In 2025, Stella del Carmen, the daughter of the legendary Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, celebrates her 29th birthday. This date coincides with a significant milestone in her life—the upcoming wedding to businessman Alex Gruszynski, her longtime partner. The celebration is set to take place in a picturesque corner of the Valladolid province, once again highlighting Stella’s deep connection to Spain, the country where she was born, in Marbella. Although her parents separated in 2015 after nearly twenty years of marriage, they have managed to maintain a warm relationship, always centered around their shared daughter.
Having grown up on two continents, between sunny Málaga and bustling Los Angeles, Stella was surrounded by a large and unique family from an early age. She has six step-siblings, with whom, she admits, she has built wonderful and very close relationships. This complex family mosaic has never been a problem for her; on the contrary, it has become a source of strength and support. Most likely, this big and tight-knit group will come together to celebrate the bride on one of the most important days of her life.
The most famous of her relatives is Dakota Johnson, daughter of Melanie Griffith from her first marriage to actor Don Johnson. Their bond is especially strong. Dakota has often spoken with great affection about her stepfather, Antonio Banderas, who joined their family when she was just six and gave her an ‘incredibly magical little sister’. But Dakota is only one branch of this family tree. Stella also has another brother on her mother’s side, Alexander Bauer, Melanie’s son from her marriage to actor Steven Bauer. He is also pursuing a career in film, but so far prefers independent projects as a screenwriter and supporting actor.
The other four are Don Johnson’s children with his fifth wife, Kelley Phleger. They are Jesse Wayne Johnson, the eldest, as well as Jasper, Deacon, and Atherton Grace, who is closest to Stella in age. Atherton, a well-known model and influencer, was spotted at the recent bachelorette party of the future bride, confirming their close friendship. Stella herself speaks about her family with a smile: ‘We are all very mixed, with different parents, different brothers and sisters. I don’t have a single full sibling; we’re all half-siblings. But that doesn’t matter at all. We’re all very close.’
Recently, during a visit to Spain for the opening of a jewelry boutique, Stella shared her thoughts about her family. She noted that Dakota really enjoys spending time in Spain and speaks Spanish fluently, although she is shy to admit it. Describing her parents, Stella found the perfect words. In her opinion, Melanie Griffith possesses an incredible ‘zest for life’ and is a very radiant person. As for her father, Antonio Banderas, she said he is ‘the best, an incredible person, full of passion,’ and this quality is fully expressed in his role as a father.
