In.

Best Known For:
Antonio Banderas is best known as an actor, starring in The Mask of Zorro, Desperado, and voicing Puss In Boots in the Shrek movies.

Personal Life:
Antonio married Ana Leza in 1987. They separated in 1995 when he began a relationship with actress Melanie Griffith on the set of the film, Too Much. After divorcing Ana in 1996, Antonio and Melanie were married. Together, they had a daughter, Stella del Carmen. The couple filed for divorce in June 2014, citing their intention to split in a “loving and friendly” manner. A year later, in July 2015, the couple finalized their split. Antonio is involved in philanthropy efforts. He is an avid soccer fan and has a passion for fast cars.