Antonio Banderas, the beloved actor known for his charm and romantic roles, has experienced his fair share of ups and downs in his love life. Many people are familiar with his marriage to Melanie Griffith, which lasted almost twenty years and resulted in a daughter named Stella del Carmen Banderas.  However, not many are aware of Antonio’s previous marriage to Ana Leza before he moved to the United States. Let’s take a closer look at Antonio Banderas’ ex-wife Aza Lena and her relationship with Antonio Banderas.

Birth & Background

Ana Leza, a Spanish actress, was born on January 1st, 1962, which means she is currently 61 years old. She was born in Madrid as Ana Arana Leza. Her mother, Conchita Leza Nunez, is also an actress and has worked in the entertainment industry her whole life. She has appeared in movies like Outrage, Foul Play, and Hospital Central. However, we don’t know who Ana Leza’s father is.

From a young age, Ana Leza has been captivated by films and live performances. Despite only appearing in a handful of movies, her love for acting remains unwavering. Information about her education is limited, making it unknown where she received schooling or what subjects she pursued.

The Love Story of Antonio Banderas and Ana Leza

Antonio Banderas and Ana Leza’s relationship started off as a professional one but soon turned into something more. While working together, Banderas taught Leza how to pronounce English words, and this created a strong bond between them. Their love grew rapidly, and after just six months, Banderas knew he wanted to marry Leza.

On May 27, 1987, Banderas and Leza tied the knot at the beautiful Church of San Nicholas in Madrid. Their wedding was attended by Pedro Almodovar, a famous Spanish filmmaker who helped make Banderas an international star, and Carmen Maura, a Spanish actress who appeared in many of Almodovar’s films. Banderas and Leza made several appearances as a couple on the red carpet at various events.

One notable example was the premiere of “Reservoir Dogs” in 1992 at the Loews 19th Street Theater in New York City. Their presence added an additional level of glamour to these gatherings, which were already filled with famous celebrities.

Ana Leza: From Tutor to Confidence Booster

Ana Leza was hired as Antonio Banderas’ private English teacher and translator during a crucial time in his career. Banderas, a Spanish actor, had dreams of making it big in Hollywood, but his English skills were severely lacking. This is where Leza’s tutoring became instrumental. Her guidance proved to be immensely beneficial.

In 1992, Banderas secured a role in his first American film, “The Mambo Kings.” In an interview with Vanity Fair, he revealed that Ana Leza played a pivotal role in helping him with the movie’s script.  Banderas credited Leza for his success, stating that without her assistance, he wouldn’t have landed the role. Working alongside Leza gave him a significant boost in confidence, according to his interview with VF.

Ana Leza and Antonio Banderas Divorce

The story of Ana Leza and Banderas could have been the stuff of romantic movies. Unfortunately, it took a turn for the worse and ended in a messy divorce, leaving Banderas with a significant loss of his wealth.  They went their separate ways in 1995, though the exact reason for their split remained a secret. There were rumors that Banderas’ newfound affection for actress Melanie Griffith, whom he met during the filming of the movie “Two Much” in 1995, played a role in their separation.

During their divorce settlement, Ana Lena was given ownership of their home, which was valued at around $4 million. Additionally, the court ordered Banderas to pay Lena a monthly alimony of $14,100.60. She was also entitled to receive 50% of the money Banderas earned from his movies during their marriage.  Banderas, in a 2004 interview with VF, expressed his frustration and disappointment with the lengthy and contentious eight-day trial, describing it as a purely business-focused affair that left him feeling unjustly treated.

Ana Leza: Career

With her mother as an inspiration, Ana Leza pursued a career as an actress. She made her debut in 1984 with a TV series called “Teressa de Jesus.” After that, she had a small role in another TV show called “Fragmentos de Interior.”  In 1988, Ana had the chance to act alongside her ex-husband in a movie called “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.”

They also worked together in films like “De Amor y Sombra” and “Philadelphia” in 1993. Her last movie was “Of Love and Shadows,” released in 1994. Interestingly, it seems that Ana decided to leave her acting career behind after divorcing Banderas. Over the course of her life, she had a total of 11 acting credits on her resume, leaving a memorable journey in the world of entertainment.

Ana Leza: Love, Family, and Spiritual Connection

Ana Leza and Dharma Villareal got married on November 6, 2000, in Santa Barbara, California. Their early days of meeting and dating are kept private. Prior to marrying Ana Leza, Dharma Villareal shared a chapter of his life with actress Melanie Griffith. However, their marriage eventually reached its end, and they filed for divorce in London on May 14, 1996. They have lived in different places like Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles, and Madrid, and now they call New York home.

Dharma works as an editor at the Xerox company and edited the show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Ana and Dharma have two children, Clara Maria and Sophia Macarena. Clara prefers to be called Clara Priya and Sophia goes by Sophia Sindhu. They both follow Hinduism, just like their parents.  Even though Ana is Spanish, she happily practices Hinduism with her family. They started following Siddha Yoga during one of their trips and have been practicing it ever since.

Ana and her family are dedicated supporters of the Siddha Yoga Meditation Foundation, regularly contributing to its cause and actively engaging in its programs. Their belief in disseminating the teachings of Siddha Yoga and seeking inner tranquility through meditation is a driving force in their involvement.

Final Words

Ana Leza played a significant role in Antonio Banderas’ career and personal life. Despite their messy divorce, she supported him during a critical time and helped him achieve success in Hollywood. In her own life, Ana has found happiness with her husband and children, embracing their spiritual connection and actively practicing Siddha Yoga.

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