Antonio Banderas

     While watching Shrek 2 last week with my family, I couldn't help but to fall in love with Puss in Boots.  His cleverness, humor, and of course, his accent, were all things I couldn't resist. I couldn't help but to want to know more about the character. I discovered that the voice behind those heartmelting eyes are none other than Antonio Banderas.
    The actor was born as Jose Antonio Domínguez Banderas August 10, 1960, in Malaga, Andalusia, Spain. Banderas always had the dream of playing professional soccer. He played as a child and was determined to accomplish his goal until he broke his foot at the age of 14. It was then that his passion of theatre began to grow. He attended the School of Dramatic Art in Andalusia.
    At the age of 19, he moved to Madrid, Spain to pursue his acting career. He joined a troupe known as the National Theatre of Spain and starred in several well known movies.  In 1992, Bandares moved to Hollywood and made his American debut.  Since then, he has starred in many popular movies such as The Mask of Zorro. 

    Along with his acting career, Bandares has been recognized by People magazine as one of the top 50 most beautiful people in the world. He remains an avid soccer fan and is a supporter of the Real Madrid Football Club.  He has been married to actress Melanie Griffith since 1996 and they have had one daughter.  The Bandares family owns two houses; one in America and one in southern Spain.