Antonio Banderas recently reflected on a pivotal moment in his life—the heart attack he experienced in 2017—and how it prompted a significant transformation. The 63-year-old actor, known for his role in “Journey to Bethlehem,” disclosed the health scare in March 2017, revealing that it occurred two months earlier.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Banderas shared how the heart attack offered him a fresh perspective, influencing his future decisions. Describing it as a wake-up call, the Academy Award nominee emphasized the potential severity of the situation, stating, “It could have been very bad.”
Antonio Banderas (Credits: Vanity Fair)
Banderas initially disclosed the incident at a film festival in Málaga, Spain, describing it as non-serious and without lasting damage. Despite the initial assessment, he underwent heart surgery, receiving three stents in his arteries. Reflecting on the experience, he acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that for some, there is no second chance.
“In my case, it was a close call and advice to just really, really, really look at life in a different way. I was just going on the wrong path,” Banderas expressed.
The actor, whose heart attack coincided with the finalization of his divorce from Melanie Griffith after nearly two decades of marriage, recalled coping with the split by immersing himself in his career. However, the intense pace eventually caught up with him, leading to the realization that a change was necessary.
Antonio Banderas (Credits: WDBJ)
“I stopped, and I came out of this horse of adrenaline is when my heart said, ‘Pow, stop it.’ It’s not the way. So, do what you want to do,” he stated. When Banderas returned to his hometown, he bought a theatre in an attempt to start again. He reported feeling happy and fulfilled after this reset.
At the Teatro del Soho, founded by Antonio Banderas in 2019 and situated in the Teatro del Soho CaixaBank theatre in Málaga, a diverse array of musicals comes to life. One of his recent endeavors includes the live-action musical “Journey to Bethlehem,” a contemporary retelling of the traditional tale of Jesus’ birth. In this production, Banderas takes on the role of the formidable King Herod.
Discussing his part in the film, Banderas emphasized the significance of approaching the Biblical nativity narrative with a fresh perspective. Reveling in the opportunity to portray a comical villain, he aimed to convey the timeless message of love.
Directed by Adam Anders, “Journey to Bethlehem” offers a lighthearted and musical interpretation of the nativity story suitable for audiences of all ages. Banderas expressed his desire for the movie to serve as an enjoyable escape from the complexities of the contemporary world.
While acknowledging his critical examination of his beliefs, Banderas underscored the enduring importance of faith in his life. Despite his reservations, he remains committed to what he perceives as beneficial for both the world and himself—love, which he considers the central theme of the movie and the essence of religion.
“Journey to Bethlehem” made its theatrical debut on Nov. 10, showcasing Banderas’s transformative journey and his unwavering belief in the profound power of love.
