Overview
- In a People interview published Thursday, Aug. 6, Banderas called Melanie Griffith “if not my best friend, one of my best friends” and said they remain very close today.
- He described their separation as calm and sincere and said that staying honest with each other after the breakup was important for their children’s wellbeing.
- The exes continue to reunite when he visits Los Angeles and both attended their daughter Stella’s wedding in October 2025, showing ongoing public cooperation as co‑parents.
- Banderas said his near‑fatal heart attack in 2017 prompted him to move back to his hometown of Málaga, a step he credits with reshaping his priorities and career choices; he also maintains a long‑term relationship with Nicole Kimpel and is publicly promoting new film work.
- Their story highlights a blended‑family model in which former spouses keep friendly ties for parenting and family stability, a dynamic that has kept their children publicly connected and allowed Banderas to balance work from Spain.