Antonio Banderas: Why Melanie Griffith Went Back to Rehab
Credit: Michael Rozman/Warner Bros.
Antonio Banderas says fear led wife of 15 years Melanie Griffith back to rehab.
On Wednesday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show, he reveals that Griffith, 52 - who has been sober for six years - had a skiing accident in Aspen, Co., a year-and-a-half ago.
After three knee operations, she was "obligated to use narcotics," he says, and she got nervous.
"In March, she came to me and said, 'I'm feeling a little bit weak in my determination for this ... so I just thought to go to rehabilitation by myself,'" says Banderas, 49. "So the whole entire family is supporting her and I am supporting her and at this particular time more than ever. I'm very proud of her."
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He adds that the entire family has been participating in Griffith's rehab program. (Her last stint in rehab was in 2000 for her addiction to painkillers)
"We have been following some type of therapy with other families," he says. "There are a number of invisible heroes working in AA all around the world. I just say to families, don't get embarrassed just confront this problem head-on. And don't hide from that because there is a beautiful gift at the end of this tunnel and it is the person that you love back and that is what I am searching for. I am very proud of my wife."
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25I absolutely love Pirates of the Carribean. Yes, all 3, and I have been dying for a forth one. The third movie left off with two very good story lines for the forth one. While I look forward to more Cpt. Jack, I can't wait to see Elizabeth and her son deal with dad at sea.
I completely agree that substance abuse is a very real issue. I work with addicted people and know how hard is for there families. However, talks like this do not help, just my opinion. It's very easy to say "Be open", "Don't get embarrassed" etc. What if a teacher is concerned? To be open means for her to be fired... What if the addicted person doesn't have money to receive treatment? What if the reason for the addiction is not boredom but a loss of a child? These are the real problems. I also do wish luck and courage to everybody who is struggling with any kind of addiction.
I commend Melanie for her courage...I'm sure she'll succeed!!
THANK YOU FOR ADDRESSING THE VERY REAL ISSUE of SUBSTANCE ABUSE. IT IS VERY, VERY COMMON.
Always mean jealous people.Good luck.Melanie.Who dosn't have baggage ?He who be without sin cast the first stone.....Best Of luck.......
What a great supportive husband you are.You are not only the hottest guy around.You are a good husband.God bless you.
What a great supportive husband you are.You are not only the hottest guy around.You are a good husband.God bless you.
Considering all the problems in this country that really affect all of us, it's pathetic to "discuss" this on national television. Otherwise, I respect him as an actor, especially in his Spanish films.
Good for her for getting help.
I understood that she went back to rehab because her husband told her he would leave her if she didn't get help. So is this damage control on his part to throw everyone off the real reason or is it the truth who knows? Why do people who are suppose to be famous or think they are try to hide the truth? He said quote" don't be ashamed to have someone in AA be proud of them" so what gives just want to know and hear the truth come out of someone's mouth in Hollywood for once instead of putting on airs!!! I fully understand that they too have a right to their privacy but when he goes on national television and discusses his wife's addiction he is pretty well giving up that right for privacy...
What a prince....She is a very lucky woman!
He seems so nice and genuine. I'm glad they've stayed together through this.
Forget Clooney, Pitt, etc. that are almost ugly- THIS man, Antonio is, was, and will always be 100% HOT. I miss his movies. He needs to get back to acting even though he obviously loves his unattractive and troubled wife.
11:52...what a nasty human being you are!
Trust me, I don't need a PhD to figure out that the real story isn't as pretty as Antonio says. Melanie has a lot of baggage and issues that no rehab could heal her. Good luck but she will be going back again so why not just make it her permanent home.
AA is huge gift. Simple but HUGELY effective steps to achieve sobriety. Good for Melanie & Antonio. I am so glad that someone famous is answering questions and celebrating sobriety!
I have alot of respect for a person who goes to back to reinforce rehab BEFORE the problem starts up again.. It's great to see someone take responsibility of their life like that!! Kudos to her and her husband!
What a great husband. Good luck to Melanie!!
I really respect Antonio. He's a good husband and father and a strong man to go on the show and deal with it head-on and not hide with "no comment." It's not easy for Melanie either to have the world watch and judge you. Best of luck to them.
good for her. i love melanie's work.