Captured in a heartwarming embrace, Antonio and Stella Banderas’s recent picture has tugged at the heartstrings of many people across social media platforms. Their special father-daughter connection sparked waves of affection among admirers online.
In an enchanting display of familial affection, acclaimed actor Antonio Banderas, 67, recently took to Instagram to share an endearing image of him and Melanie Griffith’s daughter, Stella del Carmen Banderas, 27, which sparked a wave of adoration among fans.
Melanie Griffith, Stella and Antonio Banderas at the Starlite Gala in Marbella, Spain on August 4, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The picture—taken in the scenic locale of Málaga, Spain—showcases the father-daughter duo in a loving embrace, against the backdrop of La Esperanza, a symbol of their Spanish heritage and familial roots.
Accompanying the special photo is a caption that reads: “Anoche, en Málaga, con mi hija Stella del Carmen, y La Esperanza al fondo. Last night, in Malaga, with my daughter Stella del Carmen, and La Esperanza in the back. @stellabanderasgriffith #SemanaSanta #Malaga #Spain #aboutlastnight #easter #SemanaSantaMlg”
Antonio and Stella Banderas at the 69th San Sebastian Film Festival in San Sebastian, Spain on September 17, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Social media platforms buzzed with admiration and praise for the snapshot. “She’s beautiful ❤️❤️,” gushed one fan, while another expressed, “She’s just as adorable as her dad, I hope you have a great time. ❤️❤️.”
One person deemed Antonio “a proud father,” and another noted the resemblance between the dad and daughter, citing, “She looks like your little sister ❤️.” Of both of them, another fan swooned, “🤍🤍🤍😍😍😍❌⭕🥰Two of the most beautiful people on the planet 💋🤍.”
The father-daughter night out shown in the picture is not the first instance Stella has visited Spain. In fact, the young star, who was born in Marbella, took a trip to the beautiful country just last year where she spoke about how close Spain is to her heart.
Stella Banderas at the “Crucero” collection fashion show in Seville, Spain on June 16, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
While she was in Madrid for the unveiling of a new jewelry collection by Rabat, she expressed her profound connection with her homeland.
Stella Banderas at the “RABAT Magic Cosmos” photocall in Madrid, Spain on October 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Interacting with the Spanish press at the event, Stella revealed her growing bilingualism while jokingly admitting that she speaks “Spanglish” and needs to improve upon her Spanish.
Stella Banderas at the “RABAT Magic Cosmos” photocall in Madrid, Spain on October 25, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Her candid revelations about her linguistic dynamics with her father—during which she admitted to him not speaking much Spanish with her as a child—highlighted the natural blending of cultures within their family, with English taking precedence due to them primarily residing in the United States.
Nonetheless, for Stella, “Spain is family,” and she has a desire to immerse herself further in the culture and language that defines part of her identity.
Stella and Antonio Banderas posing for a picture together posted on September 24, 2023 | Source: Instagram/antoniobanderas
Other points of discussion from her conversation with the press revealed how Stella laments the absence of Spanish cuisine in Los Angeles. She quipped about how she prioritizes “eating ham” upon her visits and mentioned how she aspires to explore the country more extensively and enhance her Spanish fluency.
Speaking of her family, Stella Banderas also shared how her older sister, Dakota Johnson (daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson), speaks Spanish quite well, even if she, at times, “won’t admit” to it.
Although Stella and Dakota do not share the same biological dad, Antonio still regards Dakota as one of his own and was spotted supporting her, along with her mom and his ex-wife Melanie, for one of her career endeavors, earlier this year.
Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas at the “SNL” after party in New York in January 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/justjared/
The former Hollywood power couple Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas supported Dakota Johnson, Griffith’s daughter, at the “Saturday Night Live” after-party.
Dakota Johnson leaving the “SNL” afterparty in New York in January 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans took to social media to voice their excitement, with one admirer declaring, “Melanie STEALING the SPOTLIGHT!” reflecting the sentiment that Griffith, in particular, was a standout at the event.
Melanie Griffith arriving at the “SNL” afterparty in New York in January 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Another fan echoed the enthusiasm, noting the pair’s elegance: “Absolutely Beautiful.” The couple’s sophisticated attire and amicable interaction exemplified their ability to maintain a positive relationship in the public eye following their divorce.
Antonio Banderas arriving at the “SNL” afterparty in New York in January 2024 | Source: Getty Images
The connection between Banderas and his stepdaughter, Johnson, remains heartfelt. Banderas reminisced about the affectionate nickname “Paponio” given by Johnson, a blend of ‘Papi’ and ‘Antonio.’
Antonio Banderas and Dakota Johnson at the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, California on November 3, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
The depth of their relationship was evident when Johnson presented Banderas with the Hollywood Actor Award for his role in “Pain And Glory,” delivering a profoundly touching speech.
Dakota Johnson and Antonio Banderas at the 23rd Annual Hollywood Film Awards in Beverly Hills, California on November 3, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Griffith and Banderas, who separated in 2015 after nearly two decades of marriage, continue to showcase a commendable example of post-divorce friendship. Banderas shared that Griffith is his best friend and an integral part of his family.
Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith at the 55th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France on May 1, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
He lauded her dedication to providing for their children, including Stella Banderas and Johnson, with a stable and normal upbringing.
Dakota Johnson and Stella Banderas at the Viktor&Rolf show as part of Paris Fashion Week in Paris, France on July 3, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Social media users have celebrated Griffith and Banderas’s ability to maintain a warm relationship after their divorce. While Banderas now resides in London with his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel, and Griffith is based in Los Angeles, the bond they have cultivated over the years endures. The legacy of their time together lives on through their continued family gatherings and shared love for their children.
