The Three Women Who Define Antonio Banderas’s Life: From Spanish Muse To Investment Banker Nicole Kimpel (2025 Update)

The romantic life of Antonio Banderas, one of Spain’s most celebrated and internationally recognized actors, has been as dramatic and captivating as his filmography. While the world often focuses on his high-profile marriage to Hollywood star Melanie Griffith, the full story of the women who have shared his journey—from his formative years in Spanish cinema to his current life as a global entrepreneur and theatre director—is far more complex and revealing. As of December 2025, Banderas is not technically married, but he is in a decade-long, deeply committed partnership with a woman who has fundamentally changed his perspective on life and business: the German-Dutch former investment banker, Nicole Kimpel.

This article provides the most current and in-depth look at the three pivotal women in Antonio Banderas’s life: his first wife, the Spanish actress Ana Leza; his second wife, the Oscar-nominated actress Melanie Griffith; and his current long-term partner, Nicole Kimpel, detailing their backgrounds, the dynamics of their relationships, and where they stand today.

Antonio Banderas: A Brief Biography and Relationship Timeline

José Antonio Domínguez Banderas, born in Málaga, Spain, in 1960, rose from a promising Spanish theater actor to a global superstar, famously becoming the first Spanish actor to successfully break into Hollywood. His personal life has consistently mirrored his professional journey, marked by passion, reinvention, and enduring connection. Here is a summary of the key figures in his romantic timeline:

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: José Antonio Domínguez Banderas
• Born: August 10, 1960 (Age 65 in 2025)
• Place of Birth: Málaga, Spain
• Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Singer, Entrepreneur
• First Wife: Ana Leza (m. 1987; div. 1996)
• Second Wife: Melanie Griffith (m. 1996; div. 2015)
• Daughter: Stella del Carmen Banderas (with Melanie Griffith, born 1996)
• Current Partner: Nicole Kimpel (Dating since 2014)
• Key Films: The Mask of Zorro, Philadelphia, Evita, Desperado, Pain and Glory

The timeline of his relationships shows two distinct, long-term marriages followed by a stable, long-term partnership that began almost immediately after his separation from Melanie Griffith.

Ana Leza: The Spanish Muse and Banderas’s First Wife

Ana Leza holds the distinction of being Antonio Banderas's first wife, a relationship that predates his international stardom. Leza, a Spanish actress and translator, was a crucial figure in Banderas’s early career in Madrid’s theatre and film scene. They married in 1987, at a time when Banderas was primarily known for his collaborations with acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar on films like Matador and Law of Desire.

A Partnership Forged in Spanish Cinema

The marriage lasted nine years, spanning the period when Banderas began making his first forays into English-language cinema. Leza was reportedly instrumental in supporting his career ambitions, even acting as his translator during those initial, challenging Hollywood auditions. Their relationship was a passionate, foundational period in Banderas's life, rooted in their shared Spanish culture and the artistic world of Madrid.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

The End of the Marriage and Her Private Life

Their marriage ended in 1996, coinciding with Banderas's whirlwind romance with Melanie Griffith on the set of the film Two Much. The divorce was finalized in a relatively quiet manner. Following the separation, Ana Leza chose to step away from the public spotlight, embracing a much more private life. Reports indicate she has pursued interests as a spiritual devotee and translator, moving away from acting. She later remarried, finding a life outside the intense glare of celebrity media.

Melanie Griffith: The Hollywood Power Couple and Amicable Divorce

The marriage between Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith was one of Hollywood’s most talked-about relationships for nearly two decades. They married in May 1996, just a month after Banderas's divorce from Ana Leza was finalized. The coupling of the Spanish heartthrob and the celebrated American actress created a transatlantic power couple that dominated the red carpets for years.

Eighteen Years, One Daughter, and a Global Brand

Their 18-year marriage produced one daughter, Stella del Carmen Banderas, who was born later in 1996. The family split their time between Los Angeles and Spain, with Banderas often citing Griffith’s influence on his English-language skills and his adaptation to the American film industry. They co-starred in several films, including the 1998 sci-fi action film Crazy in Alabama, which Banderas also directed.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Financial Details of a Hollywood Split

Melanie Griffith filed for divorce in June 2014, citing irreconcilable differences. Despite the end of their marriage, both Banderas and Griffith have consistently maintained that they remain "family" and share a deep, enduring affection for one another. The divorce was finalized in 2015 and was notable for its public financial details. Antonio Banderas agreed to pay Melanie Griffith a substantial sum in spousal support, reportedly €60,000 per month (approximately $65,000 USD) in alimony. The settlement also involved the division of assets, including their homes and art collection, and the rights to proceeds from films they made during their marriage, such as The Mask of Zorro and Desperado.

Nicole Kimpel: The Investment Banker, Entrepreneur, and Current Partner

Antonio Banderas’s current partner is the German-Dutch entrepreneur and former investment banker, Nicole Kimpel. Their relationship began in 2014, following his separation from Melanie Griffith, after meeting at the Cannes Film Festival. Their decade-long partnership is characterized by stability, shared business ventures, and a quieter, more grounded lifestyle than his previous Hollywood marriage.

From Merrill Lynch to the Baniki Fashion Brand

Kimpel's background is a stark contrast to the world of acting. Before meeting Banderas, she worked in the high-stakes world of finance, including a stint as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch, bringing a unique business acumen to their partnership.

Since transitioning from finance, Kimpel has become an entrepreneur. She co-founded the clothing and accessory brand Baniki with her twin sister, Barbara Kimpel. The name Baniki is a portmanteau of the sisters' names, Nicole and Barbara. This venture has allowed her to blend her business skills with a passion for fashion, often promoting the brand at high-profile events alongside Banderas.

A Partnership That Saved His Life and A Shared Future in Málaga

Kimpel is credited with playing a crucial role in Banderas’s life, particularly after he suffered a heart attack in 2017. She acted quickly and decisively, which Banderas has publicly stated saved his life. This event, he says, cemented their bond and led him to prioritize his health and his life in his hometown of Málaga, Spain.

The couple now splits their time between their homes in Surrey, England, and Banderas’s beloved Málaga, where he runs his theatre, the Teatro del Soho Caixabank. They are frequently seen together at European events, including the Starlite Gala in Marbella and the Venice Amfar gala, often looking glamorous and deeply connected. Their stability was recently highlighted by their joint attendance at the 2024 wedding of Banderas's daughter, Stella Banderas, showcasing the harmonious blended family dynamic they maintain with Melanie Griffith.

While Antonio Banderas has not married Nicole Kimpel, he has often referred to her as his "partner" in the truest sense of the word. Their relationship, built on mutual respect, business collaboration, and a shared, quieter life away from the Hollywood machine, represents the latest, most grounded chapter in the life of the Spanish icon.