This article tells the story of Melanie Richards Griffith, a renowned American actress who once held the status of not only a brilliant performer but also a style icon and Hollywood sex symbol. Learn more about her childhood, career, struggles with plastic surgery, and personal life. More on manhattanski.com.
Early Years
Melanie Richards Griffith was born on August 9, 1957, in Manhattan, into a creative family. Her father, Peter Griffith, worked in advertising, while her mother, Tippi Hedren, was a famous actress and model. Melanie’s parents divorced when she was only four years old. Despite familial challenges, her parents often involved her in creative activities, such as acting in commercials. From a young age, Melanie began training in acting, a passion that later bore fruit. She appeared in films early on, playing small roles, while also attending the Adler School for her secondary education.
Acting Career
Melanie Griffith’s first significant film roles came in 1975, establishing her as a promising talent. Her breakout performance was in the thriller Night Moves, where she played Delly Grastner. She continued to star in thrillers for a time, earning the label of a “horror actress.” However, she eventually broke free from this stereotype by delivering remarkable performances in comedies like A Soldier’s Story, Milk Money, Stuart Little 2, and Smile.
Griffith’s filmography includes many notable works, such as Working Girl, Pacific Heights, Paradise, A Stranger Among Us, Fear City, Body Double, Cherry 2000, Miami Vice, Nobody’s Fool, Lolita, Celebrity, Two Much, The Bonfire of the Vanities, RKO 281, and more. Her exceptional performances earned her numerous nominations and awards throughout her career.
Plastic Surgery and Health Issues
Melanie Griffith was a Hollywood sex symbol for many years, admired for her striking appearance, toned figure, and natural charm. At her prime, she was 176 cm (5’9”) tall and weighed 65 kg (143 lbs). However, she later began undergoing numerous plastic surgeries to “enhance” her appearance, which ultimately led to significant changes to her looks. Griffith underwent facelifts, blepharoplasty, and cosmetic injections. It is believed she pursued these procedures to maintain the interest of her then-husband Antonio Banderas, despite his opposition to such interventions.
Griffith also faced health challenges, including an early-stage cancer diagnosis and epilepsy. Additionally, she battled drug and alcohol addiction, which adversely affected her career and personal life.
Personal Life
Melanie Griffith married for the first time at 18 to actor Don Johnson, but the marriage ended shortly thereafter. Six years later, she married actor Steven Bauer, and the couple had a son, Alexander Griffith Bauer. However, this marriage also ended, during a period when Griffith was struggling with addiction.
In 1989, she remarried her first husband, Don Johnson, and the couple had a daughter, Dakota Johnson, now a well-known actress. This second marriage ended in 1995. Later, Griffith married famous actor Antonio Banderas, with whom she had a daughter, Stella. Unfortunately, this marriage also ended in divorce.