Actor Antonio Banderas says the heart attack he suffered in 2017 at age 56 was the best thing that ever happened to him. The 65 year old actor from Malaga explained that facing death forced him to rethink his entire existence and radically change his personal priorities.
Banderas, who is a devout follower of Holy Week in Malaga, said the health scare gave him an opportunity to value what truly matters in life.
In an interview with People magazine, the actor said his heart attack felt as if someone had placed lenses on him, allowing him to see a reality he had previously missed. He explained that fearing the end of his days and worrying about the immense pain his loss would cause his loved ones caused him to reevaluate everything.
He added that the experience served as an extraordinarily clear reminder of how foolish it is to waste time on things that do not deserve a place in one's life.
The actor, who appears in photographs alongside his former wife Melanie Griffith and their daughter Stella del Carmen, said the health event prompted him to eliminate bad habits. He quit smoking immediately and stated that he never again felt any desire for the addiction that nearly cost him his life.
Shift in priorities and return to Spain
Recognizing the importance of family and his roots, Banderas decided to leave his life across the Atlantic and return to his hometown of Malaga. He recalled his years living in Los Angeles as beautiful and exciting, but noted that he always felt a sense of temporary stay and knew his proper place was in Malaga rather than Malibu.
Banderas established his primary home and business headquarters in Malaga, choosing to invest his career earnings back into the city even when financial forecasts predicted low returns. His investments include the Teatro Soho CaixaBank, which he owns and produces theatrical shows for, as well as several restaurant businesses.
Reflecting on the stroke and heart attack he survived at age 56, Banderas said people often live as though they are immortal and focus on collecting material possessions. He stated that he has no interest in collecting anything and that his sole focus now is the actual experience of living, noting that people only leave this world with the love of their family and the experiences that feed the soul.
