Sudden heart attack led to his survival - Life-saving heart attack experience
In the heart of Málaga, Spain, a new chapter unfolds for actor Antonio Banderas. Born on August 10, 1960, in this very city, Banderas' journey to stardom began with humble beginnings. He trained at the "School of Dramatic Art" and performed in small theaters in Madrid before catching the attention of Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar with his first theater roles.
This attention led to a fruitful collaboration, bringing Spanish film industry and each other to great popularity with films like "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" and "Matador." In 1992, Banderas made his Hollywood debut with "The Mambo Kings," and successes such as "Philadelphia" (1993), "Interview with the Vampire" (1994), "Desperado" (1995), and "The Mask of Zorro" (1998) established him as an action hero and lover.
Banderas met his future wife, Melanie Griffith, on the set of "Two Much" in 1995, and they were married for 18 years, with a daughter named Stella del Carmen Banderas. After 18 years together, they divorced in 2014. Shortly after, Banderas began a relationship with German-born entrepreneur Nicole Kimpel and they have been living together unmarried ever since.
In 2017, Banderas suffered a heart attack. He was taken to the hospital and had three stents inserted into his arteries. The heart attack further accentuated a new emotional depth in Banderas' life and career. He views this event as a turning point that deepened his appreciation for life and strengthened his connection to his Spanish roots.
This renewed connection led Banderas to rediscover a new, old passion: he is investing in his own theater in Málaga to support the youth of his homeland. He now focuses on theater and cultural projects in his hometown, refusing to retire as expectations about age have shifted.
Banderas' perspective on Hollywood and life after his heart attack is one of renewed gratefulness, a return to his cultural origins, and a rejection of traditional retirement norms. He continues working actively at 65, finding joy in pursuing his passions such as music and acting without slowing down.
Despite his focus on Málaga, Banderas maintains a global creative presence, exemplified by filming in Boston and the Canary Islands. He expressed that he would "die if [he] stopped" working, underscoring his drive to keep creating. This drive, combined with his renewed passion for his homeland, paints a vibrant picture of Banderas' continued journey in the world of entertainment.
References: 1. Article 1 2. Article 2 3. Article 3
Antonio Banderas, after his heart attack in 2017 and turning 65 years old, has found a renewed interest in health-and-wellness, focusing on maintaining a strong heart and overall well-being, as reported in Article 1. Additionally, Banderas, despite his career successes in Hollywood and collaboration with renowned directors like Pedro Almodóvar, has chosen to invest in his own theater in his hometown of Málaga for the benefit of local youth, demonstrating a commitment to science and community engagement, as discussed in Article 3.
