Antonio Banderas

Antonio Banderas
August 10, 1960
Malaga, Andalucia, Spain

This proud and charming Leo is an old fashioned trouper at heart.

'I don't believe in careers, I just picture myself always as one of those old actors from the 19th century who go from village to village in their repertoire.'

Jose Antonio Dominguez Banderas was born in the south of Spain to Jose Dominguez and Dona Ana Banderas. He has a younger brother named Francisco. His first love was soccer but a broken foot ended his dream of playing professionally. He took up acting classes at the School of Dramatic Art in Malaga and then formed his own theatre troupe, traveling and performing throughout Spain. In 1981, he went to Madrid and joined the National Theatre of Spain. Spanish director Pedro Almodovar discovered him at this point and in 1982 put him in Laberinto de pasiones (Labyrinth of Passions). The two collaborated on many films together, culminating in an Oscar-nominated role for Antonio in Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios (Women on the Brink of a Nervous Breakdown) in 1988.

In 1991, he appeared in Madonna: Truth or Dare as a boy-toy and broke into Hollywood in 1992 with Mambo Kings. He took on the risky role of Tom Hanks' lover in Philadelphia in 1993 and the following year went up against Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise in Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles. In 1996, he earned his creds as a romantic lead when he co-starred with Madonna in Evita. In 1998, he gained even greater standing in his iconic role as Zorro in The Mask of Zorro alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones and Anthony Hopkins. In 1999 he directed his first film, starring his wife, Melanie Griffith in Crazy in Alabama. Next came a well-received performance with Salma Hayek in Frida. In 2005, he reprised the roll of Zorro in Legend of Zorro and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Sun in Leo tells us Antonio wants to be recognized and appreciated for his unique contributions to the world. He cannot tolerate being in the background. He even has trouble with a cartoon cat stealing his thunder, complaining, 'I get more attention as the pussycat in Shrek 3 than I ever did as Zorro.' He needs to stand out, express himself and be the boss. He also has a romantic heart and a love of the extravagant. He wants to be great and needs someone to believe in him and his dreams. Though he appears fiercely independent, he is quite dependent on the affirmation and recognition of others. He cannot bear going unnoticed or being unappreciated. But it's not a one-way street, as his wife will tell you. He loves wholeheartedly and knows how to make his beloved feel special. Melanie and Antonio were married on May 14, 1996 and have a daughter. 'To be married in our profession is not an easy thing,' he admits. 'There's too many beautiful people around, very interesting people. It's just a matter of really being patient and probably having the capacity and the faith of falling in love with your own wife again. That happens to me.' He is immensely loyal and will defend his loved ones to the end. However, he does want to play the dominant role in a relationship.

Sun in the 10th house reinforces his ambitions to the extent that his inner life may take a back seat to his career. Sun conjunct Uranus makes him innovative and unconventional. He identifies with the role of rebel and believes he is outside the mainstream of society. Sun conjunct Mercury/Pluto tells us he is a keen observer and a persuasive speaker. He likes to be in control, but at the same time needs appreciation and recognition for his efforts. Sun conjunct Pluto/MC says he needs to be a leader. He needs to be out in front of the parade.

Moon in Aries tells us he has frequent emotional outbursts and a fiery temper. He expresses himself honestly and no one has to guess what his true feelings are -- unless he needs support, in which case he clams up. He can't stand emotional dependency or whiners. With his keenness to meet life's challenges, he inspires others to take positive action in their lives. He is attracted to people who are courageous and independent. He can be rather bossy, but does not like to be with people he can boss around. Relationships built upon mutual respect and emotional freedom are ideal for him. He also needs regular, vigorous physical activity to stay balanced. Moon in the 6th house means he has a sympathetic nature and instinctively reaches out to people. He sincerely wants to improve other people's lives. For him, affection and caring must be expressed in tangible service of some kind.

Moon sextile Mars makes him a little rowdy at times, and he enjoys sharing this kind of energy with his friends. He actually needs to make noise, cheer at a football game or even get into a friendly fight every now and then. Otherwise he can get cranky. Moon quincunx Venus says he can be lazy and overly permissive with himself. He enjoys being pampered and self-indulgence is always a temptation for him. He can be so soft and affectionate that it is hard to say no to him. Moon opposite Venus/Neptune reveals he has a dreamy nature and an inclination to be easily influenced by other people.

Libra rising means he is reasonable and fair. Even if he strongly disagrees with someone, he is always willing to listen their side of the story. He generally avoids taking an extreme or one-sided stance on any issue. He very much wants to please others and may suppress his own feelings in order to get along. Sometimes his politeness is interpreted as weakness. His need to create harmony extends to his physical environment and personal appearance as well. He appreciates beauty and does everything in good taste, with a sense of style and art. Marriage is very significant to him. Being part of a close couple seems natural to him, for he is no loner. Having a partner increases his self-confidence. He does have a tendency, however, to become overly dependent on his partner and perhaps not to develop a clearly defined identity outside of the relationship.

Jupiter sextile his ascendant means he projects a feeling of broad-mindedness and generosity, a sense that he's someone others should listen to and treat with respect. Because he generally makes such a favorable impression, many doors are open to him. Mostly this is due to the confidence he emanates. With Uranus sextile the ascendant he appears to be highly independent and a free spirit. While he can be restless and easily distracted, there is a touch of brilliance in his manner.