The Family of Melanie Griffith: A Look at Her 4 Children

Melanie Griffith is a celebrated actress known for her incredible career in Hollywood. However, beyond her film work, she is also a dedicated mother of four. Melanie's family life has often been in the public eye, from her marriages to Don Johnson, Steven Bauer, and Antonio Banderas. Despite the challenges of being in the spotlight, she has always prioritized her children. This blog post looks closely at Melanie Griffith's four children: Jesse, Alexander, Dakota, and Stella.

Jesse Johnson: A Stepson and Rising Talent

Jesse Johnson, born December 7, 1982, is Melanie's first child, though he is also her stepson. He was born to Don Johnson and his then-partner, Patti D'Arbanville. Jesse became part of Melanie's family when she married Don Johnson for the second time in 1989. Melanie Griffith and Jesse have remained close even after their subsequent divorce.

Jesse grew up in Aspen, Colorado, and developed a love for the outdoors. His early years were filled with adventure, including whitewater kayaking and other outdoor activities. As a teenager, he made his acting debut in the hit TV series Nash Bridges, which starred his father, Don. He later pursued a career in acting and appeared in shows like Hawaii Five-0, Twin Peaks, Grey's Anatomy, and NCIS. Jesse is also a musician, showing off his versatility beyond acting.

Although he has remained relatively private compared to his famous family members, Jesse continues to enjoy a close relationship with his mother, Melanie. In 2016, the pair were spotted spending Christmas together in Aspen, and in 2022, Melanie shared photos on Instagram from a large family Thanksgiving celebration, which included Jesse.

Alexander Bauer: A Quiet Life Away from the Spotlight

Alexander Griffith Bauer, born on August 22, 1985, is Melanie’s second child. He was born to Melanie Griffith and her second husband, Steven Bauer, whom she married in 1981. The couple divorced in 1989 when Alexander was still young. After the divorce, Alexander lived in Los Angeles with his mother, becoming a big brother to his two siblings, Dakota and Stella.

Though Alexander has actor parents, he has chosen to stay largely out of the limelight. He has dabbled in acting, writing, and camera work. However, his appearances have been few. Alexander was part of two projects between 2013 and 2015, though his career has not been as prominent as his sister Dakota’s. Melanie frequently shares fond memories of Alexander on social media, showing their deep bond.

One of the highlights of Melanie's Instagram feed is a sweet tribute to her sons on National Sons Day in 2019. She posted a carousel of photos and captioned, "These extraordinary guys. I love you both so much." Melanie’s posts include throwback pictures, including one of her and Alexander rollerblading in 1998.

Dakota Johnson: A Star in Her Own Right

Perhaps the most famous of Melanie Griffith's children is Dakota Johnson. Born on October 4, 1989, she is the daughter of Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. Dakota grew up in a dynamic, ever-changing family. Her parents divorced when she was just 6 years old, and in 1996, Melanie remarried actor Antonio Banderas, further complicating her family structure.

Despite her parents initially discouraging her from pursuing a career in acting, Dakota knew early on that she wanted to follow in their footsteps. She made her film debut at 10 in Crazy in Alabama, starring alongside her mother. Dakota’s breakthrough role came in 2015 when she starred in the Fifty Shades trilogy, which propelled her into the spotlight.

Over the years, Dakota has become one of Hollywood’s leading actresses, with roles in films such as Suspiria (2018) and The Lost Daughter (2021). Her mother has always been incredibly supportive of her career, even though Melanie Griffith has admitted she hasn’t watched the Fifty Shades films due to their intimate content.

In addition to her acting career, Dakota has found love with Coldplay’s Chris Martin. The couple, together since 2017, often leads a low-key lifestyle. In 2021, Dakota told Elle they enjoy staying home in Malibu, California, when they’re not working. Melanie has expressed her happiness for the couple, calling Chris Martin a "great" boyfriend.

Stella Banderas: Entrepreneur and Rising Star

Stella del Carmen Banderas, born September 24, 1996, is Melanie's youngest child. She was born in Spain to Melanie and her third husband, Antonio Banderas. Growing up in a bilingual household, Stella speaks both English and Spanish. After nearly two decades of marriage, Melanie Griffith and Antonio announced their separation in 2014, but they’ve continued to have a strong relationship, particularly with their daughter.

Stella’s career path has been unique compared to her siblings. She followed in her mother’s footsteps by appearing in Crazy in Alabama at 3. However, she has since ventured into other creative pursuits. In 2021, Stella launched Lightbound, a beauty and fragrance brand that reflects her upbringing between Málaga and Los Angeles. Her first product was a genderless, handcrafted perfume oil. Stella credits her mother as a significant source of inspiration for this new venture, as Melanie has always emphasized beauty and self-care.

Stella has also worked as a model and actress, but her entrepreneurial spirit shines through in her new business. Melanie has proudly supported Stella’s brand, sharing her excitement on Instagram. In August 2024, Melanie Griffith proudly announced that Stella is engaged to Alex Gruszynski, marking another milestone in the young entrepreneur’s life.

Conclusion

Melanie Griffith’s family is as dynamic as her career. Her four children, Jesse, Alexander, Dakota, and Stella, have all pursued their paths while remaining close to their mother. Melanie has maintained strong relationships with all her children despite the ups and downs of being in the public eye. Whether it’s through Jesse’s acting and music career, Alexander’s quieter life, Dakota’s rise to fame, or Stella’s entrepreneurial spirit, it’s clear that Melanie has done an incredible job supporting her children as they carve out their own identities.

In 2023, Melanie celebrated her bond with her children with a meaningful tattoo featuring the names of her four children. It’s a permanent tribute to the love and strength that define her family. Melanie Griffith may be a Hollywood icon, but when it comes to her kids, there’s no better role for her than being a mother.