Happy Birthday, Antonio Banderas! The Latin celebrity and humanitarian actor turned 51-years-old on August 10th. As a half-centurion, he recently confessed details of his rise to fame during a celebrity interview with Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
Back in 1991, Banderas was featured as Madonna‘s love interest in the documentary film Madonna: Truth or Dare. Years later, Antonio Banderas was able to star with Madonna in the movie musical Evita (for which he was rumored to be paid $4 million dollars to sing and act in 1996). At that time, celeb gossip sites were still transfixed by the good looks of the Latin Actor. So was Madonna according to many Hollywood insiders.
Madonna was not his lifetime love, however. Now married to actress Melanie Griffith, the star celebs couple splits their residential time living in homes both in the United States and Spain. They got married in 1996, but it did not quell rumors that he was still a boy toy for Madonna.
The two star celebs have used their star power in Hollywood in recent years to support several charity benefit causes. Like Justin Bieber‘s girlfriend Selena Gomez, the Cherry 2000 star has given her celebrity endorsement to UNICEF. Melanie Griffith is also pet-friendly and supported the Humane Society.
Antonio Banderas has been a bit more public in advocacy for humanitarian charity causes than she has, probably because as a handsome and well-known Spanish-speaking actor his appeal extends globally. He’s also supported UNICEF, an organization that strives to make sure no child in the world goes hungry; in addition, Banderas has supported the United Nations Development Programme, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and Cinema For Peace.
Antonio Banderas is the actor responsible for voicing the cat character “Puss in Boots” in the SHREK animated movie series. The world-famous Leo’s feline voice made people from all generations laugh as he parried verbally with Mike Myers character “Shrek the Ogre” and Eddie Murphy’s character “Donkey” in the funny family movies.
Read more recent gossip about the talented actor in the article Antonio Banderas confesses secrets about Madonna.