Antonio Banderas is thrilled about a recent family event: the marriage of his daughter, Stella Banderas, to Alex Gruszynski. He shared on Instagram that Stella’s wedding felt like a wonderful and emotional family reunion filled with joy and laughter, expressing his gratitude to everyone involved. He also posted photos, including memories of Stella growing up and pictures from the wedding weekend.
Stella and Alex announced their engagement in August 2024, and Antonio has clearly given his blessing. He previously told *People* magazine that all he wants for his daughter is to be loved, and he’s happy that she’s found that with Alex, adding that he approves of the man she chose to marry. He expressed his deep happiness for the couple.
Her mother, Melanie Griffith, was thrilled with the news. Shortly after the proposal, the *Working Girl* actress shared on Instagram, “He asked… on bended knee… she said yes!” She continued, “Stella and Alex are engaged! Their love story started way back in preschool – it’s true, deep love! Congratulations to the happy couple!”
Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, who starred together in the 1995 movie *Two Much*, married in 1996 and quickly became a blended family. They had a daughter, Stella, and Melanie brought children from previous relationships: Jesse Johnson, Dakota Johnson, and Alexander Bauer. Though Antonio and Melanie divorced in 2014 after 18 years together, they remained close and prioritized their children.
“She’s my family, and I love her until the day I die,” Antonio shared with *People* magazine in 2018. They successfully navigated their split with grace, ensuring their children benefited from a positive relationship between both parents. Their children remain their top priority.
Read on to learn more about their unique family dynamic.
Oh my gosh, can you believe it? Melanie Griffith was just a *teenager* – fourteen years old! – when she first saw Don Johnson. He was already a star, filming this movie called *The Harrad Experiment* back in 1973, and get this – he was acting *with her mom*, the incredible Tippi Hedren! It’s just…fate, honestly. I’ve read everything about them, and that first meeting is always the starting point. It’s so iconic!
Tippi told *People* magazine in 1989 that she fell in love with him very quickly, describing it as a teenage crush.
Melanie and Don’s relationship moved quickly. She moved in with him at age 15, and they became engaged at 18. They ran off to Las Vegas and got married on January 8, 1976, even though Don had confessed to being with someone else – a beauty queen – the night before.
Melanie explained to *People* magazine that she and her partner considered marriage as a way to fix their problems, but it ultimately didn’t work. Surprisingly, she married him hoping it would *end* their relationship, and they later had the marriage annulled.
Oh my god, Don and Patti D’Arbanville… it was EVERYTHING in the early 80s! Patti wasn’t just *anyone*, you know? She was Andy Warhol’s muse – seriously iconic! And get this, Cat Stevens wrote a song about her – “Lady D’Arbanville”! It was just… a magical time, and they were at the center of it all. I was completely obsessed with them as a couple!
Don shared with *People* magazine in 2024 that he met the mother of his first son while working on a film in New York City. He described walking into Andy Warhol’s studio and seeing her naked on a table – she was photographing the first cover for *Interview* magazine and he was immediately struck by her beauty and presence.
Their paths first crossed in 1973, when Patti appeared on the cover of *Interview* magazine (though she wasn’t the first). However, they didn’t become a couple until 1981. The story goes that Don went to a restaurant in Los Angeles with his girlfriend, Tanya Tucker, but left with Patti instead.
“She moved in that night,” he told People in 1984. “And we stayed in bed for about eight days.”
Don and Patti welcomed son Jesse Wayne Johnson on Dec. 7, 1982.
You know, when Don and Patti were first dating, he shared with me that he wasn’t ready for marriage at that point in his life. And honestly, she was on the same page! She let him know she wasn’t looking for that kind of commitment either. It was a really honest conversation, and they were both upfront about where they were at, which I always appreciate in a relationship.
The star of *Miami Vice*, after struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, said his children were key to him getting sober.
He recalled walking into the breakfast room one morning in 1984 and seeing his wife, Patti, feeding their baby as the sun shone and birds sang. He described himself as stumbling in and realizing, when Patti looked at him, that he needed to address his drinking and drug use or she would leave. He then told her, ‘I’m a drunk and a drug addict, and I’m going to get help.’
He and Patti separated in 1985. Since then, Patti has been married and divorced three times and has three children with her most recent ex-husband.
Jesse is both a musician and an actor. He first appeared on screen in 2001 in an episode of his father’s popular show, *Nash Bridges*. More recently, he had a guest role on his father Don’s new hit series, *Doctor Odyssey*.
Oh my gosh, Jesse is just… perfect! He actually grew up in Aspen, Colorado – can you even imagine?! He went to Occidental College for theater, which is amazing, but honestly? His Instagram is *full* of ski pics! It’s so clear he still loves hitting the slopes and, even more importantly, he’s super close to his family. It just makes me love him even more!
He’s the singer and guitarist for the band Blame Baby, which he describes to Rock Wired as playing rock music with a nostalgic, straightforward feel – reminiscent of a simpler time.
Stephen Bauer, known for his role in *Scarface*, starred in the comedy *She’s in the Army Now*. He and Melanie Griffith were married from 1983 to 1987.
Although she’s been quieter about their relationship and their son, Alexander, the former couple has stayed friendly. They were even seen getting cozy together at the 2013 premiere of *Dark Tourist*.
In a 2020 interview with *People* magazine, Melanie shared that she remained friends with all three of her former husbands, saying, “I love them with all my heart.”
Alexander Griffith Bauer was born on August 22, 1985. After his parents divorced, he mostly lived with his mother in Los Angeles.
He’s generally a quiet person compared to his brothers and sisters, but he often shows up at family events, especially those focused on the Johnsons. Although he’s tried his hand at writing and acting, he’s primarily worked as a grip on movie sets – a behind-the-scenes role.
In 2021, Melanie shared a photo of her sons, Jesse and Alex, on Instagram with the message, “Happy National Sons Day! I love you both so much.”
Like moths to a flame, Melanie and Don got back together…eventually.
In 1987, Don suggested Melanie appear as a sophisticated madam on *Miami Vice*, and they rekindled their on-again, off-again relationship. During their breaks, Don dated Barbara Streisand, and Melanie saw an investment banker. However, in 1988, Don supported Melanie in getting sober, encouraging her to enter the Hazelden Foundation in Minnesota that May.
She shared in a 1989 interview with *People* magazine that her husband had been encouraging her to go to Hazelden, a treatment center, for around two years. She clarified that this wasn’t because she was using drugs, but explained that even one drink can be harmful for someone struggling with alcoholism. Her husband, Don, had been actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous since 1983 and provided unwavering support throughout her journey.
Melanie was pregnant when they wed again on June 26, 1989.
Don described their family as very traditional, like the iconic TV couple Ozzie and Harriet. He mentioned that their son, Alexander, lived with them and Jesse often came to visit. Melanie chimed in, saying they all hoped for a daughter.
Dakota Mayi Johnson was born Oct. 4, 1989.
She quickly embraced the Hollywood lifestyle, starting with her film debut in the 1999 movie *Crazy in Alabama*, which featured her mother and was directed by her stepfather, Antonio Banderas. She then gained wider recognition through roles in popular films like the *Fifty Shades* series, *A Bigger Splash*, *How to Be Single*, *Suspiria*, and *Madam Web*.
She’s expressed frustration with the recent discussions about ‘nepo babies,’ explaining that joining a family business is a fairly normal thing for many people to do.
In a 2025 interview with Pedro Pascal for *Elle*, she remembered starting to audition for roles. There were periods with no work, and sometimes she had to ask her parents for financial assistance. She expressed gratitude for her parents’ support, but admitted it wasn’t easy, describing the audition process as incredibly difficult.
Melanie’s parents divorced in 1996, but she’s stayed close to everyone: her stepmother, her former stepfather, and all of her half-siblings, whom she considers her full siblings.
Dakota Johnson has said she had a very communal upbringing, raised by a wide circle of people including her mom, dad, stepparents, nannies, tutors, friends, teachers, and even her friends’ and boyfriends’ parents. She told *The Hollywood Reporter* in 2021 that she always looked to learn from everyone around her, a habit she continues today. She credits this unique childhood and her parents for shaping her into the person she is.
Dakota Johnson and Coldplay singer Chris Martin dated from 2017 to 2025. In June, multiple sources confirmed to People magazine that the couple, known for keeping their relationship very private, had permanently broken up. Their secrecy actually led to more rumors about a split over the years.
Despite frequent reports of a split, they continued to live together in Malibu and consistently found ways to dispel breakup rumors, often with a public appearance or statement.
Dakota Johnson happily stepped into a motherly role for Apple and Moses Martin, the children Chris Martin shares with his ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, embracing the blended family dynamic.
“I love those kids like my life depends on it,” Dakota told Bustle in 2024. “With all my heart.”
Gwyneth Paltrow, who married Brad Falchuk (a father of two) in 2018, shared in a 2023 Instagram Q&A that she and Dakota Johnson are close friends.
Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas were both married to other people when they met on the set of the 1995 film *Too Much*. Antonio had been married to Ana Leza since 1987. However, both of them divorced their spouses the following year and married each other in London on May 14, 1996. Their daughter, Stella, was born four months later.
They announced their divorce in June 2014, releasing a statement that they had come to the decision amicably and with mutual respect for each other, their family, and friends, and cherished the time they had shared.
Similar to her behavior with Don, Melanie remained close to Antonio, who has been in a relationship with Nicole Kimpel since 2015.
Antonio told Fox News Digital in 2023 that he and his ex-wife remain good friends and have no bad feelings towards each other. He described her as a wonderful woman and fondly remembered their 20-year relationship, saying it was a beautiful experience.
“We definitely had some tough times,” he said, “but I’ll always cherish the good ones, especially those involving our children and family.”
And when he travels to L.A., he added, the first thing he does is call Melanie.
Family time is huge for us. We really prioritize getting together for dinner – the whole crew! It’s not just important to me and my immediate family, but to everyone connected to us, too. It’s about keeping those bonds strong and making memories together.
Stella Del Carmen Banderas was born Sept. 24, 1996.
Antonio shared with Fox News that his daughter, a model and the founder of the fragrance brand Lightbound (launched in 2021), views film with a thoughtful and analytical perspective.
He mentioned she’s been making short films, has experience as a director and actress, and is planning to direct commercials. He believes she’ll eventually become a feature film director. Interestingly, she and her father later appeared together in a Mercedes commercial that aired in Europe.
Stella announced her engagement to businessman Alex Gruszynski in August 2024. She shared the happy news on social media, writing, “I get to spend the rest of my life with my favorite person!”
Melanie shared the happy news on Instagram, announcing that Stella and Alex are engaged! She recounted the proposal: he got down on one knee, and she said yes. Their relationship actually started way back in preschool! Stella and Alex later got married in October 2025. Stella’s father, Antonio, described the wedding as a deeply emotional, joyful, and fun family reunion, thanking everyone who helped make it happen.
In 2015, Dakota, her grandmother Tippi Hedren, mother Melanie Griffith, and sister Stella all dressed stylishly together at the 22nd annual ELLE Women in Hollywood Awards.
Don met Kelley Phleger, a nursery school teacher who had previously dated California Governor Gavin Newsom, at a birthday party for San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in the mid-1990s. They began dating in 1997.
The couple got married on April 29, 1999, at the home of Gordon Getty in the Bay Area, and they’ve been together ever since.
Don shared with *People* magazine in 2024 that their relationship is built on kindness, trust, and respect. He described them as both lovers and friends, emphasizing how much fun they have together and praising her as an incredible woman.
Kelley celebrated her 26th wedding anniversary on Instagram with a heartfelt message to her husband. She reminisced about their incredible journey together, saying she wouldn’t change a single day of their 26 years. They’ve faced everything life has thrown their way, and their love has only grown stronger. They’ve built a beautiful family and feel incredibly blessed, and she expressed excitement for continuing their life together, side-by-side.
The actor’s life is much calmer now than it was during his time on *Miami Vice*. Back then, the show needed round-the-clock security, and he couldn’t even step outside without being swarmed by fans eager to meet the character of Sonny Crockett.
Don recently shared with *People* magazine that maintaining a good work-life balance is challenging for actors, as film and television projects often demand a lot of time. Fortunately, he’s now in a position where he can be selective about the roles he takes. He often prefers supporting roles because they allow him to enjoy his work without the grueling hours and extended time away from his family.
Don and Kelley’s first child together, Atherton Grace Johnson, was born Dec. 28, 1999.
Growing up in Santa Barbara, California, she mostly had a normal childhood. She’d sometimes appear with her parents, but before going to USC to study photography, she lived a pretty typical life.
Grace first gained recognition in 2019 when she attended the Met Gala with Dakota and modeled in a Christian Cowan show inspired by *The Powerpuff Girls*. Since then, she’s worked with *Bello* magazine, walked the runway for Gucci, and even appeared in a music video for her brother Jesse’s band.
You know, my relationship with Dakota is really special. She’s not just my sister, she’s truly my best friend. And honestly, even with the age gap, she’s always treated me as an equal – it’s something I’ve always cherished. I shared this with *Glamour Spain* a while back, and it still rings true today.
Jasper Breckenridge Johnson was born June 6, 2002.
He played basketball at a high school in Santa Barbara. His father often posts about how tall he and his brothers are on Instagram. His recruiting profile also highlights the unwavering support of his parents, who have always been at his games.
Besides his dream of playing basketball in college, he plans to study business, earn a four-year degree, and build a career in the field.
The arrival of son, Deacon James Johnson, on April 29, 2006, completed the family for this generation, and Don was reportedly overjoyed – his representative said he was “over the moon times six.”
Like Jasper, his Instagram account is private, but his bio says “Sb usc,” which likely indicates he’s a student at the University of Southern California.
You know, as a lifestyle expert, I always find the little nicknames people have for their loved ones so telling! It’s just the sweetest way they show affection. Take Deacon, for example – his family calls him ‘Chap,’ and it’s adorable! His mom recently wrote him a birthday message saying, ‘Happy 19th, Chap!’ and then added, ‘Deacon James, we love you and couldn’t ask for a better youngest son! You’re the Dude!’ It really captures that warm, playful family vibe, doesn’t it?
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2025-10-20 22:36