“We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost twenty years of marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends, and the beautiful time we have spent together.” The statement signed “Melanie & Antonio” represents one of the most civil divorces in Hollywood history. Though Melanie filed for divorce in 2014, the two remain close friends.
The ‘Shrek’ star said love doesn’t end with divorce. They share Stella together and a united front. “I will love that woman until the day I die,” Banderas says. They spent 18 years together after critics opined it wouldn’t last six months. Although, even Mel had her reservations. She shared with Porter Magazine that she feared the relationship was doomed from the get-go.
A Return to Rehab
Alas, the marriage could not fix everything. Sadly, Melanie checked into rehab once more in 2000. Her career hit a slump in the late 1990s with a TV series that didn’t even make it to air and movies that flatly flopped. With the support of Antonio, she found herself checking into a California clinic to be treated for painkiller dependency. “It’s a battle that never ends,” she said. “And you have to take it one day at a time, just like they say.”
But this time, in her ongoing struggle to find inner happiness, she had the strong support of a loving man on her side. In a recovery journal, Melanie wrote, “Overcoming addiction is tough but it can be made easier if you have someone that can offer support.”
The Dependency Took a Toll on the Marriage
After it all, Banderas admitted that he would have left Melanie if she had succumbed to her habit. Melanie said, “He’s always been extremely supportive of me in situations where other people might have run away.” But he was there for her. On particularly tough nights when she could not sleep because she was not taking anything, she said he would hold her close.
Overcoming the addiction and its toll on their marriage fortified their love and prompted them to reevaluate their matrimony. They renewed their vows, in a way, by undoing the financial separation clauses. Signing a new agreement, they combined all their assets. It was a romantic notion that would come back around.
A New Friend
Singles’ life brought Melanie a new friendship. Not another man. This time she found friendship with Kris Jenner, who she met up with after befriending her daughter, Khloe Kardashian, at the gym. Khloe and Mel shared the same gym trainer.
Soon after, on Instagram, Kris emoted, “I couldn’t be more obsessed with Melanie Griffith. Go follow her sweet soul. I’m in love with this hot mama.” Khloe was instrumental in bringing the friendship together. She just knew her mom would be great friends with another mom who shared her interests.
A Losing Streak
Melanie was not afraid of taking risks professionally. The move to Broadway paid off, but things didn’t always go that way. 'American Housewife', produced by Banderas, was not picked up by Lifetime as anticipated.
She starred in the WB TV series 'Twins', which was canceled after one season (2005-2006), and in 2007, she starred in the TV series 'Viva Laughlin', which only lasted two episodes. In a seemingly desperate move, she guest-starred on Nip/Tuck and Hot in Cleveland. By 2009 she was back in rehab again. Her publicist called it “part of a routine plan.”