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).

Follow Us on Twitter Friend Us on Facebook

Tags: Antonio Banderas, melanie griffith

Comments

(101)

Sunday 25 April

By DEE SPADER

Vote down Vote up Report this

YES, MELANIE IS NOT AS ATTRACTIVE AS SHE WAS BEFORE ALL THE PLASTIC SURGERY

By Rick

With all the drama of cheating, divorce and immature relationships and the image of man defaced especially seen in Hollywood, it is good to see a real man with character. His actions speak volume of man hood. Both look good together.

By AlwaysChangin2

Good for her. NEVER give up!! That is my motto.

Wednesday 28 April

By mary ann larssen

What's wrong with people. Instead of worrying about Melanie's looks, wish her and her family success and happiness. Isn't that what you'd want if you were in the same position?

By Kat

I congratulate them for fighting through it together.

By mike hunt's mom

beer is the answer so mike hunt get me another beer your drunk mother

By Dean

While the so called spell police try to show how smart they are its their ignorance that is showing.

By dtoigo

Does this work

By Jane

I really feel sorry for Antonio putting up with Melanie's instabilities.
I think it's more of him feeling sorry for her than really being in love with her. I have always felt sorry for him. Between her substance abuse and her insecurities because he's so hot, she's been a weight around his neck.
You can see the strain in his face.

By Raejean

While I agree that much of what Ms. Griffin has had done cosmetically is regrettable, I don't know her demons. I can certainly empathize with the possible insecurities in Hollywood of aging while trying to hold on to a man like Antonia Banderas! It looks like she has been fortunate beyond her wildest dreams by the caliber of this guy's character. So I say hooray for her, for him, for them all. I hope they have many more happy and healthy years together!

By JO

In the picture they show for the teaser, she is in front of a parking meter, the picture previous to that she is talking to a street musician, whom is sitting on a chair.

By Amy

Do I think she'll stay clean? Nope-nor do I think this marriage will last another 5 years. I remember a few years ago there was a photo printed of her walking with the child she had with Don Johnson-I think the child was 16 or 17-she was handing the kid a cigarette and then it had a picture of the 2 of them walking and smoking. As I recall she 14 when she lived with Don Johnson the first time. I agree with the other posts-she has overdone it on the lip plumpers-she along with Meg Ryan and Lisa Rhinna need to let their lips return to a normal state.

That is not strain, he has aged. He is no picnic to be married to either I am sure. They both have stood by each other throughout their marriage. Remember all of his reported affairs?

By Valentina

I'm so thrilled for Melani Griffith. Her husband is what a true man and husband is made up of. I'm on their side! I support their talent in their films.

By Rene

Melanie looks healthier than she's ever looked.

My prayers are with Melanie and Antonio . . . a truly beautiful couple (both inside and out)!!!

There's nothing 'sexier' than a good and decent man, husband, father who has the ability to LOVE unconditionaly.

Monday 26 April

By anita

JOY i suspect that what you do not know would fill SEVERAL VOLUMES OF BOOKS the fact is i am not as fascinated by stars and their personal lives as you seem to be i have a great idea why dont you go out and GET A LIFE they are on sale at WALMART for 19.95 better yet give me your adress i will send you fiftey cents so you can go call someone who gives more of a damn about your opinion than I DO

By Olga

If all marriages were like Antonio has taken toward his, then we can say " believe in marriage, for good, for bad, for richer or for poor ". Of course, It takes a person with different culture and believe, in order to be able to hold it as such.
A man like that....well, Melanie, you are lucky and hold Him tight!

Tuesday 27 April

By moviebuff

Ugh, she looks like she's been hit by a bus!

Sunday 02 May

By b4real

Yes! for 14 yrs. now they are married..while I feel he had a great chemistry with Selma in "Desperado" for whatever reason Mel got him....i like her but he is so hot, and definitely belongs with
a hot Latina....I will apply if he ever needs one....
Him and the Rock "Dwayne" 2 of the most beautiful men ever!!!

Page 5 of 6