The actor revealed the reasons for his move from Los Angeles to his native Malaga. The key factor, he said, was a heart attack he suffered in 2017, which forced Antonio Banderas to reassess his life priorities and return to Spain.
In an interview with People magazine, the actor, who recently starred in the Anthony Bourdain biopic “Tony,” called the attack “an incredibly clear reminder” of what’s truly important. The incident occurred at Banderas’s home in Surrey, England. His girlfriend, Nicole Kimpel, administered first aid. She performed several rounds of CPR, after which the actor was rushed to the hospital. During the surgery, doctors inserted three stents into his arteries.
Banderas admitted that, despite his vibrant years in Los Angeles, he never considered the city his permanent home. During his marriage to Melanie Griffith (1996–2015), he settled in California. The couple started a family there and raised their daughter, Stella Banderas. However, after a divorce and a crisis, the actor finally decided to return to Málaga, which he calls his true home.
Those were wonderful, exciting years. But I always had the feeling that it wouldn’t last my entire life. I knew Málaga was my hometown. I wasn’t supposed to be in Malibu; I was supposed to be in Málaga.
Reflecting on life in Hollywood, the actor noted that many people act as if they will never die:
They collect things. I don’t want to collect anything. The only thing that interests me now is the experience of life.
The actor emphasizes that the proximity of death helps one realize how pointless it is to waste time on things that have no real value. Antonio Banderas says his heart attack was one of the most important events in his life:
The heart attack was the best thing that ever happened to me. It was like someone put glasses on me so I could see a reality I’d never seen before.
Banderas also spoke about his warm relationship with his ex-wife, Melanie Griffith:
When we separated, we were always very sincere. And now she’s, if not my best friend, then one of my best friends.
The actor also maintains a close relationship with his former stepdaughter, actress Dakota Johnson.
About the Author
