Melanie Griffith is the epitome of classic beauty at the age of 67.
The actress acknowledged that it has not always been easy for her to embrace her natural beauty and accept herself, as she has been made fun of for “awful” cosmetic treatments.
Discover the actress’s stunning transformation and see how she looks today after saying goodbye to fillers!
From her rise in Hollywood to navigating rocky marriages and the intense scrutiny of public opinion, Melanie Griffith’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Explore the highs, lows, and the empowering changes that have shaped her life over the years!
The Hollywood icon opened up about how cosmetic procedures impacted her life and the pivotal moment she chose to dissolve her fillers after facing public scrutiny. Now, at 67, Melanie Griffith radiates a natural, timeless beauty that has captivated audiences and sparked a deeper conversation about the true meaning of elegance.
1975: The Rise of a Star
Born in New York on August 9, 1957, Melanie Griffith was destined for the spotlight. As the daughter of Tippi Hedren—famed for her iconic roles in The Birds and Marnie—Melanie grew up immersed in the entertainment world.
Following her parents’ divorce, Melanie moved to Los Angeles with her mother at the age of four. Early on, she dipped her toes into the industry through modeling gigs and commercial appearances, setting the stage for what would become an extraordinary Hollywood career.
Melanie Griffith’s journey to Hollywood stardom began with a brief, uncredited role in the 1969 Western Smith!, but her true breakthrough came in 1975.
That year, she landed her first credited role in Arthur Penn’s noir thriller Night Moves, starring alongside Gene Hackman. Playing a troubled runaway, Melanie captivated audiences and critics alike, signaling her undeniable potential in the industry.
However, despite this early success, her subsequent films struggled to gain critical or financial traction. Still, her career was just beginning, paving the way for a future filled with both triumphs and challenges.
Love, Marriage, and a Life-Altering Project
In 1971, at just 14 years old, Melanie’s life took a dramatic turn while working on the set of The Harrad Experiment. There, she met 22-year-old actor Don Johnson. The two quickly formed a connection, and by the time Melanie graduated from the Hollywood Professional School at 16, their relationship had become serious.
On her 18th birthday, they became engaged and tied the knot in 1976, marking the beginning of a whirlwind romance that would define much of Melanie’s personal life in the years to come.
At the same time, she embarked on one of the most dangerous film projects of her career—Roar. The movie, which starred real wild animals, became infamous for its chaotic and hazardous production. More than 70 cast and crew members suffered injuries due to attacks from the untamed lions and tigers on set. Despite its delayed release, Roar remains a notorious part of Hollywood history, further cementing Melanie’s reputation as a fearless actress willing to take risks both on and off the screen.
One of the most shocking moments in Roar’s chaotic production was when Melanie found herself in the clutches of a lion—a terrifying incident that was captured on film. The attack left her with severe injuries, requiring facial reconstructive surgery.
Despite these harrowing experiences, both her whirlwind romance with Don Johnson and the life-threatening events on the Roar set became defining moments in her journey, shaping the course of her future in ways she never could have predicted.
A New Chapter: Love and Stardom in 1979
Following her dramatic split from Don Johnson, Melanie found love once again—this time with actor Steven Bauer. The two met while filming She’s in the Army Now and quickly fell for each other. Their romance blossomed, and in 1981, they tied the knot, marking a fresh start both personally and professionally.
As Melanie’s career continued to evolve, she was on the brink of achieving the Hollywood stardom she had long been working toward.
Amidst a life marked by scandals, wild parties, and struggles with addiction, Melanie desperately needed stability—something she found in her marriage to Steven Bauer.
With Steven’s unwavering support, she was able to turn a corner. He encouraged her to hone her craft, leading her to study under the legendary acting coach Stella Adler. This training significantly elevated her skills, setting the stage for a major career breakthrough.
A Star on the Rise
In 1984, Melanie’s career took a dramatic and defining turn when she starred in Brian De Palma’s neo-noir thriller Body Double. Portraying an adult film star caught in a dangerous mystery, she delivered a performance that captivated audiences and earned her widespread acclaim.
The film not only showcased her talent in a new light but also solidified her status as a rising Hollywood star, proving that she was far more than just a tabloid sensation—she was an actress with undeniable depth and charisma.
Melanie’s talent and versatility shone in Jonathan Demme’s 1986 romantic comedy Something Wild, a film that became a beloved cult classic. Two years later, she further solidified her place in Hollywood with Stormy Monday (1988), a stylish thriller in which she starred alongside Tommy Lee Jones and Mike Figgis.
Balancing Stardom and Motherhood
At the peak of her career, Melanie embraced a new role—motherhood. She and Steven Bauer welcomed their son, Alexander Bauer, who would later follow in his parents’ footsteps and carve out his own path in the film industry.
A Love Rekindled in 1989
After her marriage to Steven ended, fate led Melanie back to Don Johnson. Despite their past, the connection between them remained undeniable. Their reunion wasn’t just about romance—it was also about growth, healing, and overcoming addiction together.
Reflecting on their journey, Melanie shared, “Everything is better now because of all of that. We remained in contact and remained friends forever. This bond was always there.”
Their renewed love story marked a fresh chapter, filled with both hope and challenges, proving that some connections are simply meant to endure.
Motherhood and a Hollywood Legacy
In 1989, Melanie and Don Johnson welcomed their daughter, Dakota Johnson, at Brackenridge Hospital. Their rekindled romance had given them a beautiful new beginning, but their journey as a couple was far from over.
Dakota would go on to carve out an impressive career in Hollywood, starring in major films such as Fifty Shades of Grey alongside Jamie Dornan, The High Note with Tracee Ellis Ross, and Madame Web with Emma Roberts. With her signature charm and talent, Dakota built a name for herself beyond her parents’ legacy.
1995: A Decade of Transformation
Despite their hopes for a lasting reunion, Melanie and Don’s marriage came to an end once again. Their second and final divorce marked the close of a significant chapter in her life.
But as one door closed, another opened. While filming Two Much in 1995, Melanie met Spanish actor Antonio Banderas. Their whirlwind romance quickly blossomed into something profound, leading to their marriage in 1996. That same year, they welcomed their daughter, Stella Banderas, making Melanie a mother for the third time.
This new chapter brought both personal and professional changes, as Melanie found herself stepping into a new era—one filled with love, growth, and an evolving Hollywood career.
Love and Career Flourishing
Melanie and Antonio’s relationship blossomed during a high point in her career. She starred alongside Patrick Swayze in Forever Lulu (2000) and took on a role in Crazy in Alabama (1999), a film directed by Banderas himself. Their love story, both on and off the screen, captivated fans as they became one of Hollywood’s most beloved power couples.
As the years went on, Melanie continued to challenge herself with diverse roles. In 2012, she embraced a darker character in the psychological thriller Dark Tourist, showcasing her range and depth as an actress.
A Bold Move to the Stage
Beyond film, Melanie took a significant leap into the world of theater. In 2003, she made her Broadway debut in the iconic musical Chicago, where her performance was met with critical acclaim. Nearly a decade later, she returned to the stage, portraying a troubled mother in Scott Caan’s 2012 production of No Way Around but Through.
Through every phase of her career—whether on-screen or on stage—Melanie proved her ability to reinvent herself, solidifying her status as a fearless and versatile performer.
The End of a Love Story
Despite their deep personal and professional connection, Melanie and Antonio’s marriage faced challenges. In 2014, Melanie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. While court documents did not specify the exact date of their split, sources close to the couple emphasized that the breakup was amicable.
This marked yet another turning point in Melanie’s eventful life, a period of transition and self-discovery.
2017: Embracing Natural Beauty
By 2017, Melanie found herself on a journey of self-acceptance. She opened up about her experiences with cosmetic enhancements, revealing that she had spent the past two decades relying on filler injections to smooth wrinkles and enhance her lips.
Initially, she was pleased with the results. But as public scrutiny grew and people commented on how different she looked, her perspective shifted. Realizing she no longer recognized herself, Melanie made the bold decision to dissolve her fillers and embrace a more natural appearance.
Her transformation wasn’t just physical—it symbolized a renewed confidence, a return to authenticity, and a redefinition of what beauty truly meant on her own terms.
The Price of Beauty: Public Scrutiny and Regret
As Melanie’s appearance changed over the years, so did public perception. Social media was quick to react, with comments ranging from curiosity to criticism. One user tweeted, “I would have never guessed this was Melanie Griffith. She’s stunning but unrecognizable. Sad.” Another remarked, “Melanie Griffith has had that level of plastic surgery that renders one unrecognizable as who they once were.”
For Melanie, the harsh opinions were painful but eye-opening.
Reversing the Past
In 2017, Melanie candidly addressed her experience with cosmetic procedures, revealing that her journey with fillers began nearly a decade earlier. “I started doing injections about seven years ago, and for the past two or three years, I have been getting it dissolved,” she shared.
She admitted she hadn’t realized how drastically her appearance had changed until she started noticing people’s shocked reactions. “People were asking, ‘Oh my God, what has she done?’ before I even realized what was happening. I felt terribly hurt,” she confessed.
Determined to reclaim her natural beauty, Melanie sought out a skilled doctor to reverse the “awful” treatments. “I hope I look normal now,” she said, embracing a fresh start.
A New Focus: Health and Self-Care
Beyond cosmetic corrections, Melanie turned her attention to a more pressing health matter—protecting her skin. In 2018, she shared a raw, makeup-free selfie on Instagram, revealing a bandage on her nose, the result of treatment for basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer caused by sun exposure.
Her openness not only marked a new chapter of self-acceptance but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of skin health and aging gracefully.
A Candid Call for Sun Safety
In a heartfelt post, Melanie Griffith shared her experience with skin cancer treatment after undergoing dermabrasion to remove basal cell carcinoma. She was once again bandaged as a result of the procedure, but her message was far more significant than her appearance.
“Get it fixed if any of you have it,” she urged her followers. In the same breath, she warned, “Be CAREFUL if you lay in the sun or are exposed to a lot of sun.”
Her message was clear: “Apply sunscreen. See your dermatologist for an examination. Get one if you don’t already have one, or ask to get tested for it at the closest clinic.” She concluded the post with “More details to follow,” underscoring her dedication to raising awareness about skin health.
Timeless Beauty at 65 and Beyond
Melanie Griffith’s journey to self-acceptance has come full circle. At 65, her beauty shines not just through her iconic looks but through her openness, wisdom, and commitment to embracing natural aging. As she continues to inspire others, her transformation is a reminder that true beauty lies in being authentic and prioritizing health above all.
A Celebration of Life and Beauty
Melanie Griffith marked a milestone in August 2022, celebrating her 65th birthday with a joyful gathering surrounded by friends and family. The photos shared on Instagram captured not only the star-studded presence of friends like Eva Longoria but also the sheer happiness radiating from Melanie. With her timeless beauty, Melanie’s smile lit up the photos, reflecting the warmth of the moment.
A Stunning Transformation at 65
In November 2023, Melanie debuted a chic new hairstyle, and social media immediately took notice. Fans couldn’t stop showering her with compliments, with one admirer aptly writing, “So beautiful.” At 65, Melanie continues to redefine aging, proving that beauty is ageless and that her charm remains as strong as ever.
Staying Glamorous and Graceful
As 2024 unfolded, Melanie continued to captivate with her enduring style and elegance. At the Unforgettable Evening charity event in Beverly Hills in April, she made a memorable entrance in an all-white ensemble, turning heads at the glittering affair. The evening was further enriched by an unexpected and heartwarming reunion with her Now and Then co-stars, Rita Wilson and Demi Moore, bringing a sense of nostalgia and showing how Melanie’s legacy in Hollywood continues to shine brightly.
Melanie Griffith has truly proven that age is just a number, and her grace, beauty, and vibrant spirit only continue to grow with time.
Melanie Griffith’s life and career have been nothing short of remarkable, marked by transformation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Her candidness about her experiences with cosmetic surgery and her battle with skin cancer highlights not only her dedication to health but also her honesty and vulnerability in the public eye.
As she embraces the passage of time with grace, Melanie continues to celebrate her age and beauty. Her 65th birthday celebration in 2022 was a testament to her joyful spirit, while her elegant public appearances in 2024 reflect her enduring confidence. Melanie proves time and again that beauty and strength only grow with age, and she remains an inspiration to many.
