‘That’s Not Even Him’: Antonio Banderas, 63, Sparks Discussion for Looking ‘Different’ in Photo with Stepdaughter

Antonio Banderas, 63, recently stirred up a lively discussion online after sharing photos with his stepdaughter Dakota Johnson on Instagram. The images, taken during their time together in Malaga, Spain, left fans doing a double-take.

In Malaga, the 63-year-old Spanish actor and Johnson spent time with other actors from the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank. Banderas wore a green printed shirt and brown pants, while Johnson looked elegant in a black silk dress.

One heartwarming shot showed Banderas resting his arms on Johnson’s shoulders as they both smiled for the camera. “Happiness: Dakota in Malaga!,” he captioned the post.

AmoMama readers and some netizens were in for a whirlwind of reactions when they caught sight of Banderas’s latest update. Among them, skepticism lingered. “That’s not even him,” one noted. Another stated, “Wow, he looks so different.”

A wave of surprise swept through the comments too. “Wow! That is Anthony! He looks likes burn out! But he’s was probably a great stepfather at the time [sic],” marveled one observer. “I hardly recognize him aging quite handsomely,” commented another.

For some, the realization required a double take. “Oh my goodness. I had to read the caption twice.. I almost didn’t recognize him [sic],” admitted another netizen. Someone else added, “Wow that is Antonio.. I had to look very closely & finally seen it is him [sic]..”

Yet amidst the skepticism and surprise, fans of the iconic actor showered him with praise and admiration. “Antonio still fine [sic]!” declared an ardent admirer. A supporter chimed in, saying, “He looks amazing!!!”

This wave of public reactions isn’t new for Banderas, as his appearance has often been a topic of public interest. In a 2011 interview with the Telegraph, he expressed his views on cosmetic surgery.

“No, I am against it for me. I think everybody can do what they want to do but I am starting to like grey hair and wrinkles and find them interesting,” he shared. Banderas has also accepted other aspects of aging.

“Sometimes I have wrinkles, in the morning. It depends on what kind of night that I had. I accept myself and the way that I am growing older. I have eye bags and some people have proposed to me to take them out but I said no,” he explained.

Banderas’ health journey also adds another layer to the conversation. At 56, he suffered a heart attack, an event that he later described as a life-changing experience. Speaking to Forbes in 2019, Banderas reflected on the incident, noting that it was one of the “best things” that happened in his life.

Pondering more on his heart condition, Banderas noted that many trivial concerns he once had have now faded away, showing a significant change in his perspective. “It opened my eyes to understand myself better, to understand my role in life, and to just realize the things that are really important,” he said.

Aside from focusing on his health and maintaining his cosmetic-free appearance, Banderas continues to nurture warm relationships, particularly with Johnson, whose mother is the actor’s ex-wife, Melanie Griffith.

Banderas became instrumental in Johnson’s acting career. The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star’s first acting stint was in her stepfather’s directorial debut, “Crazy in Alabama” in 1999, alongside her mother. Johnson played Sondra in the film.

As a young child, Johnson often visited Banderas on set and fondly remembered bringing pop singer Madonna an Easter basket while filming “Evita” in Budapest in 1996.

Banderas treasures such memories as well and once expressed his affection, saying that she is his daughter and he loves her. He reminisced about having her on his shoulders as they traveled around the world together.

Banderas also shared Johnson’s endearing nickname for him during her childhood, which is a blend of the word “daddy” in Spanish and his name. He explained that Johnson called him Paponio, a mix of “papa” (Spanish for daddy) and Antonio, making him her Antonio papa, or Paponio.

Sadly, Banderas and Johnson’s mother filed for divorce in June 2014 after 18 years of marriage. They released a joint statement announcing that they had thoughtfully and consensually decided to end their nearly twenty-year marriage.

They explained parting ways in a loving and friendly manner, honoring and respecting each other, their family and friends, and the beautiful time they spent together. The former couple had an amicable separation, with Griffith citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for their parting.

Many years later, Johnson presented Banderas with the Best Actor Award at the 2019 Hollywood Film Awards. In her heartfelt speech, she became emotional as she lovingly spoke about her Paponio.

Johnson shared that she came from a family with many marriages and felt very lucky to have gained a bonus dad who, over time, became one of the most influential people in her life.

The Texas native said Banderas brightened their lives and shared his sense of “creativity and culture” with them, adding he brought “one remarkably magical little sister into our family.”

Johnson expressed that Banderas had burst into their lives with vibrant energy, fun, and humor. She fondly remembered his abstract English, which they found amazing. Johnson noted that Banderas loved her mother and she and her siblings so much that it changed their lives forever.

In his acceptance speech, Banderas dedicated the award to two people he loved: Johnson and his other daughter, Stella Banderas. He mentioned how Johnson has always called him “Papi,” a nickname he cherishes. After the event, the devoted stepdad said he had no idea Johnson would honor him with such a heartwarming speech.

He shared that while he knew Dakota Johnson would be giving the speech, he had no clue about the contents of her heartfelt tribute, as she hadn’t told him anything in advance.

The proud father said it brought back all those memories he created with his blended family and that “it was a confirmation” that the time he spent with Griffith was not only about them but “about the family. They were all worth it.”

Banderas continues to charm and inspire with his enduring presence and heartfelt connections, showcasing a remarkable journey enriched by his extended family, health, appearances, and artistic legacy.