Melanie Griffith’s life in the spotlight has been anything but ordinary – from her early days in Hollywood to tumultuous marriages and personal battles facing harsh public opinions about her looks.
In a candid revelation, the Hollywood star opened up about the impact of cosmetic procedures on her life and how public criticism led her to dissolve her fillers. Now, at 66, Melanie Griffith’s radiant and authentic appearance has captivated fans and inspired many to reconsider the true meaning of beauty.
A portrait of Melanie Griffith circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images
The Start of a Star in 1975
Melanie, born on August 9, 1957, in New York, had a unique upbringing steeped in the entertainment industry. As the daughter of actress Tippi Hedren, known for her iconic roles in “The Birds” and “Marnie,” Melanie was no stranger to the limelight.
Following her parents’ divorce when she was just four years old, Melanie relocated to Los Angeles with her mother. Her early exposure to the industry came through occasional modeling gigs and appearances in commercials during her childhood and teenage years.
Her first taste of the big screen was a brief, uncredited role in the 1969 western “Smith!” However, it wasn’t until 1975 that Melanie landed her first credited role, marking the true start of her career.
Melanie Griffith posing for a portrait circa 1975. | Source: Getty Images
She made a notable impression in Arthur Penn’s film noir “Night Moves,” where she played the role of a runaway alongside Gene Hackman. Her performance garnered praise, signaling her potential in the industry.
Despite this early success, the subsequent films she participated in failed to achieve significant critical or commercial acclaim. Nevertheless, Melanie’s journey had just begun, setting the stage for the remarkable career that would follow.
Melanie Griffith during a scene from the 1975 film “The Drowning Pool.” | Source: Getty Images
Melanie Griffith’s 1976 Marriage to Don Johnson and Her Face Reconstruction
At just 14 years old, Melanie’s life took a dramatic turn on the set of “The Harrad Experiment.” It was here that she met 22-year-old actor Don Johnson. The two quickly developed a connection and began dating, eventually moving in together.
By the time she graduated from the Hollywood Professional School at 16, their relationship had grown serious. On Melanie’s18th birthday, the couple took the next step and got engaged, marrying in 1976. During this period, Melanie also embarked on a significant project, landing a role in the film “Roar.”
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson at the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Films Awards on February 1, 1976, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Although the movie’s release was delayed until half a decade later, it became infamous for the on-set incidents that overshadowed its debut. Over 70 cast and crew members were attacked by the wildlife featured in the film, creating a harrowing and dangerous environment.
Tippi Hedren and Melanie Griffith posing with lions at London Zoo to promote the movie “Roar” on March 29, 1982, in England. | Source: Getty Images
One of the most shocking moments was captured on camera when Melanie was trapped in a lion’s grasp. The injuries she sustained were severe enough to require facial reconstructive surgery.
Despite these hardships, her early experiences with Don and the tumultuous events on the set of “Roar” became defining moments in Melanie’s life, shaping her path in the years to come.
Tippi Hedron and Melanie Griffith at the London Zoo on March 29, 1982, in England. | Source: Getty Images
Finding Love and Fame in 1979
After the brief and tumultuous end of her first marriage to Don, Melanie found love once more with actor Steven Bauer. The pair met while filming “She’s in the Army Now” in 1981 and married that same year.
This relationship brought a much-needed sense of stability to Melanie’s life, which had been marred by scandals, wild partying, and struggles with addiction.
Steven Bauer and Melanie Griffith at the 42nd Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 26, 1985. | Source: Getty Images
Steven’s support and encouragement played a pivotal role in helping her turn a new leaf. He urged Melanie to take acting lessons with the renowned Stella Adler, a move that significantly honed her craft.
This period marked a turning point in Melanie’s career, propelling her to stardom. She delivered a standout performance as an adult film star in Brian de Palma’s mystery thriller “Body Double” in 1984, a role that garnered her widespread acclaim.
Her versatility shone through in Jonathan Demme’s romantic comedy “Something Wild” in 1986, which became a cult classic. Melanie’s role in Mike Figgis’s drama “Stormy Monday” in 1988, where she starred alongside Tommy Lee Jones, further solidified her place in Hollywood.
Amidst her rising career, Melanie and Steven welcomed their first child, Alexander Bauer. Following in his parents’ footsteps, Alexander pursued a career in the film industry.
Melanie Griffith with her son Alexander Bauer at the Vote Yes on Proposition 65! Benefit on September 26, 1986, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
A Rekindled Romance in 1989
Despite her earlier divorce from Don, Melanie found her way back to him after her marriage to Steven ended. The rekindled relationship brought new beginnings, as well as the challenges of overcoming addiction together.
Reflecting on their journey, Melanie shared, “Everything is better now because of all of that. We were always friends, and we always stayed in touch. There was always this connection.”
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson at the 61st Annual Academy Awards on March 29, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 1989, following their reunion, Melanie and Don Johnson welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Dakota Johnson, born at Brackenridge Hospital.
Dakota has since carved out a successful career in Hollywood, starring in notable films such as “Fifty Shades of Grey” alongside Jamie Dornan, “The High Note” with Tracee Ellis Ross, and “Madame Web,” featuring Emma Roberts.
Melanie Griffith with her daughter Dakota Johnson and her son Alexander Bauer at the premiere of “Evita” on December 14, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
A Decade of Change in 1995
Despite their hopes that the second time would be the charm, Melanie and Don divorced for the second and final time following the birth of their daughter.
Not long after, Melanie found love again, this time with Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, whom she met while filming “Two Much” in 1995. The couple married in 1996 and soon welcomed Melanie’s third child, a daughter named Stella Banderas.
Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas at the premiere of “Desperado” on August 21, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Melanie’s relationship with Antonio coincided with a period of significant professional success. She starred in “Crazy in Alabama” in 1999, a comedy directed by Banderas, and “Forever Lulu” in 2000, alongside Patrick Swayze.
In 2012, she took on a darker role in the thriller “Dark Tourist.” In addition to her film work, Melanie made a notable transition to the stage.
Melanie Griffith and Antion Banderas at the First Annual Blockbuster Entertainment Awards on June 3, 1995, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2003, she made her Broadway debut in the musical “Chicago,” earning praise for her performance. She returned to theater in 2012, playing a dysfunctional mother in “No Way Around but Through,” a play written by and starring Scott Caan.
Despite their personal and professional collaborations, Melanie and Antonio’s marriage faced challenges. In 2014, TMZ reported that Melanie had filed for divorce from Antonio, citing irreconcilable differences.
Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith spotted at LAX airport on March 16, 2014, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The legal documents did not specify the date of separation, but sources close to the couple indicated that the split was amicable. This period marked yet another transformative chapter in Melanie’s eventful life.
Melanie Griffith at the 2014 Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Gala on December 16, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Embracing Natural Beauty in 2017
In 2017, Melanie candidly shared her experiences with cosmetic procedures, shedding light on a journey that began two decades earlier. Melanie revealed that she had undergone various filler injections to plump her lips and smooth out wrinkles.
Melanie Griffith at the premiere of “The Pirates Of Somalia” on December 6, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Initially pleased with the results, her perspective shifted dramatically after receiving negative comments about her altered appearance. This prompted her to take action and begin dissolving the fillers.
“I never would have known this was Melanie Griffith. She’s beautiful but unrecognizable. Sad,” one person tweeted. Another shared, “Melanie Griffith has had that level of plastic surgery that renders one unrecognizable as who they once were.”
Melanie revealed in 2017, “About seven years ago I started doing injections, and now for the past two, three years, I have been getting it dissolved […] I didn’t see it until people started saying, ‘Oh my God, what has she done?’ I was so hurt […].”
Melanie Griffith at the screening of “The Disaster Artist” on November 12, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Hollywood star added that she hopped she looked “normal now” after seeking help from another doctor to have the “awful” work she had done reversed.
Alongside her journey to undo regrettable cosmetic procedures, Melanie has also become an advocate for sun safety. In 2018, she took to Instagram to share a bare-faced selfie with a bandage on her nose, a result of treatment for basal cell skin cancer.
“Bandaged again after having dermabrasion, the final step to fix the now removed basil cell skin cancer. If any of you have it, get it fixed. If you lay in the sun, are exposed to lots of sun, be CAREFUL,” Melanie urged in her caption.
“Use sunscreen. Get checked out by your dermatologist. If you don’t have one, get one, or go to your nearest clinic and ask to be tested for it. More info to come,” the caption continued.
Melanie Griffith at Equality Now’s Annual Make Equality Reality Gala on December 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Timeless Beauty: Melanie Griffith at 65 and Beyond
In August 2022, Melanie celebrated her 65th birthday with a joyous gathering shared on Instagram. The photo dump captured moments of happiness with close friends, including notable celebrities like Eva Longoria.
Melanie exuded timeless beauty, her radiant smile reflecting the warmth of the occasion. Fast forward to November 2023, Melanie revealed a chic new haircut. Social media users flooded her comments with admiration, with one fan aptly noting, “So beautiful.”
As 2024 unfolds, Melanie continues to demonstrate that age is just a number. Her recent appearance at a public event was a testament to her enduring charm.
In April, she turned heads in an all-white ensemble at the Unforgettable Evening charity event in Beverly Hills. The event also featured an impromptu reunion with her “Now and Then” co-stars, Demi Moore and Rita Wilson, adding a nostalgic touch to the glamorous event.
Melanie Griffith’s life and career have been a remarkable journey marked by resilience and transformation. Her candid reflections on cosmetic procedures and her battle with skin cancer highlight her commitment to authenticity and health.
Celebrating her 65th birthday in 2022 and her stylish public appearances in 2024 show that Melanie continues to embrace her age with confidence and elegance.
