Rare Facts About the Astonishing Melanie Griffith: A Hollywood Icon’s Rollercoaster Journey
Melanie Griffith, born on August 9, 1957, in New York City, is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses. From a childhood filled with extraordinary moments to becoming a legendary star, her life has been anything but ordinary. The daughter of actress Tippi Hedren, known for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, Melanie Griffith’s rise to fame and her turbulent private life have both captivated and inspired audiences for decades.
View this post on Instagram
In this article, we delve into the fascinating, lesser-known facts about Melanie Griffith’s career, personal struggles, and triumphs, offering a glimpse into her incredible journey. Let’s uncover what makes this actress truly astonishing!
1. A Hollywood Legacy from the Start: Early Fame and the Pet Lion
Growing up, Melanie was no stranger to the dazzling world of Hollywood. Her mother, Tippi Hedren, was a superstar, and her childhood was anything but typical. At the tender age of seven, Melanie’s family welcomed a pet lion, Neil, into their Los Angeles home.
View this post on Instagram
According to Griffith, she lived a life surrounded by exotic animals, including lions, tigers, and even elephants. “I grew up with lions, tigers, and two elephants,” Griffith revealed in a later interview, adding that the experience was “stupid beyond belief.” Despite her unusual upbringing, Griffith later admitted to feeling completely safe with Neil, though the wild animal could easily have harmed her.
2. An Early Start in Show Business: First Commercial Before Age 1
Before Griffith could even speak, she was already in front of the camera. Melanie’s acting career began with commercials before she was even one year old, marking the start of her long journey in the entertainment industry. At just 12 years old, she made her on-screen debut in the film Extra! (1970) and quickly gained recognition. However, it wasn’t until 1975 that she landed a major role in The Harrad Experiment, where she met her first big love, actor Don Johnson.
3. Teenage Love and a Controversial Marriage
When Melanie Griffith met Don Johnson on the set of The Harrad Experiment at just 14 years old, their 22-year-old co-star ignited a passionate romance that would become the talk of Hollywood. Despite their age difference (Griffith was just 14, while Johnson was 22), the couple couldn’t be separated.
At 15, Melanie moved in with Don, and by 18, they were engaged. They married in Las Vegas in 1976 but separated after only six months. However, their relationship was far from over. They rekindled their love in the late '80s and married again in 1989, though they ultimately divorced once more in 1996.
View this post on Instagram
4. The Near-Fatal Lion Incident: A Life-Changing Experience
While filming the controversial 1981 movie Roar, Melanie Griffith faced a terrifying near-death experience. The film, about a family living with wild lions, proved to be more dangerous than anyone anticipated. During filming, Melanie was mauled by a lioness near her eye, an injury so severe that she needed plastic surgery to repair the damage.
View this post on Instagram
In an interview, Griffith revealed, “I forgot you have to be careful. You can never be sure you’re safe, and just a blow can pop your head like a ping pong ball.” Despite the harrowing incident, Melanie persevered and continued to pursue acting, including iconic roles in Body Double and Something Wild.
5. Marriage to Steven Bauer: The Mother of Dakota Johnson
In 1981, Melanie married actor Steven Bauer. Their union lasted until 1989 and resulted in the birth of Alexander Bauer, their son. Although their marriage ended, Griffith went on to marry her second love, Don Johnson, again. However, by 1996, they separated for good, just as Griffith was welcoming her second daughter, Dakota Johnson, with Don Johnson.
Dakota Johnson would go on to become a star in her own right, with notable roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and The Social Network. Yet, like many children of famous parents, her upbringing was filled with turmoil. From moving schools frequently to attending therapy at age three, Dakota had a challenging childhood.
View this post on Instagram
6. A Step-Father Like No Other: Antonio Banderas
In 1996, Antonio Banderas entered Griffith’s life, and soon after, he became a pivotal figure in her children’s lives as well. Banderas, who had admired Griffith for years before they met, soon became her third husband. Their romantic bond grew stronger as they filmed Two Much (1995), and by May 1996, they tied the knot.
Banderas was not only a supportive partner to Griffith but also a loving stepfather to her children, Alexander and Dakota. Over time, Banderas established a deep relationship with his stepchildren, becoming an anchor for Dakota, who found solace in his presence after a tumultuous childhood.
7. Divorce and Lasting Bond with Antonio Banderas
Despite their eventual divorce in 2014, the relationship between Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas, and their children remains strong to this day. The two share a deep, lasting friendship, and Banderas remains an important figure in the lives of his stepchildren. In a 2019 interview, Banderas expressed his admiration for Dakota Johnson, describing her as a “radiant” presence in his life. “I followed every single step of her career,” Banderas said proudly.
8. The Battle with Cancer: Triumph Over Adversity
In 2010, Melanie Griffith faced a life-changing diagnosis—non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Fortunately, after receiving treatment and undergoing surgery to remove a cancerous cell from her nose, Griffith emerged victorious. She has since become an advocate for cancer awareness and supports organizations like Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
Her fight against cancer was not just physical but emotional, especially for an actress who has built her career around her appearance. As she candidly told InStyle, “It’s a scary thing when you’re an actress and you depend on your face for work. But I realize I have to put a Band-Aid on it, and it’s fine.”
9. Today: A Family-Oriented Life and a New Chapter
At 65, Melanie Griffith enjoys a peaceful life. She is currently writing her memoir, sharing her story and reflecting on the ups and downs that have defined her journey. While her acting career may have slowed, Griffith remains an important figure in Hollywood. She continues to support her family, and in 2020, she shared the screen with her daughter Dakota Johnson in the film The High Note.
View this post on Instagram
Conclusion: The True Soul of Melanie Griffith
Melanie Griffith’s life has been filled with glamour, heartache, triumphs, and struggles, yet she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world. From a childhood spent surrounded by wild animals to becoming one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars, Griffith's story is one of resilience, love, and family. Though her career has had its highs and lows, her soul and her journey continue to inspire us.
View this post on Instagram
New News
