Antonio Banderas is presented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, 16 years after he arrived as a penniless young actor.
"It was an honor and privilege to arrive to this country 16 years ago with almost no money in my pocket", says Banderas, a native of Malaga, Spain. "A lot has happened since then".
He is accompanied by his wife, Melanie Griffith; their 9-year-old daughter, Stella, and Dakota Johnson (Griffith's daughter with Don Johnson).
Banderas, 45, recalls a time when he would return to his hotel each night and gaze out the window at a billboard.
"I could see the face of a beautiful woman, blond, pensive, with the New York skyline behind her", he said. "On the billboard was written, Melanie Griffith, "Working Girl".
Griffith, who received an Oscar nomination for her role in that film, married Banderas in 1996.
Banderas got his start with Pedro Almodovar in Spanish-language hits such as "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" and "Matador".
His first English-speaking role was in 1992's "The Mambo Kings". He moved on to major roles in "Desperado", "Evita", "The Mask of Zorro" and the animated "Shrek 2".
Antonio Banderas is the 2,294th person to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
His latest film, "The Legend of Zorro", opens in theaters October 28.
Antonio Banderas with his wife, Melanie Griffith, their daughter Stella, and Griffith's daugther, Dakota Johnson.
Honorary Mayor of Hollywood, Johnny Grant, and special guests Sharon Stone, Gil Garcetti (former Los Angeles District Attorney) and his popular son, Eric Garcetti (Los Angeles City Councilmember representing the 13th District).
Melanie Griffith introduces her husband Antonio Banderas with a very funny, yet touching speech.
She begins by saying: "Hi, I am Mrs. Antonio Banderas - I am married to Antonio Banderas - and you are NOT !"
Needless to say, everyone loves her introduction and she earns a lot of laughs for it.
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