Who Are Melanie Griffith’s 4 Children?
Melanie Griffith, the Golden Globe-winning actress known for “Working Girl” and her Hollywood charm, isn’t just a star on screen. She is also the proud mother of four children from three famous relationships. And despite the twists and turns of her love life, one thing has stayed rock solid: her love for her kids.
In 2023, Melanie Griffith made that clear with a new tattoo. The 68-year-old “Lolita” actress covered up her old “Antonio” ink with something far more meaningful. Her new tattoo spells out the first names of her children, Jesse, Alexander, Dakota, and Stella, in a crossword-style puzzle right on her arm.
Jesse Johnson isn’t Melanie Griffith’s biological child, but that never mattered to her. Jesse is the son of Don Johnson and Patti D’Arbanville, born before Melanie and Don reconnected and remarried in 1989. She stepped into Jesse’s life as a loving stepmom and never stepped out.
Now 42, Jesse has carved out his own path. He has dabbled in acting, landing roles in “Hawaii Five-0,” “NCIS,” and even “Nash Bridges” alongside his dad. Music is another one of his passions. And when it comes to family, he is right there during holidays, from snowy Christmases in Aspen to Thanksgiving dinners full of laughter. Melanie and Jesse? Still tight.
Alexander Bauer
Alexander Bauer, Melanie Griffith’s son with actor Steven Bauer, lives mostly out of the spotlight. Born in 1985, Alexander prefers a more private life. But just because he is quiet doesn’t mean he is absent from his mom’s world.
Melanie / IG / Between 2013 and 2015, Alexander took on a few behind-the-scenes roles in the film world, dabbling in writing and camera work.
Melanie often shares sweet posts about him on Instagram, proud and full of love.
Dakota Johnson
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson’s daughter, Dakota Johnson, has become a star in her own right. She grew up in a world of movie sets and famous parents, but didn’t let that define her. Born in 1989, Dakota saw her parents split early, but she stayed close to both and followed them into the industry anyway.
Her breakout role came with “Fifty Shades of Grey,” and she has since proven she is more than just one franchise. Melanie wasn’t always sold on Dakota acting, but now she is one of her biggest fans. Dakota has also been dating Coldplay frontman Chris Martin for years.
Stella Banderas
Melanie Griffith’s daughter with Antonio Banderas, Stella Banderas, is the youngest of the four and maybe the most like her mom. Born in Spain in 1996, Stella grew up speaking both English and Spanish. She spent her early years in the glow of red carpets and film sets, but she has recently taken a different route.
Melanie / IG / The youngest Griffith’s kid, Stella, is now the founder of Lightbound, a fragrance and beauty company that reflects her creative side.
Modeling and acting were stepping stones, but business seems to be where she is headed. In August 2024, she got engaged to entrepreneur Alex Gruszynski, and in 2021, she legally dropped the surname “Griffith” for personal reasons.
Melanie Griffith doesn’t shy away from her complex family story. She’s been married to three high-profile men, Steven Bauer, Don Johnson, and Antonio Banderas, and somehow managed to keep a good relationship with all of them. “All three of them are my friends,” she says. “I love them with all my heart.”