Antonio Banderas is a Spanish actor, director, producer, and singer. He began his acting career with a series of films by director Pedro Almodóvar and then appeared in high-profile Hollywood movies, especially in the 1990s, including Assa sins, Evita, Interview with the Vampire, Philadelphia, The Mask of Zorro, and Spy Kids. In 2005, he won the Best Actor Award at Cannes Film Festival for his role in Alejandro Amenábar’s The Skin I Live In.
Banderas has also worked as a voice actor for several animated films including Shrek 2 (2004), Puss in Boots (2011), and Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016). He is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. In 2020, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Early life
Antonio Banderas was born on August 10, 1960, in Málaga, Andalusia, Spain. His mother, Ana Maria (née Sánchez-Gijón), was a teacher of Romani descent, while his father, José Antonio Domínguez Banderas (1933–2017), was a police officer and former bullfighter. Banderas has two older siblings: Francisco Javier (born 1947) and Manuela (born 1951). He also has two younger sisters: María del Carmen (born 1964) and Lucia (born 1966). His parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for acting.
Banderas began his acting career working in small theatres in Andalusia. He later moved to Madrid, where he worked in a number of theatre productions. In 1980, he made his film debut in the horror film Terror Train (1980). He then appeared in several Spanish films over the next few years such asLaberinto de pasiones (1982) and Matador (1986).
In 1988, Banderas caught the attention of director Pedro Almodóvar when he played the lead role in Law of Desire cinemark movies 16 san antonio, tx (1987). The two went on to work together on a number of films including Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (1990), High Heels (1991), and The Skin I Live In (2011).
Antonio Banderas Movies
1. “Shrek 2” (2004)
In this sequel to the popular animated film, Banderas voiced the character of Puss in Boots, a talking feline who joins forces with Shrek (Mike Myers) and Fiona (Cameron Diaz) to take down the evil Fairy Godmother (Jennifer Saunders). Although it wasn’t as well-received by critics as the original film, “Shrek 2” was a box office success, grossing over $441 million worldwide.
2. “Twisted” (2004)
Banderas starred opposite Ashley Judd in this thriller about a police officer (Judd) who becomes the prime suspect in a series of murders that she’s investigating. Although the film was panned by critics, Banderas’ performance was praised.
3. “The 13th Warrior” (1999)
In this action-adventure film based on the Michael Crichton novel “Eaters of the Dead,” Banderas played Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan, a 10th-century Muslim who joins forces with a group of Vikings to battle an ancient evil. The film was not a box office success but has since gained a cult following.
4. “Spy Kids” (2001)
In this family-friendly action film, Banderas played Gregorio Cortez, a retired spy who is called back into action to save his wife (Carla Gugino) and children (Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara) from a group of evil villains. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, grossing over $147 million worldwide.
5. “Original Sin” (2001)
In this erotic thriller, Banderas played Luis Vargas, a wealthy coffee merchant who purchases a mail-order bride (Angelina Jolie) in 19th-century Cuba. However, he soon discovers that she is not who she claims to be. Although the film was panned by critics, it was a box office success, grossing over $94 million worldwide.
6. “Evita” (1996)
Banderas starred opposite Madonna in this musical biopic about Argentine political leader Eva Peron. Although the film was not a box office success, Banderas’ performance as Che Guevara was praised by critics.
9. “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” (2003)
In this action-packed sequel to “Desperado,” Banderas reprises his role as El Mariachi, a guitar-playing vigilante who becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate the President of Mexico. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, grossing over $98 million worldwide.
7. “Interview with the Vampire” (1994)
In this adaptation of Anne Rice’s novel, Banderas played Armand, a vampire who is taken under the wing of Lestat (Tom Cruise). The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, grossing over $100 million worldwide.
8. “Desperado” (1995)
In this action-packed sequel to “El Mariachi,” Banderas reprises his role as the guitar-playing vigilante who sets out to exact revenge on the drug lord who killed his wife. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, grossing over $25 million worldwide.
9. “The Mask of Zorro” (1998)
In this action-adventure film, Banderas played Alejandro Murrieta, a bandit who is trained by the legendary Zorro (Antonio Banderas) to take his place. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, grossing over $250 million worldwide.
10. “Philadelphia” (1993)
In this landmark film, Banderas played Miguel Alvarez, a lawyer who defends Tom Hanks’ character, Andrew Beckett, in a wrongful dismissal case. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and winning two Academy Awards.
11. “Hable con ella” (2002)
In this drama from Pedro Almodovar, Banderas played Marco Zuluaga, a journalist who falls in love with a comatose patient (Leonor Watling). The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $85 million worldwide and winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
12. “Abierto hasta el amanecer” (1995)
In this cult classic from director Robert Rodriguez, Banderas played Richie Gecko, a bank-robbing criminal who takes a young woman (Salma Hayek) hostage. The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, grossing over $25 million worldwide.
13. “Pain & Glory” (2019)
In this deeply personal drama from Pedro Almodovar, Banderas played Salvador Mallo, a filmmaker who looks back on his life and career. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $41 million worldwide and earning Banderas his first Academy Award nomination.
14. “Ant-Man” (2015)
In this Marvel Studios film, Banderas played Hank Pym, a scientist who invents a size-changing formula that is used by the titular superhero (Paul Rudd). The film was a hit with both critics and audiences, grossing over $520 million worldwide.
Antonio Banderas Net Worth
Antonio Banderas net worth is estimated to be around $85 million. This Actor and Director have had an incredibly successful career, spanning over three decades. Some of his most famous roles include Zorro in The Mask of Zorro and its sequel The Legend of Zorro and playing the voice of Puss in Boots in the Shrek movie franchise.
Final Words:
Antonio Banderas is definitely one of the most successful and well-known actors of our time. With a career that has spanned over three decades, he has had some amazing roles that have made him a household name. He has also won numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for his role in Pain & Glory. There is no doubt that Antonio Banderas is a true Hollywood icon.
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