Antonio Banderas, yes Puss in Boots from Shrek, Zorro, and nearly every Pedro Almodóvar film there is. That guy is from Málaga. José Antonio Domínguez Banderas was born in Benalmadena, a small town not far from the centre of Málaga, on August 10, 1960.

After being cast in the Spanish National Theatre during the post-cultural movement ‘La Movida’, Banderas was spotted by Pedro Almodóvar. He went on to cast him in many films and giving him his big break. However, acting wasn’t always his career plan. Banderas wanted to be a professional footballer until a serious knee injury forced him to retire from the game. Nevertheless, this hasn’t waivered his love for the game. Banderas is a huge Málaga C.F. fan and loves to attend the games.

He also hasn’t forgotten his roots, he still continues to return to Málaga, often during Semana Santa to take part in processions. He also invests some of his earnings back into Andalusian products that he also promotes not only in Spain but also in the US, and he owns 50% of a winery in Burgos. This guy just loves Andalusia!!

When you come on the tour of Málaga with our language school, we’ll take you to El Pimpi and you can see his photo on the wall of the times Banderas has stood where you will stand!! (OMG) You will also be able to see the barrel that he has signed!! Then you can have a glass of sweet Málaga wine to help you recover.