Actor Antonio Banderas has opened up about his decision to leave the United States more than 20 years after he first emigrated from Spain. The 65 year old actor discussed his move in an interview with People published on Friday, having recently spoken candidly about his divorce from Melanie Griffith.
The Mask Of Zorro star relocated to the United States in 1995 after falling in love with Griffith. He described his relationship with Griffith and his success in Hollywood as beautiful, exciting years. However, Banderas admitted to the outlet that he always had this sense of provisionality that it was not going to last my whole life.
A heart attack in 2017 served as an unbelievably clear reminder of what was important to him, including returning to his home country. Banderas explained that he knew Malaga was there, his hometown, and that he was not supposed to be in Malibu, but in Malaga.
Surrey Emergency Surgery and Recovery
The health scare began when Banderas felt chest pain at his residence in Surrey, England. He was transported to a hospital where he underwent emergency surgery and had three stents placed in his arteries.
Reflecting on the experience, Banderas told People that his heart attack was the best thing that ever happened in my life. He explained it was like somebody put glasses on me so I could see the reality that I didn't see before.
Banderas also discussed the health scare during a conversation with The Times in March. He expressed that mine was a really serious warning that changed the way I look at life, adding that faced with death, it made me look back and realize that I am, in fact, a theater actor.
Speaking to Fox News Digital in 2023, the Desperado actor described the heart attack as a knock at the door for me. He noted that if people ask how it is to have a heart attack, he can only speak about his own, calling it a close call and advice to just really, really, really look at life in a different way after going on the wrong path.
Teatro del Soho and Life in Spain
Banderas has since moved to Spain, where he lives with his longtime girlfriend Nicole Kimpel. In 2019, he founded his own theatre company, Teatro del Soho, in his home country.
The actor told the outlet he has never been so happy, though he is losing money to a vice to which I am addicted. He recalled doing theatre on Broadway in 2003 with quite a bit of success, winning a Tony Award for Nine, but noted there were lots of musicals he wanted to put on when there were no musicals in Spain.
When the opportunity arose to buy a former cinema venue that was in a state of disrepair and full of asbestos, Banderas bought the site. He cleared out the awful building and constructed the theatre inside its shell.
Divorce and Friendship with Melanie Griffith
Banderas explained that he threw himself into work following his divorce from Griffith. The former couple married in 1996 and welcomed their daughter Stella, who is now 29 years old.
Their split was announced in 2014, and the divorce was finalized in December 2015. Banderas recalled coming out of the divorce confused and finding sanctuary in work, making movies one behind the other during a crazy period.
Despite the split, Banderas revealed to People that he and his ex-wife are still best friends. Daily Mail reached out to representatives for Banderas for comment, but has yet to hear back.
Acting Role in Biographical Drama Tony
The star has been keeping busy and took on a role in the new biographical comedic drama Tony. The A24 film is based on the late Anthony Bourdain's early days of working in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
Other cast members in the film include Dominic Sessa, Emilia Jones, Dagmara Dominczyk, Rich Sommer, and Leo Woodall. Tony hit limited theaters in the United States on August 7, ahead of its official release on August 21.
