Life of Melanie Griffith has been a whirlwind. The actress, daughter of Tippi Hedren, began her acting career at a young age and has since starred in numerous major productions.
While Melanie Griffith’s professional life was thriving, her personal life was under constant scrutiny. With three marriages, including one to Antonio Banderas, stints in rehab, and raising three children, her journey has been tumultuous.
Her children from previous marriages, Alexander Bauer and Dakota Johnson, faced challenges in their upbringing, particularly having a mother struggling at times. Antonio Banderas stepped in as a supportive stepfather, significantly impacting their lives.
Melanie Griffith, born on August 9, 1957, in New York City, is the daughter of Peter Griffith and renowned actress Tippi Hedren, famous for her role in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds.
Melanie Griffith – life, marriages, divorces & struggles
Griffith’s life has been remarkable yet marked by tragedy. She faced a car accident, battled alcohol problems, and went through three divorces.
Her upbringing was unconventional, growing up in the limelight due to her mother’s celebrity status. Tippi’s marriage to Noah Marshall even led to the family housing a lion in the 1970s.
Living with a pet lion named Neil, Melanie Griffith’s childhood was extraordinary, as documented by Life Magazine with images of Hedren and Neil’s close bond.
“I grew up with lions, tigers, and two elephants,” Griffith shared on Instagram.
The risky living situation later led Griffith to reflect, “It was incredibly foolish.”
Despite the lion incident being uneventful, Griffith faced a dangerous encounter on a film set later in life.
Met Don Johnson when she was 14
Melanie Griffith’s career began at a young age, starring in commercials and eventually making her film debut at 12. At 14, she met Don Johnson on set, sparking a controversial but enduring relationship.
Falling for the actor despite their age gap, Griffith moved in with Johnson at 15, leading to engagement on her 18th birthday.
Tippi Hedren, apprehensive initially, eventually accepted the relationship, recalling the panic of seeing her daughter with an older partner.
The couple married in 1976, divorced after six months, and reunited in 1989.
Lion accident on set
Melanie Griffith’s acting career flourished in the 1970s, leading to significant roles in films like Night Moves and Joyride.
While filming Roar in 1981, a mishap involving lions resulted in Griffith’s injury, requiring surgery. Despite the incident, she continued acting in successful films, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Working Girl.
In the 1980s, Griffith married Steven Bauer, welcoming son Alexander Bauer. After their divorce, she married Don Johnson, with whom she had daughter Dakota Johnson in 1989.
Daughter Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson, now a successful actress known for her roles in Fifty Shades of Grey and The Social Network, faced challenges growing up due to her parents’ divorces and frequent relocations.
Despite the tumultuous childhood, Dakota has thrived in her acting career, inspired by her parents’ on-set experiences.
