Not many people are aware of the deep connection between famous actor Antonio Banderas and the talented Fifty Shades of Grey star, Dakota Johnson. What’s even more surprising is that their friendship has endured for over two decades, despite Antonio and Dakota’s mother Melanie Griffith no longer being together.
1. Antonio Considers Dakota His Daughter
Dakota, born in 1989 to Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, grew up in the world of acting. Her parents married and divorced twice, with Dakota being born during their second marriage. In 1996, when Dakota was just six years old, her parents divorced. That same year, Melanie met Antonio Banderas on the set of the movie “Two Much.” They fell in love, got married, and lived together until December 2015.
Antonio has always spoken warmly about his love for Dakota, referring to her as his daughter. In fact, Dakota herself has acknowledged Banderas as one of the most influential people in her life, bringing creativity and culture into their family.
2. A New Addition to the Family: Stella Banderas
In 1996, Antonio and Melanie welcomed their daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas, who is seven years younger than Dakota. Dakota has expressed her gratitude to her stepfather for giving her a wonderful younger sister, whom she affectionately describes as “magical.”
3. Red Carpets and Oscar Nights
From a young age, Dakota accompanied her movie star parents to social events and even walked the red carpets with them. As astonishing as it may sound, she attended the Oscars with them when she was just 10 years old!Caption: Dakota Johnson with Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith at the Oscars in 2000.
4. Antonio’s Role in Dakota’s First Movie
Dakota made her film debut at the age of nine in the movie “Crazy in Alabama,” directed by none other than Antonio Banderas. In the film, Dakota and her sister Stella played the daughters of the main character portrayed by Melanie Griffith.
5. The Importance of Education
Despite her early acting career, both Antonio and Melanie encouraged Dakota to prioritize her education. Taking inspiration from their own experiences, they advised her to graduate from high school before pursuing her acting dreams. Dakota followed their advice and only began auditioning in Los Angeles after completing her high school studies.
6. Embracing Spanish Culture
Having Antonio Banderas in the family brought the richness of Spanish culture to Dakota’s life. She once shared in an interview that she perfectly understands the Spanish language, but isn’t fluent in speaking it. When appearing on Spanish television shows, she works with a translator to ensure clear communication.
7. Dakota: A Reason for a Lasting Marriage
Some divorces can sour relationships, but for the Banderas-Griffith family, that wasn’t the case. Antonio recently expressed that Dakota is still a significant part of his life and that his marriage to Melanie was worth it for many reasons, including their daughter.
8. A Warm and Close-Knit Family
Despite their divorce, Melanie and Antonio, along with their children, have maintained a warm and friendly relationship. Antonio considers Melanie his best friend and still considers her and their children as family. It seems that their shared love and respect transcend typical breakup traditions.
9. The Love for Skiing
One common hobby that bonds the entire family, including Antonio, Dakota, and Stella, is their love for skiing. They have been spotted numerous times over the years enjoying ski vacations in Aspen, Colorado. It’s heartwarming to see how they find joy in shared activities.
10. A Steadfast Stepfather
Antonio Banderas played a vital role in Dakota’s life for nearly 20 years as her stepfather. Even after their divorce in 2015, he remains a significant presence. This remarkable man has not only supported Dakota but also carried her on his shoulders, traveling the world together. In a touching tribute, Dakota expressed how fiercely and emphatically Antonio loved their family, forever changing their lives.
Now, with this newfound knowledge, we can’t help but admire Antonio Banderas even more!
