The $65,000 Secret: 7 Shocking Details Of Melanie Griffith And Antonio Banderas' Amicable Divorce A Decade Later

The divorce of Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas remains one of Hollywood’s most cited examples of an amicable split, yet the financial and emotional details of their separation are far more complex than the simple narrative suggests. As of late 2025, over a decade after their separation, the former couple continues to define what a "modern family" looks like in the spotlight, maintaining a relationship Antonio Banderas himself describes as being "family."

Their 18-year marriage, which began on the set of the 1995 film Two Much, officially concluded in 2015, citing the ever-common "irreconcilable differences." While the public saw a united front—a rarity for a high-profile Hollywood separation—the court documents revealed significant financial arrangements, a complicated division of assets, and the lasting emotional impact on their daughter, Stella Banderas. The true story of their post-split life is a masterclass in co-parenting and mutual respect, underpinned by a substantial, ongoing financial commitment.

Biographical Profiles: Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas

The coupling of Melanie Griffith, a quintessential Hollywood legacy, and Antonio Banderas, a rising Spanish star, was a cultural phenomenon. Their blended family and passionate public appearances defined the late 90s and early 2000s celebrity landscape. Understanding their individual backgrounds sheds light on the powerful dynamic of their relationship and eventual separation.

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Melanie Griffith Profile

• Full Name: Melanie Richards Griffith
• Born: August 9, 1957 (Age 68 as of 2025)
• Birth Place: Manhattan, New York City, US
• Parents: Tippi Hedren (actress, Alfred Hitchcock muse) and Peter Griffith (former child actor)
• Profession: Actress, Producer
• Key Films: Working Girl (Golden Globe winner, Oscar nominee), Body Double, Something Wild, Buffalo Girls.
• Marriages: Don Johnson (twice), Steven Bauer, Antonio Banderas.
• Children: Alexander Bauer, Dakota Johnson, Stella Banderas.

Antonio Banderas Profile

• Full Name: José Antonio Domínguez Bandera
• Born: August 10, 1960 (Age 65 as of 2025)
• Birth Place: Málaga, Andalusia, Spain
• Parents: Ana Bandera Gallego (school teacher) and José Domínguez Prieto (police officer)
• Profession: Actor, Director, Producer, Singer, Designer
• Key Films: The Mask of Zorro, Philadelphia, Desperado, Evita, Pain and Glory (Oscar nominee).
• Marriages: Ana Leza, Melanie Griffith.
• Current Partner: Nicole Kimpel (since 2014).
• Children: Stella Banderas.

The Financial Fallout: The $65,000 Monthly Spousal Support Agreement

One of the most enduring and widely discussed details of the divorce settlement is the substantial financial arrangement. The documents, finalized in 2015, cemented a long-term commitment from Banderas to his ex-wife.

1. The Monthly Payment Mandate

Antonio Banderas was ordered to pay Melanie Griffith $65,000 per month in spousal support. This significant sum ensures Griffith’s financial stability and recognizes her contributions during their nearly two-decade-long marriage.

2. The Remarriage Clause

A standard, yet critical, clause in the agreement dictates that Banderas’s obligation to pay the monthly spousal support will cease immediately if Melanie Griffith remarries. As of late 2025, Griffith has not remarried, meaning the payments are still active, nearly a decade after the divorce was finalized.

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3. Splitting Royalties from Blockbusters

In a unique arrangement, the couple agreed to split the profits from several major films they made during their marriage. This includes royalties from box-office hits like The Mask of Zorro, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, Desperado, and Crazy in Alabama. This division of income ensures both parties continue to benefit from the work created during their union, a common necessity in long-term celebrity divorces.

The Division of Major Assets: The Aspen Home and LA Mansion

Beyond the monthly payments, the split required a careful division of their extensive real estate portfolio, including their beloved homes in Los Angeles and the mountains of Colorado. The division was a clear, clean break, allowing both to move forward quickly.

4. The Fate of the Aspen Mountain Retreat

Melanie Griffith was awarded the couple's long-time, luxurious mountain retreat in Aspen, Colorado. However, she eventually sold the property. The former marital home was listed and finally sold for a reported $4 million, marking a definitive end to that chapter of their shared life.

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5. Antonio Keeps the Los Angeles Mansion

Antonio Banderas retained the couple's primary residence in Los Angeles. This allowed him to maintain a home base close to their daughter, Stella, and his new life. The division of these major properties was a key component of the amicable settlement, avoiding a protracted court battle over shared homes.

The Amicable Aftermath: Family, Co-Parenting, and New Loves

The most compelling detail of the Banderas-Griffith split is not the money, but the genuine affection and respect they continue to show each other years later. Their commitment to their shared daughter, Stella, has been the cornerstone of their post-divorce relationship.

6. The "Family" Secret to Co-Parenting Success

Antonio Banderas has repeatedly stated that despite the divorce, he and Melanie Griffith are still "family." He credits their ability to put their daughter, Stella Banderas, first as the "secret" to their amicable co-parenting. Their commitment to maintaining a united front for Stella, who was 17 when they separated, has allowed them to attend family events, movie premieres, and even birthday celebrations together.

7. The New Chapter: Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kimpel

Shortly after the separation, Antonio Banderas began a relationship with Nicole Kimpel, a Dutch investment adviser. The two met at the Cannes Film Festival in 2014 and have been in a committed long-term relationship ever since. Crucially, Melanie Griffith has publicly expressed her support and respect for Kimpel, a testament to the truly evolved nature of their post-divorce dynamic. This acceptance of new partners is the ultimate indicator of a truly successful, amicable Hollywood split.

The story of Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas’s divorce is a powerful demonstration that the end of a romantic partnership does not have to mean the end of a family. Their mutual respect, significant financial planning, and unwavering focus on their daughter have allowed both Hollywood legends to thrive in their respective new chapters, setting a high bar for other high-profile celebrity divorces.