Ana Leza: Where Is Antonio Banderas’ Ex-Wife Today?

Before Antonio Banderas became a big name in Hollywood, there was someone quietly helping him every step of the way — Ana Leza.

She wasn’t just his wife. She was his teacher, his translator, and one of his biggest supporters. When he didn’t know a single word of English, she helped him learn. When he needed help with his scripts, she sat by his side and guided him.

But their love story didn’t last forever. So what happened? And where is Ana Leza now? In this article, we’ll explore her life — from her early days in Spain to her quiet life today, far from the spotlight.

Ana Leza Quick Bio

Early Life of Ana Leza

Ana Leza was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1962. Her full name is Ana Arana Leza.

She grew up in a home filled with acting and art. Her mother, Conchita Leza Núñez, was a well-known Spanish actress. So it’s no surprise Ana also became interested in acting.

Even though we don’t know much about her childhood, one thing is clear — Ana grew up around creativity and performance, which helped shape the path she chose later.

Her Acting Career

Ana Leza began her career as an actress in Spain during the 1980s.

She had small roles in films and TV shows. One of her most famous appearances was in “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (1988), a popular Spanish film by director Pedro Almodóvar. In that movie, she played a character named Ana, while Banderas also had a major role.

She also appeared in “El placer de matar” and later in “Of Love and Shadows” (1994), where she acted alongside big names like Jennifer Connelly and Antonio Banderas.

While her acting career was not long or filled with big roles, it was enough to show her passion and talent before she slowly stepped away from the screen.

How Ana Leza Met Antonio Banderas

Ana met Antonio Banderas in the late 1980s. At that time, Banderas was already becoming popular in Spain, but he had dreams of making it in Hollywood.

They met after Ana watched him in a play and was impressed by his acting. Antonio was also drawn to her right away. He once said, “There was something about her that I instantly understood. I had to meet her.”

Their connection was strong and fast. Within six months, they were ready to get married.

Ana Leza and Antonio Banderas’ Marriage

The couple got married on July 27, 1987, in Madrid, at the Church of San Nicolas. After the wedding, they moved to the United States so Antonio could chase his Hollywood dream.

Ana played a big role in helping him adjust to life in America. He didn’t speak English at all when they arrived. Ana, who spoke the language fluently, stepped in to help him with everything — even simple day-to-day conversations.

They lived together in Manhattan and Madrid, building a life full of hopes, dreams, and new beginnings.

Ana Leza Helped Launch His Career

Antonio Banderas often said that Ana was one of the main reasons he succeeded in Hollywood.

She didn’t just help him learn English. She helped him understand scripts, practice lines, and build confidence. One big example was when he got a role in “The Mambo Kings.” Ana translated the script for him and helped him prepare for the part.

Antonio once said, “Without her, I wouldn’t have gotten the role.”

Her support was real and constant. She wasn’t just his wife — she was his guide, his language coach, and his emotional support during his most difficult early years in America.

The Divorce and Heartbreak

Even though their marriage looked strong at first, things changed.

In 1995, while working on the film Two Much, Banderas met actress Melanie Griffith. They spent a lot of time together, and feelings started to grow between them.

That same year, Banderas and Leza decided to divorce. It was a painful time for Ana. She even accused Melanie of “stealing” her husband. Many people talked about the split in the media.

Just one year later, in 1996, Antonio married Melanie Griffith — and Leza was left heartbroken.

Ana Leza’s Divorce Settlement

When Ana Leza and Antonio Banderas got divorced in 1996, it became a big topic in the media. People were shocked by how much Ana received in the settlement.

She was given €3.4 million, their home in Madrid, and €12,000 per month in alimony for about three and a half years. She also got 50% of all the money Banderas made from films during their marriage.

Antonio later spoke about the experience. He said going through the divorce felt like being shaken until everything was taken from him. It was a hard time for both of them, but especially for Ana, who had given so much to help build his career.

Ana Leza’s Life After Divorce

After her marriage ended, Ana Leza slowly moved away from the spotlight.

In 2000, she married Dharma Villareal, an editor and documentarian. Their wedding was held in Santa Barbara, California. It was a small and peaceful ceremony, very different from the big Hollywood life she once knew.

Together, they had two daughters named Clara María and Sofía Macarena. Ana focused on her new family and seemed happy to leave her past behind. She didn’t return to acting, and she didn’t seek public attention. Instead, she chose a more quiet and meaningful path.

Ana Leza’s Spiritual Journey

One of the biggest changes in Ana Leza’s life after her divorce was her turn toward spirituality.

She and her new family followed Siddha Yoga, a spiritual path that focuses on meditation and inner peace. They even gave their daughters spiritual names — Clara María became Clara Priya, and Sofía Macarena became Sophia Sindhu.

Ana and her husband also practiced Buddhism, showing a deep interest in living a peaceful and mindful life. Meditation became a big part of their daily routine, and their whole family followed this path together.

Where Is Ana Leza Today?

So, where is Antonio Banderas’ ex-wife Ana Leza now?

She lives a very private life, away from movies and public events. Over the years, she has lived in different places with her family — including Madrid, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, and Fallsburg, New York.

In 2003, she and her husband even tried to open a restaurant franchise in Madrid, but the business didn’t work out. Still, Ana stayed focused on her family, her children, and her quiet spiritual life.

She rarely gives interviews or appears in the news. Most people today remember her as the woman who once stood beside Antonio Banderas during his early Hollywood years — and helped him become the star he is now.

Final Thoughts

Even though Ana Leza is not a public figure anymore, many people still respect her.

She was more than just Antonio Banderas’ ex-wife. She was his teacher, his support system, and someone who truly believed in him. Without her help, his Hollywood journey might have been very different.

Her story is one of love, heartbreak, and finding peace again. She started in the world of acting, helped someone else shine, and then quietly moved on to build a beautiful, private life of her own.

(FAQs)

What movies did Ana Leza appear in?

Ana Leza acted in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Of Love and Shadows, and a few other Spanish films — but she quietly left acting in the early 2000s.

How many children does Ana Leza have?

She has two daughters with her second husband, Dharma Villareal. Their names are Clara María and Sofía Macarena — both now follow spiritual paths.

How old is Ana Leza in 2025?

Ana Leza was born on January 1, 1962, which makes her 63 years old in 2025.

What is Ana Leza’s net worth now?

Even after receiving millions in her divorce, Ana Leza’s estimated net worth in 2025 is only around $100,000, as she lives a simple and private life.

Where is Ana Leza living now in 2025?

Ana Leza now lives a peaceful, private life focused on spirituality and family. She has lived in Madrid, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, and Fallsburg, NY — far from Hollywood.

Read next: Maureen E. McPhilmy, Bill O’Reilly’s Ex-Wife