Melanie Griffith’s life has been full of ups and downs. As the daughter of actress Tippi Hedren, she entered the film industry at a young age, making her screen debut at just 12 years old. Over the years, she built a successful career, starring in major films.
While her professional life thrived, her personal life was often in the spotlight. She has been married three times, including to Antonio Banderas, and has three children. At the same time, she faced challenges, including time in rehab. Her children, Alexander Bauer and Dakota Johnson, experienced a turbulent childhood during some of these difficult years.
Growing up in Hollywood came with unique experiences. When she was seven, her mother married producer Noah Marshall, and they brought a lion into their home as part of a film project. Melanie spent her childhood living with lions, tigers, and even elephants. Photos from that time show her family interacting closely with the animals, though she later admitted it wasn’t a safe idea.
Melanie began acting at an early age, appearing in commercials before she turned one. At 14, she worked on The Harrad Experiment, where she met Don Johnson. Despite their age gap—Johnson was 22 and she was 14—the two formed a strong connection. By 18, they were engaged, and in 1976, they married in Las Vegas. Their relationship didn’t last, and they divorced after six months. However, they later reunited and married again in 1989.
Throughout her career, Melanie starred in notable films like Night Moves, Something Wild, and Working Girl, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. While filming Roar, a project involving real lions, she was injured on set and needed plastic surgery. Despite the risks, she continued her acting career, gaining widespread recognition.
Melanie married actor Steven Bauer in 1981, and they had a son, Alexander. They divorced in 1989, and she remarried Don Johnson, welcoming daughter Dakota Johnson later that year. However, their relationship ended in 1996. That same year, Melanie married Antonio Banderas, who became a strong presence in her children’s lives. Dakota has spoken openly about how much his guidance meant to her.
Even after Melanie and Antonio divorced in 2014, they remained close. Today, Melanie is focused on family and is writing her memoir. She has also been open about her health struggles, including a cancer diagnosis, but continues to stay active and involved in important causes.
