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Antonio Banderas

In 1982, Banderas began his fruitful association with eccentric writer/director PEDRO ALMODOVAR. 'Labyrinth of Passion' was the beginning of a mutually rewarding partnership that spawned such unforgettable releases as 'Matador' (with its "jaw-dropping" opening sequence), 'Law of Desire,' 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' and 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!'

The box office success of 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' and 'Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!' piqued Hollywood's interest in the Latin sensation. He crossed over to American pictures in 1992, playing a young Cuban musician in 'The Mambo Kings.' At the time he was cast, Banderas spoke no English and had to learn all of his dialogue phonetically.

Despite the language barrier, the role provided the jump-start Antonio needed. He was cast opposite TOM HANKS in the 1993 Oscar?-winner 'Philadelphia,' then went on to take a bite out of the big screen -- and some innocent victims -- with fellow blood-suckers BRAD PITT and TOM CRUISE in the 1994 blockbuster, 'Interview with the Vampire.' His other early credits include 'The House of Spirits' (starring MERYL STREEP, GLENN CLOSE and WINONA RYDER) and 'Miami Rhapsody' (SARAH JESSICA PARKER).