How Antonio Banderas Met the Woman for Whom He Gave Up Everything, Left Hollywood and Started a New Life

Antonio Banderas is unquestionably one of Spain’s most renowned and charismatic actors. Despite having captured the admiration of countless individuals over the years, it was the enchanting Nicole Kimpel who succeeded in winning his heart.

At the age of 63, the actor openly admits to being deeply in love and content with his partner. However, up until now, we have not had the chance to become acquainted with her to a great extent. That is, until the present moment. We are genuinely delighted to get to know her better as she possesses an exceedingly captivating demeanor.

Soulmate.

Before meeting Nicole, Antonio was married twice. From 1987 to 1996, he was married to actress Ana Leza and then, from 1996 to 2015, he was wed to Melanie. But the actor admits, no one has ever understood him as well as his current soulmate. Perhaps it’s because this woman is not from showbiz. She doesn’t need to fight him for fame.

“I don’t need to be in the spotlight. Fame is part of my life because my partner is famous. But I think I’ve learned to deal with it naturally, without it affecting me,” she said. “We’re really happy together and I don’t see him as a film star. To me, he’s the man in my life. He has so many great qualities and talents without even taking into account his professional success.”

“My heart skipped a beat.”

But let’s tell the story first. The actor and the financial advisor met at a party held during the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. A very peculiar situation took place, according to Antonio, who only spoke about it later.

At that time, Antonio did not know that his current girlfriend-to-be had a twin sister almost identical to her called Barbara. It was her sister who caught his eye and he did not hesitate to talk to her, “but suddenly Nicole appeared, and my heart skipped a beat. They are exactly alike, but I saw something that stood out in her, that made me click with Nicole,” recalls Antonio. But back then, he was still married to his ex-wife, Melanie Griffith, so that first meeting was simply friendly.

With her, he left Hollywood and went traveling.

Once Melanie’s and Antonio’s divorce papers were finalized, he and Nicole resumed contact and finally formalized their relationship. Once they were together, Banderas made a statement that surprised the media and his fans: he said he would leave Hollywood indefinitely to attend to other interests in his life.

After that, he and his partner went to London to study fashion design. Once they finished the course, they got down to work on their first big project together, the exclusive and successful clothing line Antonio Banderas Design. Each of them brought something different to the team. They complemented each other perfectly and managed to make their new brand successful.

Although they had been living between England, Spain, and the United States for a long time, they decided to settle down in Andalusia after Antonio’s heart attack. The Malagueño has often demonstrated openly and publicly the great love and pride he feels for his homeland, so he has not hesitated to make some time in his busy schedule to show his partner every corner of that beautiful land.

Nicole is very clear about her opinion of living in Spain. “I miss my family because I don’t spend as much time with them as before, but my place is next to Antonio, and that makes up for everything else. I am very happy in Malaga, the city has welcomed me with open arms, and I feel like a real Malagueña”.

Antonio Banderas’ big family

Many men could envy Antonio because he managed even after the beginning of the affair with Nicole, to remain close friends with his ex-wife. Journalists often tried to prick the actor that he has a new family. But he always answered them: “Melanie is not my wife anymore, but I think she is my best friend.”

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas continue to be parents and close friends. The actor often appears in photos on his ex-wife’s Instagram. She calls him her Spanish friend. And he, despite living with another for many years, says about her: “I will love her until the day I die”. And the actor’s new love is not jealous of him. Relations within this family are built on respect and trust. Therefore, it is safe to say that Banderas is a rare lucky man.

Breaking up is always a difficult thing. Some couples do not want to see each other anymore after divorce, others become close friends, and others give each other another chance and live happily ever after. Which type do you belong to?