Antonio Banderas Posts Message After Daughter Stella Banderas’ Wedding

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Stella and Alex forever after.

Antonio Banderas attended his daughter Stella Banderas’ wedding in Spain on October 18th. Stella, whose mother is Melanie Griffith, married her partner, Alex Gruszinsky, and Antonio shared a heartfelt message about the happy couple online after the ceremony.

Oh my goodness, my Stella’s wedding was just… everything! It wasn’t just a wedding, it was like the whole family came *alive* again – so much emotion, so much joy, and honestly, we were all laughing until our sides hurt! I posted about it on Instagram yesterday, and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped make it such a perfect day for my girl. It meant the world to us.

Antonio shared photos of himself with Stella from throughout their relationship in a recent post. He had also congratulated the couple earlier, speaking to reporters in a tuxedo outside the wedding, as reported by several news sources.

He told *Hello!* magazine that his biggest hope – and his mother’s too – was for the wedding day to be flawless, with every detail carefully planned so their guests could truly enjoy the celebration.

Melanie hasn’t commented on the wedding yet, but she did publicly congratulate Stella when Stella first announced her engagement in August 2024.

I was so thrilled when Stella posted a picture of her ring with a caption about spending forever with her then-fiancé! It was such a sweet moment. And Melanie Griffith, the star of *Working Girl*, commented the most adorable message – she said she loved them both so much and sent her congratulations again! It just made my day seeing everyone so happy for them.

Melanie later commemorated the milestone moment with a post of her own.

She announced on Instagram that Stella and Alex are engaged! She shared that he proposed on one knee and she happily accepted. The couple’s sweet love story actually started way back in preschool! She celebrated their “true, deep love” and offered her congratulations.

The 68-year-old, who is also a mother to 40-year-old Alexander Bauer (with Steven Bauer) and 36-year-old Dakota Johnson (with Don Johnson), has spoken before about how she views parenting.

She described their relationship as incredibly open and honest, where they could talk about anything. This level of openness helped her build a deep trust with her partner, which allowed her to be herself without worrying about being judged.

Keep reading for more on the Melanie, Stella and Antonio’s family tree…

Melanie Griffith first met Don Johnson when she was 14 years old. He was 22 at the time and acting alongside her mother, Tippi Hedren, in the 1973 film *The Harrad Experiment*.

Tippi told *People* magazine in 1989 that she fell in love with him very quickly, describing it as a typical 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.

In the early 1980s, Don was in a relationship with actress Patti D’Arbanville, who was also known as a muse to Andy Warhol and the inspiration for Cat Stevens’ song “Lady D’Arbanville.”

Don shared with *People* magazine in 2024 that he met the mother of his first son while working on a film in New York. He visited Andy Warhol’s Factory and found her posing nude on a table. She was shooting what he believes was the first-ever cover photo for *Interview* magazine, and he was immediately struck by her beauty and charisma.

Their first encounter likely happened in 1973, when Patti was featured on the cover of *Interview* magazine (though she wasn’t the first), but 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, and ended up leaving 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.

Don told *People* magazine that he’d explained to Patti he wasn’t ready to get married, and she’d responded by saying she didn’t want that either.

The star of *Miami Vice*, after struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, said his children were the reason he started getting sober.

He recalled walking into the breakfast room one morning to a peaceful scene: the sun was shining, birds were singing, and his wife, Patti, was feeding their baby. He described himself as stumbling in and sitting down, and when Patti looked at him, he realized he needed to address his problems or she would leave. He then confessed to her, ‘Patti, I’m a drunk and a drug addict, and I’m going to get help.’

He and Patti ended their relationship in 1985. Since then, Patti has been married and divorced three times and has three children with her most recent ex-husband.

Oh my gosh, Jesse is just… incredible! He’s a total talent, you know? He actually *started* acting way back in 2001 – can you believe it? – with a little appearance on his dad’s show, *Nash Bridges*. It was so cute! And now? He’s everywhere! He just had a part on Don’s new show, *Doctor Odyssey*, and he was amazing, of course. I seriously can’t wait to see what he does next!

Jesse was raised in Aspen, Colorado. Although he studied theater at Occidental College in Southern California, his Instagram feed shows he still loves skiing and spending time with his large family.

He’s also the singer and guitarist for the band Blame Baby, which he describes to Rock Wired as playing rock music that feels nostalgic for 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 close at the 2013 premiere of *Dark Tourist*.

I was so fascinated when I read Melanie’s interview with *People* back in 2020. She talked about her three ex-husbands, and it was amazing to hear her say that she still loved them all dearly. She genuinely said, ‘All three of them are my friends, and I love them with all my heart,’ and it really struck me how incredibly open and kind she is.

Let me tell you a bit about Alexander Griffith Bauer. He was born on August 22nd, 1985, and after his parents split up, he was mostly raised by his mom in Los Angeles. It’s a pretty common story, actually – a lot of us grow up with a strong bond with one parent after a divorce, and LA is a big city where people often reinvent themselves.

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. While 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, writing, “Happy National Sons Day! I love you both so much, you extraordinary guys.”

Like moths to a flame, Melanie and Don got back together…eventually.

In 1987, Don suggested Melanie appear as a sophisticated club owner 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 recalled that her husband had been encouraging her to go to Hazelden, a treatment center, for about 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 involved in Alcoholics Anonymous since 1983 and was a constant source of support for her.

Melanie was pregnant when they wed again on June 26, 1989.

Don described their family as being like the classic TV couple Ozzie and Harriet, explaining that Alexander lived with them and Jesse often came to visit. Melanie chimed in, saying everyone in the family hoped for a daughter.

Dakota Mayi Johnson was born Oct. 4, 1989.

Since then, she’s fully embraced the Hollywood lifestyle. She first appeared on screen in the 1999 film *Crazy in Alabama*, which starred her mother and was directed by her stepfather, Antonio Banderas. She later gained significant recognition for her roles in films like the *Fifty Shades* series, *A Bigger Splash*, *How to Be Single*, *Suspiria*, and *Madam Web*.

You know, I’ve been following the ‘nepo baby’ discussion, and honestly, I find it a little frustrating. It seems people are acting like joining a family business is some crazy new thing! It’s actually really common – think doctors, lawyers, shop owners… it’s been happening for generations. While privilege definitely plays a role, it’s not necessarily unusual or scandalous to follow in your parents’ footsteps professionally.

She remembered telling Pedro Pascal in an interview with *Elle* in 2025 that she began auditioning for roles. There were times when work was scarce, and she sometimes had to ask her parents for financial support. She expressed gratitude for her parents’ help, but admitted the audition process itself was incredibly difficult and frustrating.

Okay, so Melanie and Don split up way back in ’96, but honestly, it never changed things with the family. She’s *still* super close to everyone – her stepmom, Don’s ex, and all her half-siblings. And it’s not weird or complicated, they’re just her siblings, plain and simple. That’s just how it is, and it’s amazing to see!

Dakota Johnson has said she had a very communal upbringing, raised not just by her mother and father, but also by stepparents, caregivers, teachers, and even the parents of her friends and boyfriends. In a 2021 interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, she explained that she always sought to learn from everyone around her, a habit she continues today. She credits this unconventional upbringing and her parents for shaping her into the person she is.

Dakota Johnson and Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, dated from 2017 to 2025. In June, several sources confirmed to *People* magazine that the couple had permanently broken up. They were known for keeping their relationship very private, which led to frequent rumors about their status.

Despite frequent speculation about a breakup, they continued to live together in Malibu and consistently found ways to dispel rumors, often with a public appearance or statement.

Dakota readily embraced the role of a second mother to Apple and Moses Martin, Chris Martin’s children with Gwyneth Paltrow, welcoming them into her blended family with warmth.

“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, revealed 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, they both divorced their spouses 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 decided to separate amicably, with continued respect for each other, their family, and friends, and appreciation for the time they shared.

Similar to her behavior with Don, Melanie remained close to Antonio, who has been in a relationship with Nicole Kimpel since 2015.

Antonio shared with Fox News Digital in 2023 that he remains on good terms with his ex-wife. He described her as a wonderful woman he still respects and supports, adding that he cherishes the 20 years they spent together.

“Sure,” he said, “we went through some tough times, but I’ll always cherish the good moments we shared, especially those involving our children and family.”

And when he travels to L.A., he added, the first thing he does is call Melanie.

“We make it a point to have dinner together as a whole family,” Antonio explained. “It’s really important, not just for us, but for everyone in the family as well.”

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 in 2021, thinks about movies in a thoughtful and insightful way.

He mentioned she’s been busy making short films, directing projects, and has a background in acting. He also believes she’ll eventually direct feature-length movies. 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 that she’s excited to spend the rest of her life with her best friend.

Melanie shared the happy news on Instagram, announcing that Stella and Alex are engaged! She wrote about the proposal, saying he got down on one knee and Stella said yes. It’s a love story that started way back in preschool – a true and deep connection!

Okay, let me tell you, family style can be *so* fun! Back in 2015, I was at the ELLE Women In Hollywood Awards and the entire family – Dakota, her grandma Tippi, mom Melanie, and sister Stella – really nailed the coordinated look. They all looked incredibly chic together, it was a beautiful moment!

I remember when Don first met Kelley Phleger – she was a wonderful preschool teacher, and interestingly, she’d previously dated Gavin Newsom, who’s now the Governor of California! It was back in the mid-1990s, at a birthday party for San Francisco’s then-Mayor Willie Brown. People started to notice they were a couple around 1997, and it was clear there was a connection!

Oh my gosh, can you believe it? They got married on April 29th, 1999! It was at the *home* of Gordon Getty, you know, from the Getty oil family! And they’ve been together ever since – seriously, it’s just the sweetest thing, they’re #couplegoals! I’ve followed their relationship for ages and it’s amazing to see them still so in love.

In a 2024 interview with *People* magazine, Don shared 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 calling his partner an amazing woman.

Kelley celebrated her 26th wedding anniversary on Instagram with a heartfelt message to her husband. She reflected on their 26 years together, saying she wouldn’t change a single day. They’ve faced everything life has thrown their way, and their love has remained strong. They’ve built a beautiful family and feel incredibly blessed, and she looks forward to continuing their journey together.

Oh my gosh, it’s amazing how much things have changed for him! Back in his *Miami Vice* days, it was absolute chaos. Seriously, they needed security *around the clock* because whenever he stepped outside, he was instantly swarmed! It wasn’t just fans, it was *waves* of women all desperate to get near Sonny Crockett. I mean, can you blame them? But it must have been totally overwhelming for him, poor thing!

Don recently shared with *People* magazine that finding work-life balance as an actor is tough, as both movies and TV shows demand a lot of time. He’s fortunate now to be able to choose projects, and he often prefers supporting roles because they allow him to enjoy acting without the exhausting 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, with only occasional public appearances alongside her parents. She later went on to study photography at USC.

Grace first gained attention in 2019 when she attended the Met Gala with Dakota and made her runway debut at the Christian Cowan x *The Powerpuff Girls* show. Since then, she’s modeled for *Bello* magazine, walked in a Gucci fashion show, and even appeared in a music video with her brother Jesse’s band.

In a 2019 interview with *Glamour Spain*, she described her relationship with her sister, Dakota, as a special one. ‘She’s not just my sister, she’s my best friend,’ she said. ‘Even though we’re different ages, she’s always treated me like an equal.’

Jasper Breckenridge Johnson was born June 6, 2002.

As someone who’s seen a lot of young athletes, it’s always heartwarming to see strong family support. This young man definitely has that! He grew up playing basketball in beautiful Santa Barbara, and you can tell his parents are incredibly involved – his dad even playfully posts about how tall he and his brothers are getting on Instagram. But beyond the height, what really stands out is what he says about them: they’ve never missed a game and are with him every step of the way. That kind of dedication makes all the difference.

He also said he plans to study business in college, earn a four-year degree, and then work in the business world, in addition to his dream of playing basketball.

The family grew with the birth of Deacon James Johnson on April 29, 2006, and his father, 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,” likely indicating he’s a student at the University of Southern California.

Deacon’s family and friends call him “Chap.” His mom affectionately wrote on his 19th birthday, “Happy 19th, Chap! We love you, Deacon James, and couldn’t ask for a better youngest child! You’re the best!”

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2025-10-20 21:19