Melanie Griffith: Rehab Brought Antonio Banderas and Me Closer Together

By PopEater Staff Posted Apr 23rd 2010 10:06AM

Melanie Griffith has struggled with substance abuse for decades and entered rehab for the third time last August. While medical treatment has helped starve her addictions, Griffith reveals Antonio Banderas, to whom she has been married for nearly 14 years, was her biggest cheerleader during her struggle. Griffith even admits her recent trip to rehab actually brought them closer together. "He did everything," Griffith told PEOPLE. "He has been an amazing man."

Last August, Griffith entered rehab for the third time, following stints in 1988 and 2000. She has battled with substance abuse problems for over a decade and admitted to having problems with cocaine, liquor and painkillers.

Rumors about difficulties in her marriage have been circulating for years, but Banderas has dismissed the reports.

Instead, Banderas stuck by Griffith's side and helped her through her latest struggle to stay sober. "The entire family participated in the process of rehabilitation. We went to the place where she was doing it, we participated in all the therapies ... everything, everybody in the family. It's tough, but at the same time, very rewarding," Banderas said. "It's tough."

Griffith first met Banderas while filming 'Two Much.' She left husband Don Johnson for her new leading man and married Banderas on May 14, 1996. They have one child together, Stella Banderas.

Banderas admits he's not ashamed of Griffith's addictions and loves her unconditionally, even if it means facing a deadly problem head on. "I just say to families, 'Don't get embarrassed, just confront this problem head-on. And don't hide from that because there is a beautiful gift at the end of this tunnel, and it is the person that you love back, and that is what I am searching for. So the whole entire family is supporting her, and I am supporting her, and at this particular time more than ever. I'm very proud of her," he said back in 2009 (via SFGate.)

Since "starving the monster" of addiction, Griffith says she's doing wonderful. Even Banderas admits he couldn't be happier. "There were people who literally didn't give us more than six months!" Banderas said. "But we love each other, and above all we love our family. We've figured out how to get past obstacles ... and if you get past those, you only get stronger."

Griffith says she has kicked the habit. "Now I feel free," she says. "I don't drink. I don't take pills. Nothing. And it's fantastic. It's like getting out of prison," she tells ¡Hola! magazine (via PEOPLE).

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Tags: Antonio Banderas, melanie griffith

Comments

(101)

Sunday 25 April

By busybeme

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Melanie Griffith was in Working Girl, Cherry2000, and the remake of Born Yesterday to name a few. She is the daughter of Tippi Hedren from The Birds fame. Melissa Gilbert was in Little House On The Prairie and has been in numerous TV movies. She is married to Bruce Boxleitner.

To respond to the story, congrats Melanie and hope this is your last trip to rehab. Antonio is a wonderful husband to stick by you through all this. Back off the drugs etc and enjoy life and your family.

By ashleigh

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Are you thinking of Melissa Sue Anderson or Allison Arngrem? (Mary & Nellie)? Melanie Griffith was never on Little House...

By rachel

no,it was Melissa Gilbert and Melissa Sue Anderson in the Little House series; Melanie Griffith is Tippi Hedron's daughter and was in movies like Working Girl

Friday 23 April

By nicstarnic

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH

Saturday 24 April

By Lishy

Is anyone else feeling confused about this situation?Aside from Melanie's plastic surgery fails, we see a celeb husband showing us that he loves his wife unconditionally and is doing everything he can to help her pull through her struggle,and most importantly (from my perspective) that she isn't fighting alone, he's right beside her.I want to be happy for a couple being such a healthy,long lasting marriage, but deep down inside I'm harboring some jealousy issues.I mean who is she to have the handsome,exotic looking man of my dreams (made more so by this article)?Honestly, I'm liking this article, its a breath of fresh air considering all the news about the serial cheating celeb hubbies,serial douche bag hubbies, and even suspected of murdering your spouse hubbies in hollywood and entertainment today!

By nicole

I am with you 100%. I have been wondering why all these people are trying to find something wrong with this couple. OK, LET'S SEE : 1 MAN, 1 WOMAN IN LOVE. They are doing what couple should do when problems arise. Stick together, support each other through thick and thin. WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT. Better to be with Banderas than Jesse James. As far as Melanie is concerned whatever she does with her face is her damn business. If Antonio likes it, so be it.

By spindr4015

Melanie, you are one lucky woman!! Antonia is such a hunk, a great actor, and (the frosting on the cake) a loving and loyal husband - beautiful inside and out. Count your blessings !!

By Liz

The only answer is JESUS CHRIST for the cure. Cut & dried issue.

By kat

Ms. Melanie always impressed me as being a good Soul. I was sceptical about her husband and the truth of their relationship.

However, after I saw him in "take the lead" I knew he was a truly good man. I am so happy for them.

By luz

This is how addiction is killed. Family love and support. Great man, husband father you are Antonio. My prayers for you all. Go Girl! May your example follow Elin. Addiction is addiction, it takes all kinds. Way to go.

By jim

Good luck Melanie. You have lots of work to do to stay sober. Believe me, it isn't easy at times. Alcohol and drug addiction can rob you of your soul, your friends, and God knows what. Please work hard and take one day at a time.

By jj

what will it take for her to stop already? third stint? whatelse is there to throw at her? she loves her coke and percs. she always will.

By Grace

Where are all you grammar experts now? It isn't "use to be cute." It is "USED to be cute."

By Rhonda

Good love story..but why is it news when someone sticks by their spouse NO MATTER WHAT..isn't that your supposed to do?

By Jackie

Melanie was on Oprah many years ago, the camera was in her kitchen and she was preparing some favorite Holiday dessert. Oprah asked her how things are going and Melanie said, "I haven't had valium in 3 weeks" and there were applause!!! I couldn't believe she even thought 3 weeks were something to be proud to announce! Try 3 years, Melanie. She will never get off her addictions. If you see that she has gained about 20 pounds, then, yeah, she beat the drugs and alcohol but picked up eating.

By Ezeestreet

These people will never have enough.Rehab will not work.Want on earth do they want?

By beachgirley

What ever the case she def has issues. He must love her to stay shes a PITA. He is so cute give me a call baby I wont make ya crazy... (J/K).They are cute together and have mad history so good for them work it out as Adam Lambert would say (Love that song listen to the lyrics it tell a sad story).

By Cathleen

Wondferful. I love Antonio as an actor and now as a human! Thank you for leading families back to unconditional love by example. Melanie I like you as an actress, I love your smile and shine. Stay clean, you have support.

By vickie

John gosselin has to be the biggest a--hole in the world......

By yahnjk22903

She looks like that woman who was the mother in "Home Alone." Everyone ages, including Hollywood people. :)

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