Antonio Banderas (born 10 August 1960 in Málaga) is a Spanish actor, director and theatre producer who first made his name in Pedro Almodóvar's films before becoming a Hollywood star. International audiences know him from Philadelphia (1993), Desperado (1995) and The Mask of Zorro (1998), as well as the voice of Puss in Boots in the Shrek franchise; his role in Pain and Glory (2019) earned him the Cannes Best Actor prize and an Oscar nomination. After a heart attack in 2017 he returned to Málaga, where he opened the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank in 2019 and has since focused on directing Spanish-language Broadway musicals.
Banderas performed before Pope Leo XIV at a meeting of culture and faith at the Madrid Movistar Arena (June 7, 2026).
Banderas participated in the Talía Awards 2026 ceremony at the Madrid theater El Canal (May 18, 2026).
Banderas confirmed his participation in the supernatural thriller Unmerciful Good Fortune alongside Rosario Dawson, Scott Eastwood, and Susan Sarandon.
The musical Godspell, directed by Banderas, premiered at the Madrid Gran Teatro Pavón (January 22, 2026).
Banderas announced that in 2026 he will rehearse and perform the title role in the musical Sweeney Todd at his Teatro del Soho CaixaBank in Malaga.
