Before Antonio Banderas became a famous 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 biggest supporter, his translator, and his English teacher. While the world cheered for Banderas, Ana was in the background, making sure he had what he needed to succeed.
This article tells the true story of Ana Leza, Antonio Banderas’ ex-wife. We’ll explore how she helped build his career, their love story, why it ended, and where she is now. Her life is full of surprises, strength, and quiet courage — and it deserves to be remembered.
Ana Leza Quick Bio
| Full Name | Ana Arana Leza |
| Known As | Ana Leza |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1962 |
| Age (2026) | 64 years old |
| Birthplace | Madrid, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Profession | Former Actress |
| Famous As | Antonio Banderas’ ex-wife |
| Ex-Husband | Antonio Banderas (1987–1996) |
| Current Husband | Dharma Villareal (m. 2000–present) |
| Children | 2 (Clara María, Sofía Macarena) |
| Religion/Path | Siddha Yoga, Buddhism |
| Life Today | Quiet, spiritual life with family |
| Past Residences | Madrid, LA, Abu Dhabi, Fallsburg NY |
| Net Worth (2026) | Around $100,000 |
Who Is Ana Leza?
Ana Leza is a former Spanish actress. But most people know her as Antonio Banderas’ first wife — the woman who helped him step into Hollywood when he couldn’t speak a word of English.
Her full name is Ana Arana Leza, and she was born in Madrid, Spain, in 1962. Even though she had a short acting career, her story is remembered because of the major role she played in Banderas’ early life and success.
Ana lived a life that mixed fame, heartbreak, and spiritual peace. She chose to leave the spotlight after her divorce and build a quiet life full of meaning.
Early Life in Spain
Ana Leza grew up in a home filled with art and performance. Her mother, Conchita Leza, was a well-known actress in Spain. Because of this, Ana was surrounded by films, theater, and creativity from a young age.
We don’t know much about her school days or childhood stories, but it’s clear that acting was in her blood. Being around the world of movies and theater made Ana dream of being on screen too — just like her mother.
This love for acting later helped her step into Spanish films and meet the man who would change her life — Antonio Banderas.
Ana Leza’s Acting Career
Ana Leza started acting in the 1980s, mostly in Spanish films and television. Her acting career wasn’t very long, but she did appear in a few important movies.
One of her best-known roles was in “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (1988), a popular Spanish movie directed by Pedro Almodóvar. In that film, she played a small role as a character named Ana — and Banderas was also in the movie.
She later appeared in “El placer de matar” and “Of Love and Shadows” (1994), where she acted alongside stars like Jennifer Connelly and Antonio Banderas. Ana also appeared in shows like La mujer de tu vida, and other projects such as Teresa de Jesús and Cómo conseguir un papel en Hollywood.
Even though she never became a big star, Ana had enough talent and passion to make her mark — and her real influence came from what she did off-screen.
How Ana Leza Met Antonio Banderas
Ana first saw Antonio Banderas in a stage play and was impressed by his performance. Around that time, Banderas was already becoming known in Spain, but he still had dreams of working in Hollywood.
When they finally met, there was a quick and strong connection between them. Antonio once said, “There was something about her that I instantly understood. I had to meet her.”
They began dating and within just six months, they decided to get married. It wasn’t just love — they felt like a team. And that teamwork would become very important once they moved to the United States.
Ana Leza and Antonio Banderas’ Marriage
Ana and Antonio got married on July 27, 1987, at the Church of San Nicolás in Madrid. Soon after their wedding, they moved to the United States so Banderas could chase his dream of acting in Hollywood.
But life in a new country wasn’t easy at first. Antonio didn’t speak any English at the time. Ana, who spoke the language well, became his translator and guide in every part of life. She helped him with interviews, phone calls, and even with everyday things like going to the store.
They lived between Madrid and Manhattan, building a new life together in a place where everything felt different and new. Ana was not just a wife — she was the person helping Antonio survive and grow in a world that didn’t speak his language.
How Ana Leza Helped Build Antonio Banderas’ Career
This is one of the most important parts of Ana Leza’s story. She wasn’t just sitting quietly while her husband chased fame — she was doing the hard work behind the scenes.
Antonio Banderas didn’t know English when he moved to the U.S., and that made it very hard to act in American films. But Ana stepped in and taught him how to speak and understand the language.
When Antonio was cast in “The Mambo Kings”, Ana helped him translate the entire script and practice the lines. Antonio later said, “Without her, I wouldn’t have gotten the role.”
She gave him confidence, corrected his words, and helped him with everything. Thanks to her support, Antonio Banderas slowly became a well-known actor in Hollywood — and Ana was a big reason for that success.
The Marriage Begins to Struggle
Even though their marriage looked strong from the outside, things were changing behind the scenes.
As Banderas’ career began to grow, he spent more time working on sets and less time at home. In 1995, while filming the romantic comedy “Two Much”, Antonio met actress Melanie Griffith. They spent long hours together during filming, and feelings started to grow between them.
By the end of that year, the distance between Ana and Antonio had grown too wide. Their love story — once filled with dreams and teamwork — was slowly falling apart.
The Divorce
By 1995, the marriage between Ana Leza and Antonio Banderas was falling apart. While Banderas was busy filming with Melanie Griffith, he grew closer to her — and further away from Ana.
Soon after the film ended, Antonio and Ana decided to get divorced. Their marriage had lasted almost 10 years, but it couldn’t survive the changes fame had brought. Ana was heartbroken. She had stood by his side through his toughest years, only to be left when success came.
In interviews, Ana Leza shared how painful the split was. She even said Melanie had “stolen” her husband. The divorce was not just the end of a love story — it was the end of a journey they had taken together since the very beginning.
Ana Leza’s Divorce Settlement
The divorce became big news, especially when people found out what Ana Leza received in the settlement. Many were shocked by the numbers.
She was given around €3.4 million, their beautiful home in Madrid, and a monthly payment of €12,000 for about three and a half years. Even more surprising, she also received 50% of all the money Antonio had earned from films during their marriage.
Antonio later said that going through the divorce felt like “being shaken until everything was taken.” It was a hard time for both of them. But for Ana, who had given so much to help build his career, the settlement was a reflection of the work she had done — even if it was behind the scenes.
Life After Antonio Banderas
After the divorce, Ana Leza slowly stepped out of the spotlight. She no longer wanted to be part of the Hollywood world. Instead, she focused on starting fresh.
In 2000, Ana married again. Her new husband is Dharma Villareal, a documentarian and editor. They had a peaceful wedding in Santa Barbara, California — far from flashing cameras and red carpets.
Ana seemed happy to walk away from her past. She never returned to acting. She didn’t give many interviews. Instead, she focused on her new family and chose a quiet, simple life full of peace.
Ana Leza’s Children and Spiritual Life
Ana and her husband Dharma have two daughters: Clara María and Sofía Macarena. But as the family embraced a new path, they also gave the girls spiritual names — Clara Priya and Sophia Sindhu.
After her Hollywood years, Ana became deeply interested in spirituality. She followed Siddha Yoga and Buddhism, which both focus on peace, meditation, and living a meaningful life.
Her daily life became more about inner calm than fame. With her husband and daughters, Ana practiced meditation, read spiritual texts, and focused on raising her children with values of kindness and peace.
Where Is Ana Leza Now?
So, where is Ana Leza, Antonio Banderas’ ex-wife, in 2026? She continues to live a quiet and spiritual life, far from the cameras.
Over the years, Ana and her family have lived in different places — Madrid, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, and Fallsburg, New York. In 2003, they even tried opening a restaurant franchise in Madrid, but the business didn’t succeed. Still, Ana stayed focused on what mattered most — her family and peace of mind.
Today, Ana Leza chooses privacy. She does not appear in public events or movies. Most people remember her only from her years with Antonio Banderas. But there is so much more to her than just being his ex-wife. She found her own path and created a life that brings her quiet joy.
Final Thoughts
Ana Leza may not be a name you hear often, but her story is powerful. She was Antonio Banderas’ ex-wife, yes — but also the woman who helped him speak English, land his first roles, and start his Hollywood dream.
She gave everything, then quietly stepped away when that dream no longer included her. Even after heartbreak, she rebuilt her life with love, family, and faith.
In a world full of fast fame and forgotten faces, Ana Leza’s journey reminds us that real strength often stays quiet. Her life is a true story of love, loss, and finding peace again.
(FAQs)
Does Ana Leza have any children?
Ana Leza has two daughters with her second husband, Dharma Villareal. Their names are Clara María and Sofía Macarena, but now they go by Clara Priya and Sophia Sindhu after choosing spiritual names.
How old is Ana Leza and when was she born?
Ana Leza was born on January 1, 1962, in Madrid, Spain. That means she is 64 years old in 2026.
What movies has Ana Leza been in?
Ana Leza acted in a few movies like “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown,” “Of Love and Shadows,” and “El placer de matar.” She also did some Spanish TV shows before quietly leaving acting.
What is Ana Leza doing now?
Today, Ana Leza lives a peaceful and private life. She focuses on spirituality, family, and meditation — and stays far away from fame or Hollywood.
Where does Ana Leza live today?
Ana has lived in places like Madrid, Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, and Fallsburg, New York. In 2026, she is living a quiet life with her husband and daughters, away from the public eye.
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