Rare facts about the astonishing Melanie Griffith
Melanie Griffith’s life has been nothing short of extraordinary. The iconic actress, daughter of screen legend Tippi Hedren, made her debut at just 12 years old and went on to star in major Hollywood productions.
While her career often shone brightly, her personal life also drew public attention. Griffith has been married three times — including to Antonio Banderas — and is the mother of three children: Alexander Bauer, Dakota Johnson, and Stella Banderas.
Her path has included remarkable successes as well as serious challenges, from car accidents to health battles. But through it all, she’s remained a captivating figure both on and off the screen.
A Unique Childhood in Hollywood
Born on August 9, 1957, in New York City, Melanie grew up in the spotlight thanks to her mother’s fame. But her childhood was far from ordinary. After Tippi Hedren married producer Noel Marshall, the family embarked on a film project involving lions — even welcoming one into their home.
The pet lion, Neil, famously lived with them in Los Angeles during the 1970s. Life Magazine documented images of Hedren resting on Neil’s back and even of the lion sleeping in Melanie’s bed. Looking back, Griffith admitted, “It was stupid beyond belief.”
Early Career and Young Love
Griffith began appearing in commercials as a baby and by her early teens was acting in films. At just 14, she met actor Don Johnson on the set of The Harrad Experiment. Despite the significant age gap, the two eventually married in 1976, though the union lasted only six months. They would reunite and remarry in 1989 before parting ways again in 1996.
The Lion Attack and Career Rise
In 1981, Griffith was injured while filming Roar, a project involving real lions. Mauled near the eye, she required plastic surgery but ultimately recovered. She continued her career with acclaimed roles in Body Double, Something Wild, and Working Girl, the latter earning her an Academy Award nomination.
In the 1980s, she also married actor Steven Bauer, with whom she had a son, Alexander. After their divorce in 1989, Griffith reunited with Don Johnson, and the couple welcomed daughter Dakota Johnson the same year.
Dakota Johnson’s Upbringing
Dakota’s childhood was filled with travel and constant change, especially after her parents’ divorce. Despite the instability, she developed a love for acting early on, visiting sets with her parents. She has since built a successful career of her own, starring in Fifty Shades of Grey, The Social Network, and other notable films.
A New Chapter with Antonio Banderas
In 1996, Griffith married Antonio Banderas after they met while filming Two Much. That same year, they welcomed daughter Stella. Banderas also embraced his role as stepfather to Alexander and Dakota, providing them with stability and guidance.
Dakota has publicly praised Banderas for his love, influence, and unwavering support, even referring to him as her “bonus dad.” Remarkably, the bond between Banderas and his stepchildren has remained strong even after his divorce from Griffith in 2014.
Life Today
Now in her 60s, Melanie Griffith is happily single and focused on her family. She last appeared on screen in 2020 alongside Dakota in The High Note and is currently working on her memoir. She’s also a survivor of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and skin cancer, using her platform to raise awareness and support charitable causes.
Through triumphs and trials, Melanie Griffith has remained a resilient figure — a woman who has embraced life’s ups and downs with strength, warmth, and grace.
What are your favorite memories of Melanie Griffith on screen — and which of her films has stayed with you the most? Share your thoughts and favorite moments below.
