Antonio Banderas, the 63-year-old actor known for his roles in "The Mask of Zorro" and "Pain and Glory," opened up about his amicable relationship with his ex-wife Melanie Griffith and their blended family in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. Banderas and Griffith, who divorced in 2015 after nearly two decades of marriage, share a daughter named Stella, 27. Banderas also became a stepfather to Griffith's son Alexander Bauer, 38, and her daughter Dakota Johnson, 34. Despite their divorce, Banderas expressed his respect and support for Griffith, stating that he considers her a wonderful woman. He emphasized the importance of understanding each other in successful co-parenting and highlighted the beautiful moments they shared as a family. Banderas revealed that he always makes it a point to spend time with Griffith and their blended family whenever he travels to Los Angeles, describing it as a significant aspect not only for them but for the rest of the family as well.

When asked about their daughter Stella's future in Hollywood, Banderas mentioned that while she has studied acting, she prefers to work behind the camera. Stella is currently directing short movies and commercials, and Banderas believes she will eventually transition into directing feature films. He also praised Dakota Johnson, his stepdaughter, for her success in Hollywood, describing her as a superstar and stating that she has surpassed his own fame. Banderas remarked that he fully supports Dakota in her career.

Banderas also touched upon his recent role as King Herod in the movie "Journey to Bethlehem," a musical retelling of the birth of Jesus. The actor expressed his love for the script and the way the story was told. He appreciated the opportunity to play a villain who could make people laugh while conveying the message of love that is central to the story. Banderas believed that "Journey to Bethlehem" would appeal to audiences of all ages, offering a fun and lighthearted take on the Biblical nativity story, which he felt was essential in the world's current climate.

During the interview, Banderas reflected on a life-changing event - his heart attack in 2017. The actor revealed that he experienced the health scare two months prior to announcing it publicly. Banderas acknowledged that the heart attack served as a wake-up call and forced him to reevaluate his life choices. He underwent heart surgery to have three stents placed in his arteries, and he realized that the incident could have been much more serious. The scare prompted him to adopt a new perspective on life, focusing on what truly matters and redirecting his career path. After his divorce from Griffith, Banderas found solace and fulfillment by returning to his hometown of Malaga, Spain, where he bought a theater. Since then, he has founded the musical theater company Teatro del Soho and opened the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank theater, producing successful musicals such as "A Chorus Line," "Godspell," and "Company."

Banderas admitted that faith played an important role in his life but acknowledged that he also had doubts and tribulations. He emphasized the need to be critical of oneself and one's beliefs, striving to do what he believes is good not only for himself but for the world around him. Banderas concluded by stating that his current focus is on doing what he wants in the way he wants, feeling healthy and fulfilled in his life.

"Journey to Bethlehem" was released in theaters on November 10th, offering audiences a fresh and light-hearted take on the story of Jesus' birth through music and humor. With Antonio Banderas leading the cast as King Herod, the film aims to entertain and inspire viewers of all ages, delivering a message of love and hope.