Antonio Banderas

José Antonio Domínguez Banderas, known professionally as Antonio Banderas, was born on August 10, 1960, in Málaga, Spain. He is the son of Ana Bandera Gallego, a school teacher, and José Domínguez Prieto, a police officer in the Civil Guard. Banderas is of Spanish nationality and was raised Roman Catholic. His passion for performing began after seeing the musical "Hair".

Antonio Banderas made his film debut in the 1981 Spanish film "Labyrinth of Passion" (Laberinto de pasiones), directed by Pedro Almodóvar. This marked Banderas's first collaboration with Almodóvar, who would become an important figure in his career. The film is a screwball comedy that explores themes of love and sexual freedom in post-Franco Spain.

"Desperado" premiered in the United States on August 25, 1995. The film, directed by Robert Rodriguez, stars Antonio Banderas as El Mariachi, a gunslinger in search of vengeance. This was a breakthrough role for Banderas in Hollywood, establishing him as a leading action star. The movie's stylish action sequences and Banderas's charismatic performance were widely praised.

Antonio Banderas starred as the lead in "The Mask of Zorro," which was released on August 14, 1998. Directed by Martin Campbell, the film also stars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins. Banderas's portrayal of the masked vigilante Zorro was met with critical acclaim and solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of handling action roles with flair.

"The Skin I Live In" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 11, 2011. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, the film stars Antonio Banderas as a brilliant plastic surgeon with a dark past. Banderas's performance was widely praised for its depth and intensity. This marked another successful collaboration with Almodóvar, showcasing Banderas's range as an actor beyond action films.

Antonio Banderas received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 12, 2014, in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry. The ceremony was attended by friends, family, and colleagues. The star represents Banderas's successful transition from Spanish-language cinema to Hollywood, where he has become a prominent figure in international film.

"The 33," a film based on the real-life events of the 2010 Chilean mining disaster, was released on October 23, 2015. Antonio Banderas stars as Mario Sepúlveda, a leading figure among the trapped miners. The film tells the harrowing story of the 33 miners who were trapped underground for 69 days and their eventual rescue. Banderas received praise for his emotive and powerful performance in the lead role.

Antonio Banderas was honored with a Goya Award for Lifetime Achievement on September 1, 2017. The Goya Awards, presented by the Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences of Spain, are the main national annual film awards in Spain. This award recognizes Banderas's significant contributions to the film industry, both in his home country of Spain and internationally.

Antonio Banderas received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor on January 12, 2020, for his role in the film "Pain and Glory" (Dolor y gloria), directed by Pedro Almodóvar. In the film, Banderas plays an aging film director reflecting on his life. The nomination was a significant milestone in Banderas's career, recognizing his talent and dedication to his craft.

Antonio Banderas announced on August 10, 2020, his 60th birthday, that he had tested positive for COVID-19. He made the announcement via a tweet, stating that he was in relatively good health and hopeful for recovery. Banderas spent the following days recovering, reflecting on his life, and making future plans. He shared his experience with fans and encouraged them to stay safe.