Actor Melanie Griffith today filed for divorce from Spanish actor Antonio Banderas after 18 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences, according to a petition filed in Los Angeles Superior Court.
Griffith (56) and Banderas (53) married in 1996 after striking up a romance filming the comedy Two Much. They have a daughter, Stella Banderas (17).
“We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalise our almost 20 years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honouring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together,” Griffith and Banderas said in a statement.
Griffith requested physical custody of Stella, who turns 18 in September, but joint legal custody, with the Desperado star allowed visitation.
The actor, who earned an Oscar nomination for her role in the 1988 romantic comedy Working Girl, also requested spousal support from Banderas. This was the fourth marriage for Griffith and the second for Banderas. Griffith was married to actor Don Johnson twice and also Steven Bauer. Banderas was married to Spanish actress Ana Leza. – (Reuters)