Spanish actor Antonio Banderas has said the heart attack he suffered in 2017 was the best thing that ever happened to him in his life.
Speaking to People magazine, the star of The Mask of Zorro explained that the health crisis gave him a clear perspective on life and prompted him to re-evaluate how he spends his time.
Banderas told the publication that the cardiac event felt as though someone had placed glasses on him to clearly view a reality he previously could not perceive. He added that coming so close to mortality served as an extraordinarily clear reminder of how foolish it is to waste time on things that do not deserve to be in one's life.
Life changes and move to Spain
The health scare occurred when Banderas was 56 years old. The experience motivated him to stop smoking and to relocate to his hometown of Malaga, a port city in southern Spain's Andalusia region.
Since returning to Spain, the actor has devoted much of his time to producing plays and musical productions at the Teatro Soho CaixaBank, a local theatre venue that he launched and owns. He has also invested in several restaurants across the city.
Although Banderas built much of his acting career in the United States, he explained that he now feels completely fulfilled living in Spain. He noted that while his years living in Los Angeles were beautiful and exciting, he always maintained a sense of transience and knew his stay would not last forever.
He added that he knew he belonged in Malaga rather than Malibu. Banderas observed that many people live as though they are immortal by collecting possessions, adding that he has no interest in collecting anything because his sole focus now is the experience of living itself.
Role in upcoming Anthony Bourdain film
His venture into the restaurant sector coincides with his latest film project, Tony, a feature drama exploring the early career of the late chef and television host Anthony Bourdain.
In the film, directed by BlackBerry filmmaker Matt Johnson, Banderas plays a Brazilian chef who serves as Bourdain's first culinary mentor. The character introduces a young Bourdain, played by The Holdovers actor Dominic Sessa, to the kitchen industry in Massachusetts.
Bourdain died by suicide in Strasbourg, France, in 2018 at the age of 61. The biographical film Tony is scheduled for release in cinemas on August 7.
