Melanie Griffith’s 18 Year Marriage Was Impressive By Hollywood Standards

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas have split after 18 years of marriage.

Melanie Griffith filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split. The actress is reportedly seeking spousal support, child support, and sole physical and joint legal custody of their daughter Stella who turns 18 in September.

In a joint statement, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas said, “We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty year marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together.”

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas met on the set of Two Much in 1995. At the time both Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas were married to other people. In 1996, one month after both their divorces were finalized, they married in a low-key ceremony in London and Melanie Griffith gave birth to their daughter Stella four months later.

Melanie Griffith was previously married to Don Johnson twice with whom she has a daughter Dakota Johnson, and once to Steven Bauer with whom she has a son, Alexander Bauer. Antonio Banderas was previously married to Ana Leza.

Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas were one of Hollywood’s longest standing couples and have been vocal of their personal life. Both Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas had spoken to the media about their undying love for one another as well as their hardships.

Melanie Griffith has been to rehab three times, twice while married to Antonio Banderas, for addictions to alcohol, cocaine, and painkillers. Melanie Griffith once admitted that at the ripe age of 10 she would drink wine “like a soft drink. I was medicating myself so I could escape my pain and insecurities.”

The battle for Melanie Griffith to stay sober was a challenge for the couple’s relationship. In separate interviews with AARP magazine in 2011, their differing recollections of how Melanie Griffith’s latest relapse had been dealt with were highlighted. Melanie Griffith stated that “Antonio was supportive to the extent he can be… I wish he would go to a meeting with me or to AA but it’s very foreign to him.” Where as Banderas recalled that he and their children were present throughout Melanie Griffith’s entire relapse and that they did “therapies together.”

Melanie Griffith was seen the night before their divorce announcement at the AFI tribute to Jane Fonda, and was said to be in high spirits.