Antonio Banderas

Born August 10, 1960, in Malaga, Spain, Antonio Banderas had an early ambition to be a professional soccer player, but a foot injury led him to street performing and an education at the School of Dramatic Art in Malaga.For 10 years in Spain, he was associated with the films of Pedro Almodovar, starting with 1982's Labyrinth of Passion. For his U.S. debut in The Mambo Kings (1992), Banderas learned his English lines phonetically. Subsequent supporting roles in Philadelphia and Interview with the Vampire led to his starring debut in Desperado, a role he reprised in 2003's Once Upon a Time in Mexico.As the dashing lead in 1998's hit Mask of Zorro, Banderas swashbuckled his way to worldwide stardom. His diverse roles include Che Guevara in the musical Evita, Dad in the Spy Kids series, the title role in TV's "And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself" and the voice of Puss 'n Boots in Shrek 2.

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