Antonio Banderas Taking the Lead with his family
Beyond Skin Deep by F&EG Staff -5/2005-
“What I try, for people that I love, even my wife, is to say, ‘Wrinkles are beautiful too,’ they are like carats in diamonds (the more the better). ” Antonio Banderas said these words to expose the beauty that lies within us all. Banderas is the ideal illustration of a man with incredible beauty that travels infinitely beyond skin-deep. He is a critically acclaimed actor, a passionate lover, a devoted father, and an award winner in multiple areas. He says he “dedicates time in the two most important things in life, my family and my profession.”
There is no doubt that he is most extensively known in the U.S. as big screen’s Spanish heartthrob seen in movies such as ‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998) and ‘Desperado’ (1995), but there is much more to him than just a handsome facade; he is a charismatic man with interminable devotion and a tremendous attitude. Along his career path, Banderas has knocked down barriers politically, socially, and culturally, he has triumphed with stunning success.
Born in 1960, Banderas grew up in Malaga, Spain where he studied at the School of Dramatic Art. As the son of a secret policeman and a teacher, Banderas “never had any ambitions to become a Hollywood star.” Instead, his dream was to become a professional soccer player until he broke his foot at age 14. Shortly afterwards he fell in love with the theatre when seeing a performance of ‘Hair.
He began his first real acting experience as a member of an independent theatre group, touring throughout Spain. While growing up he had been forced to deal with the problems of his country, when Spain was changing politically and the country was moving towards democracy. Those experiences contribute to his social and political opinions today. He was even arrested and jailed once by the Franco authorities for performing in Brecht. Later, in 1981, he was recruited by the National Theatre of Spain and filmed, ‘Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down,’ in which he received an award for best actor.
His American debut in film was in ‘Mambo Kings’ (1992) and has since then performed large roles in numerous movies including ‘Interview with the Vampire’ (1994), ‘Evita’ (1997) alongside Madonna, ‘Shrek 2’ (2004), and perhaps his most famous role ‘The Mask of Zorro’ (1998). While filming ‘Two Much’ (1996) he met his wife, fellow actress Melanie Griffith. This was after his divorce from Spanish actress Ana Leza.
Film brought Banderas other recognition as well. In 2004 he received the Vanguard Award from the Gay and Le sbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for his promotion of equal rights in the entertainment community. His role as the gay lover of Tom Hanks in ‘Philadelphia’ was a great contributor to this honor and Banderas proudly proclaimed in his acceptance speech, “I am very strongly on the side of those who are fighting for a legal frame in which they can develop their relationship normally in their lives.” He proclaimed he is “completely proud to play a gay character” and that it was extremely important to provide AIDS awareness in his movie.
Film brought Banderas other recognition as well. In 2004 he received the Vanguard Award from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) for his promotion of equal rights in the entertainment community. He is role as the gay lover of Tom Hanks in ‘Philadelphia’ was a great contributor to this honor and Banderas proudly proclaimed in his acceptance speech, “I am very strongly on the side of those who are fighting for a legal frame in which they can develop their relationship normally in their lives.” He proclaimed he is “completely proud to play a gay character” and that it was extremely important to provide AIDS awareness in his movie.
Banderas has found it of great importance to be “always active politically, socially, culturally.” He has even taken a stand on political issues including the Madrid bombings and the war with Iraq. He has stated that he is ‘strongly opposed to the war in Iraq and Spain’s participation in it.”
Today Banderas spends much time with his family. He lives in Los Angeles but also owns a house and a theatre in Marbella, Spain.
Currently he is filming a movie, “Taking The Lead” where he plays a school dance teacher. He also plans to direct a play version of the novel El Camino de los Ingleses (The Way of the British), by Antonio Soler, which is a story of children growing up shortly after Franco’s death, in 1977. Banderas describes this production as “pretty much my life story.”
As for his family, he and Griffith live with their three children in a beautiful, estate house. They have faced obstacles in their marriage with Griffith’s alcohol and drug addictions. Griffith entered rehab and overcame her addiction with Banderas’ and her children’s vital support.
Antonio Banderas appeals to people of all ages. His role as Puss in Boots in ‘Shrek 2’ certainly portrays that he is able to laugh at himself, as he mocked his character of Zorro. He has shown great dedication to perform material that represents his values. He utilizes his role in entertainment to promote equality and the idea that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.
