Widely recognized for her role in Fifty Shades of Grey, Dakota Johnson shares a lesser-known but deeply cherished bond with Antonio Banderas, her former stepfather. Their union spanning more than two decades will surprise many who may not be aware of their enduring relationship despite the breakdown of Antonio Banderas’ marriage to Dakota’s mother Melanie Griffith.
Even more shocking to us was the information that they have maintained a close friendship for over 20 years, even though Antonio and Dakota’s mother, Melanie Griffith, are no longer together.
1. Dakota is believed to be Antonio’s daughter.
Actresses Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson welcomed Dakota into the world in 1989; Incidentally, the two started dating when Melanie was 14 and Don was 22. They were first married in January 1976 and later divorced in July of that year. Dakota was born in 1989, the second marriage.
They broke up in 1996 when Dakota was six years old. Melanie met Antonio Banderas that same year while working on Two Much. The two later married and shared a home until December 2015.
Dakota is referred to as Antonio’s daughter whenever he lovingly talks about his feelings for her.
Johnson also revealed that Banderas opened up a whole new creative and cultural world to the family, making him one of the most influential people in her life.
2. Stella Banderas is now Dakota’s half-sister.
Seven years younger than Dakota, Banderas and Griffith welcomed their daughter Stella del Carmen Banderas into the world in 1996. Dakota also revealed that she thinks her younger sister is “magical” and expressed her gratitude to her stepfather for her.
3. His company hosted Dakota’s first red-carpet events.
Dakota’s parents are movie stars, so they took her to social gatherings and red-carpet appearances at an early age. When she was ten years old, they even went to the Oscars together! They are shown at the 2000 event in the photo above.
Dakota’s parents are movie stars, so they took her to social gatherings and red-carpet appearances at an early age. When she was ten years old, they even went to the Oscars together! They are shown at the 2000 event in the photo above.
4. Antonio played Dakota in his feature debut.
At the age of nine, Johnson landed her first role in the 1999 film Crazy in Alabama as the daughter of lead character Lucille Vinson (played by Melanie Griffith) alongside her younger sister Stella.
Antonio Banderas, who was her stepfather at the time, directed the film.
5. Before she started acting, Banderas convinced her to finish her studies.
Despite making her screen debut early in Banderas’ Crazy in Alabama, Dakota Johnson revealed in an interview with Live! With Kelly and Michael Antonio and Melanie discouraged her from acting until she graduated high school. Griffith and Banderas also completed their education first.
So Johnson waited until after high school to start auditioning in Los Angeles.
6. Dakota can now communicate in Spanish.
Dakota once acknowledged that, along with the amazing Spanish cousins, flamenco, and of course, the Spanish language, Antonio brought Spain to the family.
Johnson stated in an interview that although she is not fluent in the language, she fully understands it and uses a translator when she appears on Spanish-language television programs.
7. Antonio mentioned that Dakota was one of the reasons his marriage was worth it.
There are cases where the divorce proceedings are so complicated that they lead to the invalidity of the marriage. However, this is not related to the Banderas-Griffith family, as the actor previously acknowledged how much Dakota means to him and how his marriage to Melanie Griffith has been useful for various reasons, including Dakota.
8. The family as a whole remains close and friendly even after the divorce.
Melanie and Antonio, as well as their children, continue to be very warm and welcoming. Maybe it’s because Melanie is Spanish and there are different breakup customs in Spain. Alternatively, it could be because both actors were previously married. Antonio stated that although Melanie is no longer his wife, he still considers her a member of his family and his best friend.
9. They all have a great pastime in common: skiing!
Over the years, Aspen, Colorado has been the destination for many ski vacations where the whole family – including Antonio, Stella, and Dakota – have been spotted. This is confirmed by numerous paparazzi pictures.
10. He spent over twenty years as her stepfather.
When Dakota was six years old in 1996, Antonio married her mother. Banderas was her stepfather for nearly two decades and continues to be a significant influence in her life, even after their 2015 divorce.
The well-known actor revealed that he travels around the globe carrying little Dakota on his shoulders. Additionally, Johnson said in her heartfelt farewell speech that Antonio loved his entire family with such intensity, volume, and ferocity that it changed their lives forever.
The bond between Dakota Johnson and her former stepfather Antonio Banderas reflects a unique and enduring relationship that transcends conventional family dynamics. Despite the end of Banderas’ marriage to Dakota’s mother, Melanie Griffith, their bond remained strong, lasting over two decades.
Their relationship was full of love, support, and mutual appreciation, from being affectionately thought of as Antonio’s daughter to sharing experiences such as red carpet events and ski holidays. Antonio’s influence on Dakota’s life goes beyond the entertainment industry, influencing her cultural exposure, language skills, and even influencing her career decisions.
Their bond, often visible through shared experiences and public appearances, shows the depth of their connection, suggesting enduring family affection even after divorce. Despite the complexities of blended families and changing relationships, the warmth and closeness between Dakota, Antonio, and their extended family endure, creating a story of enduring love and support that transcends traditional family structures.
Their story highlights the importance of maintaining strong family bonds despite changes in relationships and serves as an inspiring example of how true affection and support can endure and evolve over time. Dakota Johnson’s enduring bond with Antonio Banderas exemplifies the power of family ties that go far beyond legal relationships, highlighting the importance of love, understanding, and support on life’s journey.