Antonio Banderas, the renowned Spanish actor, made a notable appearance on the popular television show ‘El Hormiguero’ on April 7, 2025, where he discussed his successful musical ‘Gypsy’ and shared intriguing anecdotes from his life. At 64 years old, Banderas continues to captivate audiences with his charisma and talent, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in both Spanish and international cinema.
During his visit, Banderas announced that ‘Gypsy’ will extend its run at the Teatro Apolo in Madrid until May 25, 2025, marking a significant milestone as the show approaches its 150th performance. The musical, which Banderas directs and produces, has received critical acclaim, and the actor expressed his excitement about its success. “If you think you don’t like musicals, I confess I didn’t know I liked them until I started watching yours,” said Pablo Motos, the show’s host, emphasizing the emotional impact of the live performance.
Banderas has been involved in American cinema since 1992, when he debuted in English with the film ‘Los reyes del mambo’. Despite his fluency in the language, he admitted to feeling self-conscious about his accent. “I’m very shy when I speak English. I’m fully aware of my accent,” he confessed, revealing a more vulnerable side of himself to the audience.
However, the conversation quickly shifted from language insecurities to Banderas’s remarkable life experiences, which have often placed him at the center of significant historical events. He recounted his experience during the attempted coup d'état in Spain on February 23, 1981 (known as 23-F), when he was watching a play at the Teatro de las Bellas Artes, located near the Congress of Deputies. He vividly remembered seeing a Guardia Civil running with a weapon before entering the theater. When he and his friends exited the theater, they found Madrid eerily deserted, only to encounter a crowd of around 2,000 people shouting ‘ejército al poder’ (army to power).
Reflecting on that day, Banderas remarked, “That’s something I will never forget.” His ability to recount such vivid memories adds depth to his persona, transforming him from a mere actor to a living historical witness.
In addition to the 23-F coup, Banderas shared his experiences related to other significant events, including the September 11 attacks in the United States. He recalled that he had just arrived in Los Angeles the day before the attacks and was scheduled to present awards at the Latin Grammys. “I wanted to stop in New York, but there were no flights available, and the planes that crashed had departed from my airport,” he explained, highlighting the close call he had with tragedy.
Banderas also described his time in Tunisia during the Arab Spring, where he was filming a French movie. He noted how he became aware of the unfolding events when someone at the embassy informed him of a young man’s self-immolation that sparked widespread protests. “We were isolated because everyone had left the area while I was unaware of what was happening,” he said, illustrating the unpredictability of life and the historical moments he has lived through.
Another significant moment in Banderas’s life was when he found himself in Jerusalem during the outbreak of the Second Intifada in 2000. He recounted how he was filming a movie when Ariel Sharon’s controversial visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque led to widespread unrest. His firsthand accounts of these events paint a picture of an actor who has not only starred in films but has also lived through pivotal moments in history.
In a lighter segment of the show, Banderas shared his connection to the White House, revealing that former President Barack Obama spent two weeks at his home in preparation for his re-election campaign. “They changed everything for security reasons,” he laughed, recalling the excitement and chaos of hosting such a prominent figure. Banderas humorously recounted how his then-wife Melanie Griffith told Obama a joke, showcasing the informal yet significant interactions that took place during that time.
Banderas also reminisced about being invited to the White House by former President Bill Clinton for a private dinner, where discussions spanned politics and cinema. He described the security measures taken during the visit, including the presence of two motorcades to reduce the risk of an attack. “It was fascinating to see how they operate,” he noted, further emphasizing his unique experiences with world leaders.
Throughout his career, Banderas has faced challenges and triumphs, including a life-changing heart attack in 2017 that prompted him to reevaluate his priorities. “It was probably one of the best things that ever happened to me,” he reflected, explaining how it led him to focus on what truly matters in life. After the incident, he purchased the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank in Málaga, fulfilling a long-held dream of owning a theater. “I want to leave knowing that I did what I wanted to do,” he stated, highlighting his passion for the performing arts.
Now, with ‘Gypsy’ continuing to draw crowds, Banderas remains a vital force in the world of theater and film. His journey from a young boy with dreams of becoming a football player to an internationally acclaimed actor and director showcases not only his talent but also his resilience and dedication to his craft. As he continues to share his stories and experiences, Antonio Banderas stands as a testament to the power of following one’s passions and embracing life’s unpredictable nature.
