Antonio Banderas’ Only Daughter Is ‘Insanely Beautiful’ at 26 — Heart Attack Made Him Treasure His Girl More

• Following his recovery from a heart attack, Antonio Banderas' life took a positive turn.
• The actor now prioritizes his family, daughter Stella, and his acting career.
• Stella has blossomed into a stunning and imaginative 26-year-old.

Antonio Banderas, the acclaimed Spanish actor known for roles in films such as "The Mask of Zorro" and "Puss in Boots," moved to the United States to film his American debut, "Mambo Kings."

At the time, Banderas had already established himself as an actor in Spain but did not speak English. His move was prompted not only by his career but also by his relationship with his second wife, actress Melanie Griffith.

Banderas shared that his transition to America revolved around his relationship with Griffith, who had two children from previous relationships residing in the US.

To avoid disrupting the children's lives with frequent trips to Europe, Banderas chose to move permanently to the United States and embrace his role as a stepfather. This decision, he admitted, presented its own set of challenges.

When Banderas met Griffith, her daughter Alexandra (shared with Steven Bauer) was ten, and her daughter Dakota (from her marriage to Don Johnson) was six. The actor confessed that building trust with his stepdaughters was initially difficult.

However, after the birth of their daughter, Stella, the girls warmed up to Banderas, and within a year, Alexandra and Dakota recognized him as a permanent part of their lives.

The family blended seamlessly, with Griffith's daughters affectionately referring to Banderas as "papiano," a combination of "papa" and Antonio. As Dakota and Alexandra grew up and pursued their careers, Banderas felt immense pride in their accomplishments.

Although the couple faced challenges in their marriage, such as Griffith's substance abuse, they worked through them and grew stronger. However, after twenty years together, Banderas and Griffith decided to end their marriage in 2015. Griffith cited feeling "stuck" as the reason for their separation.

Despite the end of their marriage, the two actors maintained an amicable relationship. Banderas spoke warmly of his ex-wife, referring to her as his "best friend." He said, "Melanie is not my wife anymore, but I think she's my best friend."

Reflecting on their relationship, Banderas acknowledged the mistakes they both made and the lessons they learned along the way. He emphasized that their marriage was filled with love and that their daughter, Stella, serves as a testament to their union.

The actor's journey from Spain to America, his role as a stepfather, and his relationship with Griffith all contribute to the rich tapestry of his life and career.

Banderas Suffered a Heart Attack That Changed His Life

Several months following his divorce from Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas found love once more with Nicole Kimpel. The couple has now been together for over a decade, and Banderas is incredibly grateful for his relationship with Kimpel – particularly after she played a vital role in saving his life.

Back in 2017, the "Spy Kids" actor suffered a heart attack, which he later recounted during an appearance on "The Late Night Show with Jimmy Kimmel."

Banderas revealed that the night before the incident, Kimpel had been feeling unwell and visited a pharmacy to purchase painkillers. While there, she also happened to pick up a packet of aspirin.

When Banderas began experiencing chest pains the following day, Kimpel quickly administered an aspirin, which alleviated the pressure and ultimately saved the actor's life. The chest pains were, in fact, indicative of a heart attack, and Banderas was fortunate to have survived due to Kimpel's prompt response.

Despite the frightening nature of the experience, Banderas admitted that the health scare was, in some ways, the best thing that could have happened to him. "Why am I worried about that If I'm going to die?" he wondered.

It forced him to confront his fear of death and reconsider the value of making the most of his time on earth. He questioned why he was so preoccupied with dying if it was an inevitability.

In the aftermath of this life-changing event, Banderas took stock of his priorities and realized he needed to refocus on what truly mattered to him – his daughter Stella, his family, and his unwavering commitment to acting.

To translate these realizations into tangible actions, Banderas purchased a theater in Spain, where he could create and participate in stories that held personal significance for him.

Reflecting on his heart attack, Banderas noted that it had prompted him to appreciate life in an entirely new and more profound way. "It made me appreciate life in a completely different way and much more powerful way," the actor said about his heart attack.

Stella Inheritted Her Parents’ Creativity

Banderas' 26-year-old daughter, Stella, has evidently inherited her parents' creative talents. The proud father has praised her abilities as a writer and her passion for being behind the camera. Despite her upbringing in a renowned Hollywood family, Stella remains grounded and down-to-earth.

Banderas has expressed admiration for his daughter's explorative nature, even musing that, in another life, he would like to embody her spirit of discovery, before realizing, "Maybe my daughter is my second life."

Stella's interests extend beyond writing, with a penchant for fashion and outdoor pursuits, as well as a strong emphasis on the importance of family, much like her parents.

Stella recently showcased her modeling skills on Instagram, striking a pose for the luxury brand Dior. The post received an outpouring of compliments, with many remarking on her stunning beauty. Her mother, Melanie Griffith, also chimed in with praise, calling her "My gorgeous angel girl!"

Although Griffith and Banderas are no longer together, they have successfully raised their children to pursue their individual career paths and have maintained a positive co-parenting relationship throughout the years.