At 35, inexperienced Antonio Banderas suddenly became the father of 6-year-old and 10-year-old kids. Years have passed, and he lives an entirely different life, but he is still a part of their family.

Movie star Antonio Banderas married a woman with two young children and expressed that it was nerve-wracking to marry into a wholesome family of three while being inexperienced.

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and actress Melanie Griffith met while still married to other people. Griffith was still married to actor Don Johnson whom she wed twice, but they officially separated in 1994.

Actor Antonio Banderas and actress Melanie Griffith pose at The Antonio Banderas’ Blue Seduction for Women fragrance launch at Cedar Lake on July 10, 2008 in New York City ┃Source: Getty Images

She later fell for Banderas, who happened to be her co-star at the time in the 1995 rom-com, “Two Much.” He was still technically married to his first wife, actress Ana Leza. However, the pair were going through a separation then.

A month after Banderas and Griffith finalized their divorces, they walked down the aisle again in an intimate ceremony on May 14, 1996, in London.

When asked what attracted him to the New York native, “The Legend of Zorro” star told AARP in November 2011 that he had “admired Melanie long before I met her.”

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith during 12th Carousel of Hope Ball at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California ┃Source: Getty Images

Banderas recalled the first time he saw Griffith in the 1988 movie, “Working Girl,” and was mesmerized by her beauty, “Wow, she’s so beautiful, so special,” he said. He later spotted her at the Oscar Awards on the red carpet but had forgotten her name:

“Pedro Almodovar said, ‘It’s Melanie Griffith, you idiot! She’s nominated for an Academy Award tonight!’ Six years after that, we’re married!”

When asked how they went from their working relationship to being romantically involved while starring in “Two Much,” Banderas revealed they were both “unhappy” in their marriages.

“Things don’t work out sometimes, and that’s the way it goes. But we recognized that we were unhappy. I saw her with her kids, and she was so beautiful as a mom,” said the Spain native.

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith during the 55th Cannes film festival: Stairs of “Femme Fatale” on May 25, 2002 in Cannes, France ┃Source: Getty Images

Banderas explained that it is typical for co-stars to develop a connection while working together and that most of the time, after filming, everyone cuts ties, but the same cannot be said about him and Griffith.

They kept in touch frequently until they finally admitted they had feelings for each other. Something he noted “was not easy” to do. When the “Frida” star married the Golden Globe Award winner, she had two young children from her previous marriages.

Griffith had her first child, son Alexander, with actor Steven Bauer whom she wed in 1981 and divorced in 1989 following five years of marriage. She welcomed her eldest daughter Dakota with Johnson, whom she was married to between 1976-1976 and 1989-1996.

Banderas Became an ‘Inexperienced’ Stepdad to Griffith’s Kids
Asked how he tried to blend into the marriage being a stepfather to Griffin’s son and daughter, Banderas admitted that it was difficult because he had to reassure the kids that he was there to stay:

“It was hard because the kids had to accept me, and I was totally inexperienced. Suddenly, I had a 6-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. But as soon as the kids knew I was there to stay, they were fine. They needed solid ground in which they could grow.”

Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith and children during The 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards – Arrivals at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Once he came to that realization, the “Spy Kids” star began “establishing my relationship, giving them security, little by little doing the father thing.”

When asked how long it took to put the children’s minds at ease, Banderas divulged “it took less than a year” for his stepchildren “to realize that I was not temporary.”

Soon, his daughter Stella was born, which became overwhelming because he was still trying to get Alexander and Dakota to warm up to him.

Banderas Had a Huge Influence on His Stepdaughter’s Career
Banderas’ hard work bonding with his stepkids yielded positive results as he became instrumental in Dakota’s acting career. The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star first had her acting stint in her stepfather’s directorial debut, “Crazy in Alabama” in 1999, alongside her mother. Dakota played Sondra in the film.

As a young child, she spent time with Banderas on set and recalled bringing pop singer Madonna an Easter basket while filming “Evita” in Budapest in 1996.

ANTONIO BANDERAS’ STEPDAUGHTER DAKOTA JOHNSON STILL CALLS HIM ‘PAPI’ DESPITE HIS SPLIT WITH HER MOM

At 35, inexperienced Antonio Banderas suddenly became the father of 6-year-old and 10-year-old kids. Years have passed, and he lives an entirely different life, but he is still a part of their family.

Movie star Antonio Banderas married a woman with two young children and expressed that it was nerve-wracking to marry into a wholesome family of three while being inexperienced.

Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and actress Melanie Griffith met while still married to other people. Griffith was still married to actor Don Johnson whom she wed twice, but they officially separated in 1994.

Actor Antonio Banderas and actress Melanie Griffith pose at The Antonio Banderas’ Blue Seduction for Women fragrance launch at Cedar Lake on July 10, 2008 in New York City ┃Source: Getty Images

She later fell for Banderas, who happened to be her co-star at the time in the 1995 rom-com, “Two Much.” He was still technically married to his first wife, actress Ana Leza. However, the pair were going through a separation then.

A month after Banderas and Griffith finalized their divorces, they walked down the aisle again in an intimate ceremony on May 14, 1996, in London.

When asked what attracted him to the New York native, “The Legend of Zorro” star told AARP in November 2011 that he had “admired Melanie long before I met her.”

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith during 12th Carousel of Hope Ball at Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California ┃Source: Getty Images

Banderas recalled the first time he saw Griffith in the 1988 movie, “Working Girl,” and was mesmerized by her beauty, “Wow, she’s so beautiful, so special,” he said. He later spotted her at the Oscar Awards on the red carpet but had forgotten her name:

“Pedro Almodovar said, ‘It’s Melanie Griffith, you idiot! She’s nominated for an Academy Award tonight!’ Six years after that, we’re married!”

When asked how they went from their working relationship to being romantically involved while starring in “Two Much,” Banderas revealed they were both “unhappy” in their marriages.

“Things don’t work out sometimes, and that’s the way it goes. But we recognized that we were unhappy. I saw her with her kids, and she was so beautiful as a mom,” said the Spain native.

Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith during the 55th Cannes film festival: Stairs of “Femme Fatale” on May 25, 2002 in Cannes, France ┃Source: Getty Images

Banderas explained that it is typical for co-stars to develop a connection while working together and that most of the time, after filming, everyone cuts ties, but the same cannot be said about him and Griffith.

They kept in touch frequently until they finally admitted they had feelings for each other. Something he noted “was not easy” to do. When the “Frida” star married the Golden Globe Award winner, she had two young children from her previous marriages.

Griffith had her first child, son Alexander, with actor Steven Bauer whom she wed in 1981 and divorced in 1989 following five years of marriage. She welcomed her eldest daughter Dakota with Johnson, whom she was married to between 1976-1976 and 1989-1996.

Banderas Became an ‘Inexperienced’ Stepdad to Griffith’s Kids
Asked how he tried to blend into the marriage being a stepfather to Griffin’s son and daughter, Banderas admitted that it was difficult because he had to reassure the kids that he was there to stay:

“It was hard because the kids had to accept me, and I was totally inexperienced. Suddenly, I had a 6-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy. But as soon as the kids knew I was there to stay, they were fine. They needed solid ground in which they could grow.”

Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith and children during The 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards – Arrivals at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Once he came to that realization, the “Spy Kids” star began “establishing my relationship, giving them security, little by little doing the father thing.”

When asked how long it took to put the children’s minds at ease, Banderas divulged “it took less than a year” for his stepchildren “to realize that I was not temporary.”

Soon, his daughter Stella was born, which became overwhelming because he was still trying to get Alexander and Dakota to warm up to him.

Banderas Had a Huge Influence on His Stepdaughter’s Career
Banderas’ hard work bonding with his stepkids yielded positive results as he became instrumental in Dakota’s acting career. The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star first had her acting stint in her stepfather’s directorial debut, “Crazy in Alabama” in 1999, alongside her mother. Dakota played Sondra in the film.

As a young child, she spent time with Banderas on set and recalled bringing pop singer Madonna an Easter basket while filming “Evita” in Budapest in 1996.

Her stepdad also cherishes such memories, and he once gushed:” She’s my daughter. I love her. I’ve been with her on my shoulders, traveling all around the world.”

Banderas also revealed Dakota’s sweet nickname for him while growing up, which is a combination of the word “daddy” in his native language and his name:

“Dakota called me Paponio, which is a mixture between papa, which is ‘daddy’ in Spanish, and Antonio. I’m her Antonio papa, so Paponio.”

Sadly, Banderas and Dakota’s mom filed for divorce in June 2014 following 18 years of marriage and released a joint statement that read:

“We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends, and the beautiful time we have spent together – Melanie & Antonio.”

The former couple had an amicable separation, and Griffith cited irreconcilable differences as the reason why she and Banderas parted ways.

Dakota Still Maintains a Loving Relationship with Her Stepfather
Many years later, her daughter presented Banderas with the Best Actor Award at the 2019 Hollywood Film Awards in a touching speech. Dakota got emotional when lovingly talking about her stepfather while calling him by her childhood nickname:

“I come from a family of many a marriage, and I got very lucky. I got a bonus dad who I realized that, over time, is actually one of the most influential people in my whole life.”

The Texas native said Banderas brightened their lives and shared his sense of “creativity and culture” with them, adding he brought “one remarkably magical little sister into our family.”

Chocking up, Dakota stated: “My stepfather! Antonio Banderas burst into our lives. He was so vibrant and fun and funny, and his English was abstract, and we found it amazing.” She said he “loved” her mom and her and her siblings so much that it changed their “lives forever.”

In his acceptance speech, Banderas dedicated the award to” two people” he loved, including Dakota, saying it was because she had always called him “Papi” and still does, which he loves. Following the event, the devoted stepdad told E! News Online that he “had no idea” that his stepchild would be honoring him with such a heart-warming speech:

“It was all a surprise. I knew that she was going to give the speech, but I had no idea whatsoever how she was going to do her speech. She didn’t tell me anything.

The proud father said it brought back all those memories he created with his blended family and that “it was a confirmation” that the time he spent with Griffith was not only about them but “about the family. They were all worth it.”

In February 2015, Banderas was promoting his animated film “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” which was to be released the same weekend as Dakota’s “Fifty Shades of Grey” movie, and mentioned what a stellar actress she was.

He emphasized that there was “no competition” between him and his stepdaughter because their audiences differed for the films. “I wish Dakota the best, not only because of this movie,” but because he and the rest of the family, including Dakota’s biological father, knew she was an excellent performer.

Banderas added that Dakota would have a thriving career because she is versatile in portraying different characters. She nails comedy, which was evident in the TV series “Ben & Kate,” and drama too, which showed in the movie, he said. He noted that it was a window of “opportunity” for Dakota and that he knew she would grab it with both hands and run with it.

Cada vez que le presentaba un nuevo novio a mis hijas, rompía conmigo – Finalmente investigué para averiguar por qué

Tras mi divorcio, todos los novios que traía a casa desaparecían después de conocer a mis hijas. Cuando otro chico se largó a mitad de la cena, busqué respuestas. Lo que mi investigación reveló sobre los motivos ocultos de mis hijas me dejó atónita y con el corazón roto.

Creía que mi vida había terminado tras mi tumultuoso divorcio de Roger hace dos años. Roger y yo estuvimos casados 15 años, y tenemos dos hijas preciosas, Veronica, de 14 años, y Casey, de 12 años. Éramos felices hasta que las cosas empezaron a desmoronarse. Las trasnochadas de él, las discusiones interminables y el silencio que se produjo después nos llevaron al divorcio. Yo obtuve la custodia de las niñas, y su padre tenía visitas los fines de semana.

Primer plano de una pareja quitándose las alianzas | Fuente: Pexels

Dos años después de la separación, decidí seguir adelante y volver a encontrar el amor. No sólo por mí, sino también por mis hijas. Se merecían una figura paterna en sus vidas.

Cuando hace poco llevé a cenar a casa a mi novio, David, y le presenté a mis hijas, no entendía por qué había puesto fin a nuestra relación tras conocer a mis hijas.

“David, ¿qué te pasa?”, pregunté cuando de repente se levantó de la mesa, pálido como un fantasma. No contestó, recogió el abrigo y se marchó sin decir palabra.

Silueta en escala de grises de un hombre alejándose | Fuente: Pexels

Veronica y Casey estaban sentadas en silencio, mirando sus platos.

“¿Qué ha pasado, chicas?”, pregunté, con voz temblorosa. No respondieron, y su silencio fue enloquecedor.

Aquella noche llamé a David varias veces, pero no lo atendió. A la mañana siguiente, dejó un mensaje de texto que decía: “Se acabó, Melinda. No puedo tener una relación contigo. Adiós”.

Sentí que se me volvía a romper el corazón. No era la primera vez.

Primer plano de una mujer con los ojos llorosos | Fuente: Pexels

Shawn, un chico con el que salí a principios de ese año, había hecho lo mismo. Antes que él, había sido Víctor. Todos estos hombres conocían mi pasado y a mis hijas. Entonces, ¿qué estaba fallando?

Estaba decidida a averiguarlo. Al día siguiente, me reuní con mi colega y amigo Jose en el trabajo y me desahogué.

“Jose, es como un patrón. Cada vez que un chico conoce a mis hijas, desaparece”, le expliqué, sintiendo que las lágrimas me punzaban los ojos.

Mujer angustiada cubriéndose la cara con las manos | Fuente: Pexels

“Vamos, Melinda, no puede ser tan malo”, dijo José riéndose.

“Hablo en serio. Necesito tu ayuda”, insistí.

Aceptó ayudarme. Unas semanas después, llevé a Jose a cenar a casa, presentándole como mi “nuevo novio”. Las sonrisas de Verónica y Casey desaparecieron de inmediato.

“Jose, ¿por qué no hablas con las chicas y las conoces?”, dije, dejándolas en la mesa del comedor como de costumbre. Esperé en la cocina, con el corazón palpitante.

Una pareja cogida de la mano | Fuente: Unsplash

Cuando volví, José tenía la cara más pálida que de costumbre. Agarraba el tenedor con nerviosismo y apenas me miraba.

Después de cenar, se marchó rápidamente, y supe que algo pasaba. Aquella noche, después de que las niñas se acostaran, llamé a Jose.

“Jose, ¿qué ha pasado?”, pregunté, apenas capaz de mantener la voz firme.

“Melinda, tenemos que hablar en persona”, dijo. Se me encogió el corazón.

Un hombre asustado sujetándose la cabeza | Fuente: Pexels

A la mañana siguiente, me apresuré a ir a la oficina y encontré a Jose antes de que empezara nuestro turno.

“Cuéntame”, le exigí. “¿Qué pasó anoche? ¿Qué dijeron las chicas?”.

“Melinda, tus hijas… creen que Roger y tú volveran a estar juntos. Están asustando a tus novios a propósito”, confesó.

Me quedé helada. “¿Qué quieres decir?”.

Primer plano de una mujer triste con los ojos bajos | Fuente: Pexels

“Me han contado cosas horribles sobre ti. Que se te da fatal cocinar, cuidar de ellas… limpiar. Dijeron que eres una adicta a las compras y que tienes problemas de sonambulismo. Incluso han dicho que sólo esta semana has traído a casa a siete hombres”, me explicó José.

Se me saltaron las lágrimas. “Nada de eso es verdad, Jose”.

“Lo sé. Pero lo hacen porque quieren que Roger y tú vuelvan a estar juntos. Tienes que hablar con ellas”, me aconsejó suavemente.

Una mujer con los ojos llorosos cerrando los ojos | Fuente: Pexels

Aquella noche llegué a casa con el corazón herido. Veronica y Casey estaban jugando en el salón, ajenas a la tormenta que se estaba gestando en mi interior.

“Niñas, tenemos que hablar. Ahora”, dije con firmeza, reuniéndolas. Intercambiaron miradas nerviosas, pero no dijeron nada.

“Sé lo que han estado haciendo. Mentir a mis novios para ahuyentarlos. ¿Por qué?”, exigí saber, con la voz quebrada.

Al principio lo negaron. Pero cuando les amenacé con cortarles el dinero de bolsillo y las vacaciones, por fin confesaron.

Dos chicas jóvenes sentadas en el suelo una frente a la otra | Fuente: Pexels

“Mamá, sólo queremos que papá y tú vuelvan a estar juntos. Necesitamos a nuestros dos padres. Necesitamos recuperar nuestra antigua vida”, dijo Verónica con lágrimas en los ojos.

Sentí como si mi corazón se rompiera en mil pedazos. “¿Pero por qué no me lo habías dicho antes?”, pregunté, ahogándome en lágrimas.

“Teníamos miedo de que te enfadaras”, susurró Casey.

Primer plano de una joven mirando hacia arriba | Fuente: Pexels

Respiré hondo y las estreché entre mis brazos. “Lo entiendo, pero no pueden hacer esto. No es justo ni para mí ni para esos hombres. Tenemos que tener una conversación de verdad sobre esto”.

Nos sentamos juntos, hablando hasta bien entrada la noche. Le expliqué que, aunque comprendía sus sentimientos, yo también necesitaba seguir adelante y encontrar la felicidad.

“Pero, mamá, ¿de verdad es demasiado tarde para volver con papá?”, preguntó Verónica, con voz pequeña y esperanzada.

Adolescente infeliz mirando hacia arriba | Fuente: Pexels

Suspiré, apartándole un mechón de pelo de la cara. “No lo sé, cariño. Pero lo que sí sé es que tenemos que apoyarnos mutuamente y ser sinceros. No más mentiras, ¿vale?”.

Asintieron y traté de aligerar el ambiente. “Y para que lo sepan recordaré esto cuando les toque traer a un chico a casa”.

Las chicas se rieron, pero en mi interior, una pregunta seguía atormentándome: ¿realmente era demasiado tarde para dejar a un lado aquellas diferencias y recuperar mi vida con Roger por el bien de nuestras hijas?

Una mujer triste mirando hacia abajo | Fuente: Pexels

Al día siguiente, no podía concentrarme en el trabajo. Mi mente volvía una y otra vez a la conversación con mis hijas. ¿Sería realmente posible reavivar las cosas con Roger? Decidí llamarle.

“Hola, Roger. ¿Tienes un minuto?”, pregunté nerviosa cuando contestó.

“Claro, Melinda. ¿Qué pasa?”. Sonaba curioso, pero no antipático.

“Creo que tenemos que hablar. En persona. Es sobre las chicas”, dije, con la voz ligeramente temblorosa.

Un hombre hablando por teléfono | Fuente: Pexels

“Vale. ¿Qué tal esta noche en esa cafetería a la que solíamos ir?”, sugirió.

“Me parece bien. Nos vemos a las siete”, acepté, sintiendo que se me hacía un nudo de ansiedad en el estómago.

A las siete en punto, entré en la bulliciosa cafetería y vi a Roger en una mesa de la esquina. Levantó la vista y me dedicó una pequeña sonrisa.

“Hola, Melinda”, me saludó mientras me sentaba.

“Hola, Roger. Gracias por reunirte conmigo”, dije, jugueteando con mi taza de café.

Una bulliciosa cafetería | Fuente: Unsplash

“¿Qué tienes en mente?”, preguntó, inclinándose hacia delante.

“Las chicas. Han estado… saboteando mis relaciones porque aún esperan que volvamos a estar juntos”, solté.

Roger parecía sorprendido. “¿Qué? ¿Por qué no dijeron nada?”.

“Tenían miedo. Pensaban que me enfadaría. Pero es más que eso, Roger. Echan de menos a nuestra familia. Quieren que volvamos a estar juntos”, expliqué.

Primer plano de un hombre mirando a su lado | Fuente: Pexels

Roger suspiró, frotándose las sienes. “No tenía ni idea. Creía que estaban llevando bien el divorcio”.

“Yo también lo creía. Pero está claro que no. Sé que tuvimos nuestras diferencias, pero quizá… por su bien, deberíamos intentar arreglar las cosas”, sugerí vacilante.

Me miró, con una tormenta de emociones cruzándole la cara. “No es tan sencillo, Melinda. Teníamos verdaderos problemas. Por eso decidí quedarme soltero después del divorcio”.

“Lo sé. Pero quizá podamos probar con terapia. Ver si queda algo que merezca la pena salvar. Por las niñas”, supliqué.

Mujer angustiada sujetando papel de seda | Fuente: Pexels

Roger volvió a suspirar, mirando por la ventana. “De acuerdo. Intentémoslo. Por las niñas”.

Las semanas siguientes fueron un torbellino de emociones. Roger y yo empezamos a ir a terapia, intentando reconstruir la confianza y la comunicación que habíamos perdido.

No fue fácil. Había días en que me sentía esperanzada y otros en que quería rendirme. Pero el pensamiento en nuestras hijas me hacía seguir adelante.

Una pareja sentada de frente | Fuente: Pexels

Una noche, tras una sesión especialmente dura, Roger y yo nos sentamos en el coche en silencio.

“¿Crees que esto funciona?”, le pregunté en voz baja.

“No lo sé. Pero se lo debemos a las chicas”, respondió, acercándose para apretarme la mano.

Al cabo de un mes de terapia, decidimos hablar a nuestras hijas de nuestros esfuerzos.

“Niñas, su padre y yo hemos estado hablando. Estamos intentando arreglar las cosas”, dije con cautela, viendo cómo se les iluminaban las caras.

“¿De verdad? ¿Significa eso que vais a volver a estar juntos?”, exclamó Casey con entusiasmo.

Primer plano de una chica sonriente mirando hacia arriba | Fuente: Pexels

“No prometemos nada, pero lo estamos intentando”, confirmó Roger.

Las chicas nos abrazaron con fuerza y sentí un atisbo de esperanza. Quizá, sólo quizá, podríamos hacer que esto funcionara.

Con el paso de las semanas, las cosas empezaron a mejorar. Roger y yo nos comunicábamos mejor, y las chicas parecían más felices. Una noche, cuando nos sentamos todos a cenar, sentí una paz que no había sentido en años.

Primer plano de una cena familiar | Fuente: Pexels

“Mamá, papá, esto es muy bonito”, dijo Verónica, sonriéndonos.

“Lo es, ¿verdad?”, asentí, sintiendo que la mano de Roger apretaba la mía por debajo de la mesa.

Aún nos quedaba mucho camino por recorrer, pero por primera vez en mucho tiempo, sentí que íbamos por buen camino. Mis hijas eran tan felices, pero en mi interior sentía que me asaltaba una pregunta. ¿Podrían esas sonrisas compartidas convertirse en un reencuentro duradero, o eran flores fugaces que brotaban de las cenizas de un matrimonio roto?

Una mujer angustiada acurrucada en la silla y mirando a su lado | Fuente: Pexels

Esta obra está inspirada en hechos y personas reales, pero se ha ficcionalizado con fines creativos. Se han cambiado nombres, personajes y detalles para proteger la intimidad y mejorar la narración. Cualquier parecido con personas reales, vivas o muertas, o con hechos reales es pura coincidencia y no es intención del autor.

El autor y el editor no garantizan la exactitud de los acontecimientos ni la representación de los personajes, y no se hacen responsables de ninguna interpretación errónea. Esta historia se proporciona “tal cual”, y las opiniones expresadas son las de los personajes y no reflejan los puntos de vista del autor ni del editor.

Comparte esta historia con tus amigos. Podría alegrarles el día e inspirarlos.