Melanie Griffith is an American actress who rose to fame after starring in movies such as Body Double (1984), Something Wild (1986), and Working Girl (1988). Her performance in Working Girl earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award. Born in New York City to actress Tippi Hedren, she began her acting career as a teenager.
August 9, 1957: Birth of Melanie Griffith
Melanie Richards Griffith was born on August 9, 1957, in Manhattan, New York City.
February 4, 1961: Peter Griffith's Second Marriage
On February 4, 1961, Melanie Griffith's father, Peter Griffith, married model-actress Nanita Greene, after his divorce from Tippi Hedren.
September 27, 1964: Tippi Hedren's Second Marriage
Melanie Griffith's mother, Tippi Hedren, married agent and producer Noel Marshall on September 27, 1964.
1969: Early On-Screen Appearances
Melanie Griffith made early on-screen appearances as an extra in the films "Smith!" (1969) and "The Harrad Experiment" (1973).
1970: Beginning of "Roar" Filming
Filming for the movie "Roar," in which Melanie Griffith would later star, began in 1970, marking the start of a notoriously long and dangerous production.
1973: Early On-Screen Appearances
Melanie Griffith made early on-screen appearances as an extra in the films "Smith!" (1969) and "The Harrad Experiment" (1973).
1975: Film Debut and Early Career
At 17, Melanie Griffith landed her first major role in Arthur Penn's "Night Moves" (1975), playing a runaway teenager. This performance brought her attention and led to roles in "Smile" and "The Drowning Pool" the same year. She was also named Miss Golden Globe in 1975.
1975: Breakthrough Role and Controversial Performance
Melanie Griffith's role in "Night Moves" (1975) garnered significant attention, partly due to her controversial nude scenes. Her performance led to her being cast in "Smile" and "The Drowning Pool," both released in 1975. She also served as Miss Golden Globe that year.
July 1976: Divorce from Don Johnson
Melanie Griffith's first marriage to actor Don Johnson, which began in January 1976, ended in divorce in July 1976 after six months.
1977: Diverse Film Roles
Melanie Griffith took on various film roles in 1977, appearing in the sports drama "One on One," the Israeli experimental film "The Garden," and the road movie "Joyride."
1981: "Roar," Marriage, and Motherhood
Melanie Griffith starred in the film "Roar" (1981) alongside her mother, Tippi Hedren, and then-stepfather, Noel Marshall. The notoriously dangerous production saw Griffith suffer a serious lion attack. That same year, she appeared in the television movie "She's in the Army Now" and married her co-star, Steven Bauer.
1984: Comeback with "Body Double"
Melanie Griffith made a career comeback at 26 in Brian De Palma's thriller "Body Double" (1984), playing a pornographic film actor. Though commercially unsuccessful, the film earned her the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.
1984: Comeback with "Body Double"
Melanie Griffith made a career comeback at age 26 with her role as a pornographic film actor in Brian De Palma's thriller "Body Double" (1984). Despite being a commercial failure, the film earned her critical recognition with the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress.
August 22, 1985: Birth of Alexander Griffith Bauer
Melanie Griffith gave birth to her first child, a son named Alexander Griffith Bauer, on August 22, 1985.
1986: Critical Acclaim for "Something Wild"
Melanie Griffith starred in Jonathan Demme's comedy "Something Wild" (1986) alongside Jeff Daniels, earning critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award nomination for her performance as a mysterious and reckless woman.
1986: Critical Acclaim for "Something Wild"
Melanie Griffith starred opposite Jeff Daniels in Jonathan Demme's critically acclaimed comedy "Something Wild" in 1986. Her performance as a free-spirited and unpredictable woman earned her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.
1988: Academy Award Nomination for "Working Girl"
Melanie Griffith's performance in the 1988 film "Working Girl" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and won her a Golden Globe Award.
1988: Working Girl
Melanie Griffith's career reached new heights in 1988 when she took on the role of Tess McGill, a spirited secretary, in the highly successful film "Working Girl." The film, directed by Mike Nichols, featured a stellar cast including Harrison Ford, Sigourney Weaver, Alec Baldwin, and Joan Cusack. Griffith's exceptional performance earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
1988: Personal Challenges and Rehabilitation
Following her separation from Steven Bauer, Melanie Griffith openly addressed her struggles with alcohol and drug dependency in 1988. She made the courageous decision to seek treatment and successfully completed rehabilitation, demonstrating her resilience and commitment to her well-being.
1988: Stormy Monday
Melanie Griffith showcased her talent in the neo-noir film "Stormy Monday" in 1988, sharing the screen with renowned actors such as Sean Bean, Tommy Lee Jones, and Sting. Her captivating performance as an American woman entangled in her former boss's scheme to seize control of a jazz club in Newcastle upon Tyne garnered critical acclaim.
June 26, 1989: Remarriage to Don Johnson
After reconciling with Don Johnson, Melanie Griffith remarried him on June 26, 1989. This marked the beginning of their second marriage together.
October 4, 1989: Birth of Dakota Johnson
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson welcomed their daughter, Dakota Johnson, into the world on October 4, 1989.
1990: Pacific Heights and The Bonfire of the Vanities
In 1990, Melanie Griffith starred in two films: the thriller "Pacific Heights" and the black comedy "The Bonfire of the Vanities." In "Pacific Heights," she portrayed a woman facing a terrifying situation with her boyfriend as they become entangled in a dispute with a dangerous tenant who refuses to leave their San Francisco home. The same year, she reunited with director Brian De Palma for "The Bonfire of the Vanities," where she took on the role of a Southern belle gold-digger.
1990: Appearance in "Pacific Heights"
Melanie Griffith appeared in John Schlesinger's thriller "Pacific Heights" in 1990.
1991: Paradise
Melanie Griffith took on the lead role in the 1991 film "Paradise," a remake of the 1987 French film "The Grand Highway." In this poignant story, she portrayed a grieving mother struggling to cope with the loss of her child, who finds solace in caring for her friend's son. The film also starred her then-husband, Don Johnson, Elijah Wood, and Thora Birch.
1992: Golden Raspberry Award for "Shining Through"
Melanie Griffith won a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress for her performance in the 1992 film "Shining Through."
1992: Filming of Born Yesterday
During the summer of 1992, Melanie Griffith was involved in the filming of the comedy "Born Yesterday," a remake of the 1950 film. Stepping into the role that earned Judy Holliday an Academy Award for Best Actress, Griffith portrayed Billie Dawn.
1992: Shining Through
In 1992, Melanie Griffith starred opposite Michael Douglas in the World War II drama "Shining Through." Based on the 1988 novel of the same name, the film featured Griffith as Linda Voss, a German Jewish secretary in Berlin navigating the complexities and dangers of wartime.
1993: Release of Born Yesterday
The comedy "Born Yesterday" starring Melanie Griffith was released in 1993.
March 1994: First Separation from Don Johnson
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson decided to separate in March 1994 after facing challenges in their relationship.
1994: Milk Money and Nobody's Fool
In 1994, Melanie Griffith starred in two contrasting films: the romantic comedy "Milk Money" and the drama "Nobody's Fool." In "Milk Money," she took on a controversial role as a prostitute, while in "Nobody's Fool," she portrayed the wife of a contractor, played by Bruce Willis, who finds himself at odds with a free-spirited older man, portrayed by Paul Newman, in a small town in upstate New York.
1994: Role in "Milk Money"
Melanie Griffith starred in the comedy film "Milk Money" in 1994.
May 1995: Second Separation from Don Johnson
After a brief reconciliation, Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson separated for the second time in May 1995, ultimately leading to their divorce in 1996.
1995: Golden Globe Nomination for "Buffalo Girls"
Melanie Griffith received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance in the 1995 film "Buffalo Girls."
May 14, 1996: Marriage to Antonio Banderas
Melanie Griffith married actor Antonio Banderas on May 14, 1996, at Marylebone Town Hall in London. This marked the beginning of their highly publicized relationship, which began during the filming of "Two Much."
September 24, 1996: Birth of Stella del Carmen Banderas
Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas welcomed their daughter, Stella del Carmen Banderas, on September 24, 1996.
1996: Now and Then and Buffalo Girls
In 1996, Melanie Griffith appeared in the coming-of-age drama "Now and Then" and the Western miniseries "Buffalo Girls." In "Now and Then," she joined an ensemble cast, portraying an actress who returns to her Indiana hometown, reuniting with her childhood friends and reminiscing about their shared past. Notably, she also starred alongside Anjelica Huston and Reba McEntire in the miniseries "Buffalo Girls," adapted from the 1990 novel of the same name, which explored the lives of women in the American West during the 1880s.
1996: Performance in "Mulholland Falls"
Melanie Griffith appeared in the neo-noir film "Mulholland Falls" in 1996.
1997: Lolita Release
In 1997, Melanie Griffith starred as Charlotte Haze in Adrian Lyne's adaptation of "Lolita," opposite Jeremy Irons. Despite a limited theatrical release, the film garnered attention for Griffith's performance, with critics like Caryn James praising her portrayal of the character.
1997: Portrayal of Charlotte Haze in "Lolita"
Melanie Griffith took on the challenging role of Charlotte Haze in Adrian Lyne's adaptation of "Lolita" in 1997.
1998: Appearance in "Another Day in Paradise"
Melanie Griffith starred in the crime drama film "Another Day in Paradise" in 1998.
1998: Celebrity and Another Day in Paradise
Melanie Griffith took on supporting roles in two notable films in 1998. She appeared in Woody Allen's "Celebrity" and Larry Clark's "Another Day in Paradise," showcasing her versatility as an actress and earning praise for her performances in both.
February 5, 1999: The Vagina Monologues Debut
On February 5, 1999, Melanie Griffith made her stage debut in London's West End, starring alongside Cate Blanchett in "The Vagina Monologues" at the Old Vic Theatre.
1999: Cecil B. Demented
In 1999, Melanie Griffith took on the role of Honey Whitlock, a famous actress, in John Waters's dark comedy "Cecil B. Demented." Her performance was considered one of the highlights of the film, with critics praising her willingness to poke fun at her own persona.
1999: Critical Recognition and Controversy
In 1999, Melanie Griffith received both critical acclaim and negative attention for her performances. She was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in "RKO 281" and also for a Golden Raspberry Award for "Crazy in Alabama."
November 2000: Return to Rehab
In November 2000, Melanie Griffith entered a drug rehabilitation facility to address an addiction to painkillers. She decided to chronicle her journey publicly through an online journal, aiming to destigmatize addiction and offer support to others struggling with similar issues.
2000: Cherry 2000
In 2000, Melanie Griffith starred in the science fiction film "Cherry 2000," which depicted a futuristic world and explored the dynamics between a business executive and a sex robot.
2000: Forever Lulu Release
In 2000, Melanie Griffith starred opposite Patrick Swayze in "Forever Lulu," portraying a woman with schizophrenia trying to connect with her son. Despite the film receiving negative reviews, Griffith's performance was recognized for its emotional depth.
2000: Golden Raspberry Award Nomination for "Cecil B. Demented"
Melanie Griffith received a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Worst Actress for her performance in John Waters' cult film "Cecil B. Demented" in 2000.
2001: Tart Release
In 2001, the teen drama "Tart," which Griffith co-produced with her then-husband Antonio Banderas, was released. The film featured Griffith's "Lolita" co-star Dominique Swain and a cast of rising young actors like Brad Renfro and Mischa Barton.
2002: Stuart Little 2 Voice Role
In 2002, Melanie Griffith lent her voice to the animated sequel "Stuart Little 2," voicing the character of Margalo the bird. The film was a commercial success and further showcased Griffith's versatility as a performer.
2002: Voice Acting in "Stuart Little 2"
Melanie Griffith lent her voice to the character of Margalo in the animated family film "Stuart Little 2" in 2002.
August 2003: Chicago on Broadway
In August 2003, Melanie Griffith made her Broadway debut in a successful run of the musical "Chicago," taking on the iconic role of Roxie Hart. Despite initial skepticism due to her lack of formal musical theater training, Griffith earned praise for her performance from critics, with many noting her charisma and stage presence.
2003: Stage and Screen Roles
In 2003, Melanie Griffith appeared in the film "The Night We Called It a Day" and made her Broadway debut in a revival of the musical "Chicago," receiving positive reviews for her performance.
2005: Twins Premiere
Melanie Griffith joined the cast of the WB sitcom "Twins" in 2005. Despite a promising premise, the show struggled to find an audience and was canceled after one season.
2007: Viva Laughlin Premiere and Cancellation
In 2007, Melanie Griffith starred in the television series "Viva Laughlin," a musical drama that generated significant pre-release buzz. Unfortunately, the show was met with negative reviews and low ratings, leading to its cancellation after only two episodes.
August 2009: Return to Rehab and Skin Cancer Treatment
Melanie Griffith entered rehab again in August 2009 as part of a planned treatment program. Later that year, she underwent surgery to remove skin cancer. Griffith's openness about her health struggles brought attention to the importance of both addiction recovery and early cancer detection.
2012: Support for Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Melanie Griffith became an advocate for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, lending her support to their fundraising efforts. She participated in their Walk for Kids event and presented an award at their Noche de Niños gala, highlighting the importance of children's healthcare.
2012: No Way Around But Through Debut
Melanie Griffith returned to the stage in 2012 in the play "No Way Around but Through," written by Scott Caan, who also starred in the production. Griffith's performance as Caan's character's mother was well-received, and marked the beginning of a recurring collaboration with the actor.
2012: This American Housewife and Guest Appearances
Melanie Griffith's television pilot "This American Housewife," produced by Antonio Banderas, was not picked up by Lifetime. In the same year, she made guest appearances on popular television shows like "Nip/Tuck" and "Hot in Cleveland."
June 2014: Divorce Announcement
In June 2014, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas announced their separation after 18 years of marriage. The couple released a joint statement emphasizing their amicable split and their commitment to co-parenting their daughter, Stella.
2014: Hawaii Five-0 Role
Melanie Griffith had a recurring role on the television show "Hawaii Five-0" from 2014 to 2016, playing the mother of Scott Caan's character. The role reunited her with Caan after their previous collaboration in "No Way Around but Through."
2014: Collaboration with Antonio Banderas in "Autómata"
Melanie Griffith starred alongside her then-husband Antonio Banderas in the science fiction film "Autómata" in 2014.
December 2015: Divorce Finalization
In December 2015, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas officially finalized their divorce. Despite the end of their marriage, the two actors remained on good terms, continuing to collaborate professionally and demonstrating mutual respect in public statements.
2016: The Path Role
In 2016, Melanie Griffith joined the cast of Hulu's drama series "The Path" for a guest-starring role. The show, which explored themes of faith and family, allowed Griffith to showcase her dramatic range in a new and challenging context.
2016: J.L. Ranch Filming
In 2016, she filmed the TV movie "J.L. Ranch," sharing the screen with James Caan and Jon Voight, and reuniting her with Scott Caan, who also starred in the film.
2017: Role in "The Disaster Artist"
Melanie Griffith appeared in James Franco's "The Disaster Artist" in 2017, playing the role of an acting coach.
2017: The Pirates of Somalia and The Disaster Artist
Melanie Griffith appeared in two notable films in 2017: "The Pirates of Somalia," a biographical drama starring Al Pacino, and "The Disaster Artist," a comedy directed by and starring James Franco. These roles showcased Griffith's versatility and her ability to seamlessly transition between different genres.
August 2018: The Graduate and Skin Cancer Update
In mid-2018, Melanie Griffith took on the role of Mrs. Robinson in a stage production of "The Graduate" at the Laguna Playhouse in California, revisiting a character made famous by Anne Bancroft in the 1967 film adaptation. In August 2018, she shared publicly that she had undergone further treatment for skin cancer, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and early detection.