Antonio Banderas: The Spanish Superstar

Although I know that many American actors have cross-over fame in Europe, I also knew that Spain had its own collection of celebrities that are widely known here, but aren't exactly famous every where else. This is why it became a surprise to me when I spotted two celebrities that I recognized. The first was Lenny Kravitz, and I found out the main reason why he was on was because he has an upcoming concert in Spain. However, I don't know much about Lenny Kravitz and neither did my host family, but it was the second celebrity that stirred up a conversation in my house.

On the show was Antonio Banderas, who was promoting his upcoming movie La Piel Que Habito. I knew Antonio Banderas wasn't an American actor, but I was completely unaware that he was originally from Malaga and started his acting career in Spain. Now in America he is a famous actor, so much so that he has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is best known for his "Latin Lover" role in all of his films, a mold that even fits his animated characters like Puss In Boots from the Shrek series. In Spain he has taken on diverse rolls and can contribute the majority of his fame and Hollywood breakthrough to Spanish director Pedro Almodovar.

Although he is famous in both countries, I do find it interesting the difference in how he is covered. Yes, Antonio Banderas is very famous in America however since he is known for playing the same role and isn't consistently under the limelight, there isn't too much emphasis on his personal life. However according to my host mom and by the interview I saw him in, he is beloved by Spaniards all across the country. He has invested in many Andalusian products and has promoted them both in the U.S. and Spain and is also an officer of a Roman Catholic religious brotherhood in Malaga, so he is heavily involved in the Holy Week processions. To Spaniards he is more than just an actor, but he is someone who exemplifies a lot of the qualities that Spaniards find important. It also isn't as if only the people Malaga are proud of him, but all of Spain is proud of the accomplishments he has achieved in his life.

I find it interesting looking at how different aspects of a celebrity are focused on depending on what country they are from or what country they are being spoken about. I'm sure American celebrities are looked at differently here in Spain, but I found it great being able to look at a Spanish actor under both an American and Spanish lens.