**Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith Maintain Family Ties Post-Divorce**
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Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, who were married for nearly two decades before their divorce in 2015, have managed to maintain a close and amicable relationship. The former couple continues to showcase their strong familial bonds, particularly through their daughter, Stella Banderas.
Recently, Banderas, 65, took to Instagram to share a heartwarming photograph featuring himself, Griffith, 68, Stella, 29, and Stella’s husband Alex Gruszynski. The image, which was posted on April 27, captured the group sharing a light-hearted moment together in Los Angeles, with all members appearing joyful as they embraced each other on a couch. Banderas captioned the picture, highlighting the significance of their gathering: “A lovely and fun moment yesterday with my son-in-law Alex, my daughter Stella, and my ex-wife and lifelong friend, Melanie.”
The history between Banderas and Griffith is rich; the duo were wed from 1996 until their split in 2015. During their marriage, they not only welcomed Stella but also blended their families. Banderas played a fatherly role to Griffith’s children from prior relationships: Alexander Bauer and Dakota Johnson, the latter of whom has risen to fame in the film industry. Even today, Banderas shares a close relationship with Dakota, who is now 36, further illustrating the blended family dynamic that has persisted post-separation.
Their shared commitment to family was notably front and centre during Stella’s recent wedding to Gruszynski, which took place in Banderas’ native Spain in October 2025. Reflecting on the occasion, Banderas expressed his emotions in an Instagram post, stating, “The wedding of my daughter Stella has turned into a heartfelt family reunion, emotional, joyful, and full of laughter.” Accompanying his words were a series of nostalgic images of his daughter throughout the years, reinforcing the enduring connections within this family unit.
Stella also utilised her Instagram account to celebrate her wedding, sharing a number of photos that featured touching moments with her parents during the ceremony. One photograph captured Banderas raising a glass in celebration, embodying the festive spirit of the day.
Despite their divorce, Griffith and Banderas have remained supportive of one another. In a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, Griffith expressed her affection for her former spouses, including Banderas. “I love them with all my heart,” she revealed, indicating that she values the friendships they’ve cultivated over the years.
Banderas echoed these sentiments in a previous interview, stating in 2019, “Melanie is not my wife anymore, but I think she is my best friend. I love her and will love her until the day I die. She’s my family.” Such declarations of companionship reflect a mature approach to co-parenting and friendship that many could admire.
For those interested in their recent projects, Banderas continues to act, having appeared in films such as “Babygirl” and “Paddington in Peru,” both of which are set for release in 2024. He also resides in his hometown of Málaga, Spain, where he is the owner of a local theatre. Meanwhile, Griffith has also stayed busy, having made a brief appearance in Dakota Johnson’s film “The High Note” in 2020 and lending her voice to the 2025 film “By Design.”
As both actors navigate their careers and personal lives, their bond remains resilient. The moments they share with family prove that love extends beyond romantic relationships, allowing past partners to grow into cherished friends. As Banderas and Griffith exemplify, maintaining a supportive and generous mindset can lead to lasting relationships that benefit not just themselves, but also their children and the new family dynamics that arise.