Antonio Banderas has finally revealed what happened with Madonna in Madrid during the 1990s, causing quite a stir. At that time, the actor from Málaga was beginning his journey in Hollywood and the artist became infatuated with him. So much so that she called him "the sexiest man on the planet."
In that context, Banderas has confessed in his latest interview what that first encounter with Madonna was like at a party organized by Almodóvar. As he recounts, she tried to flirt with him by inviting him to sit with her, but his partner at the time prevented it.
Antonio Banderas reveals the truth about his story with Madonna
The 90s were one of the golden eras of Spanish cinema. A very young Antonio Banderas stood out above everyone else thanks to the trust that Almodóvar placed in him. Little by little, the name of the actor from Málaga kept gaining ground until it reached Madonna herself.
Today, more than two decades later and on the occasion of the singer's documentary, Banderas has opened up about his relationship with her. On Andrew Denton's show, Antonio has finally confessed how he met Madonna and how she tried to flirt with him.
In the documentary, Madonna was clearly shown to be completely fascinated by his presence, confessing that she had followed his work and movies for two years. After this revelation, it was Banderas's turn, who confirmed the attraction that the international artist felt for him.
Everything happened during a party that Almodóvar hosted in Madrid, where the guest star was Madonna. At that moment, the creator of Like a Virgin managed to get close to Antonio and tried to seduce him. "She invited me to sit with her at her table and talked nonstop; I didn't understand English at that time," the actor said.
Banderas quickly became aware of his companion's intentions, as did his partner at the time. "My wife back then, now my ex-wife, showed her claws," he recalled, referring to the moment when Madonna gave up on her efforts.
The anecdote with Madonna put Antonio Banderas in the media spotlight
That wasn't the only time Madonna tried to seduce Antonio Banderas. The actor admits that the singer even called him personally on the phone. "I thought someone was playing a joke on me," the actor admitted.
At that time, the actor from Málaga was dating actress Ana Leza, but not even that stopped the singer from pursuing her desire to win him over. When she learned about Almodóvar's party, she set out to make sure Antonio would finally fall for her charms, something that didn't happen.
Madonna, excited to meet that promising Spanish actor, spent the week planning their encounter. She meticulously selected the guest list to ensure Banderas's presence and thus facilitate a meeting.
On that occasion it wasn't possible, but the singer would try again years later during the filming of Evita. Banderas had left Leza and had married Melanie Griffith, and it was Griffith herself who witnessed Madonna's flirtations firsthand. "She chased him publicly," the actress revealed.
Despite the artist's constant attempts, Banderas didn't fall for her charms. This led Madonna to call the Spanish actor her "crush" or platonic love. Banderas acknowledges that the singer's persistence managed to give him notoriety and boosted part of his career in Hollywood.
With this revelation, Antonio has put to rest certain doubts about what really happened with Madonna and what was true in the rumors. To this day, he remembers that period with a smile, giving it a notable place in his memory.