In a recent interview on The Ellen Degeneres Show, Antonio Banderas opened up about his experience working on the hit animated film, Shrek. Banderas, known for his charismatic performances, discussed the success of the film and what it meant to him.
During the interview, Banderas expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of Shrek, which grossed a staggering $104 million at the box office. However, he made it clear that the money was not the most important aspect for him.
“I like to think that more than the money, millions of people got to share the story that we got to tell, and that’s the beautiful thing about this amount of money,” Banderas explained. “Behind the money, there are people, and that’s what I love about it.”
Banderas’ portrayal of the swashbuckling cat, Puss in Boots, was widely praised, with many claiming he stole the show. The actor humbly acknowledged the positive feedback, but also emphasized the hard work of the entire cast and crew.
In addition to his successful career, Banderas also celebrated his 8th wedding anniversary with Melanie Griffith around the same time. The couple chose to celebrate in a beautiful hotel in the French Riviera.
However, Banderas did not shy away from discussing the downsides of fame. He revealed that dealing with the paparazzi was often challenging, especially during the early years of his relationship with Griffith. He recounted dramatic incidents where paparazzi would invade their privacy and go to great lengths for a lucrative story.
Despite the difficulties, Banderas and Griffith have embraced a more carefree approach to dealing with the paparazzi. They no longer hide or run away, realizing that it’s impossible to completely avoid the eager photographers.
In fact, the couple even had a clever trick up their sleeves. During their summer vacations in Spain, they would wear the same bathing suit for the entire season. Banderas humorously shared how they would gather the press, show them the bathing suit, and tell them to take the picture immediately because it would look the same in two months’ time.
The conversation took a lighthearted turn as Banderas revealed a funny incident involving a magazine cover. He was mistakenly identified as the naked model on the cover, but he playfully clarified that it wasn’t his body and expressed relief that the model was well-endowed.
Towards the end of the interview, Ellen Degeneres couldn’t resist asking Banderas to teach her a dance. Banderas, who is not a professional dancer, obliged and shared a unique dance style from his hometown, demonstrating some Flamenco moves.
Overall, Antonio Banderas‘s appearance on The Ellen Degeneres Show provided a glimpse into his experiences working on Shrek and offered a candid look at the challenges of fame. It was both entertaining and insightful, showcasing the actor’s charm and talent beyond the silver screen.
Originally aired on May 25, 2004
