- Antonio Banderas gave up a lifestyle of partying after falling in love with investment adviser Nicole Kimpel, who is 21 years younger than him.
- Kimpel's pivotal action during Banderas' heart attack "saved" his life.
- Years after the health scare, they amaze with their appearance in a new selfie.
The 2014 Cannes Festival emerged as a pivotal moment in Antonio Banderas' life - it was the day when the 54-year-old actor crossed paths with Nicole Kimpel. A polyglot fluent in five languages, Kimpel forged a successful career as an investment advisor, serving private banks globally. With a rare combination of intellect and beauty, the 33-year-old woman embodied a compelling blend of intelligence and attraction.
Despite their 21-year gap, their romantic journey embarked within the same year. However, their seemingly perfect connection faced hardship. Kimpel, who is not fond of life in front of flashing cameras, had to adapt to life as the partner to a celebrity. But for her beloved, she accepted that "fame" was now a part of her life and learned to "deal with it naturally, without it affecting" her.
Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kimpel at San Juan Bautista church in Malaga, Spain on March 29, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Still, in a rare interview, Kimpel candidly shared that the "The Mask of Zorro" star does not inhabit the realm of Hollywood stardom to her; in her eyes, he is just "the man" in her life. She quickly added that he is a talented actor but has many more good qualities besides professional ones.
After meeting with the investment advisor, Banderas gave up his partying lifestyle for one of serenity. Their world became a tranquil home tucked away in the lush expanses of Surrey, England.
They reveled in their bliss amidst the charming nature, where the "Desperado" star satisfied his passion for biking in the forest and watching the frequent visits from wild creatures in their garden. As he candidly admitted:
"I am not a party person anymore so I have the space and peace..."
Yet, their idyllic life was dramatically interrupted one calm day when agonizing chest pains gripped him during a physical workout. In 2017, a distressing 999 call led to an ambulance rushing Banderas to the hospital.
Banderas' Heart Attack
On the eve of the day before an ambulance was called for Banderas, his partner experienced a severe headache. Faced with her sudden problems, Kimpel decided to go and buy painkillers. Regrettably, she found all the local pharmacies had closed for the night. Undeterred, she entered a department store, where she found a pack of aspirin - the only available thing on that late evening.
Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kimpel at 'The King's little pathway' in Malaga, Spain on December 20, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The next morning, Banderas felt pain in his chest while exercising and "clearly" realized what was happening. Despite the sheer gravity of the crisis, his partner remained calm and reacted swiftly.
She placed one aspirin under his tongue, a crucial action that preserved his life. In a heartfelt confession, the "Pain and Glory" actor later admitted:
"...It saved my life. So I had a second chance."
Antonio Banderas at Holy Week in Malaga, Spain on March 27, 2018 | Source: Getty Images
Doctors kept him in the hospital for observation after the distressing "episode." Upon returning home to his darling woman, he came to realize that the heart attack had ironically improved his life.
Antonio Banderas and Nicole Kimpel at the 72nd annual Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Banderas' life priorities drastically changed as he started paying attention to things that matter in life, such as his family, friends, and acting vocation. Candidly, he stated:
"It's very, probably, stupid to say this, but it's one of the best things in my life, to have a heart attack."
Banderas Looks Younger in New Snap with Kimpel
Six years after going through a health decline, 62-year-old Banderas and 41-year-old Kimpel remain committed to each other. The Hollywood icon recently shared a lovely selfie with his cherished girlfriend of a decade, revealing their enjoyment of quality time in his picturesque hometown of Malaga, Spain.
The couple rapidly became a discussion topic among their online admirers, who expressed astonishment at their "great" looks in a "so beautiful" snap. One fan described the captured moment as having "warm" feelings. Another fan wished them happiness, agreeing they make a "great couple."
In the discussed snapshot, Banderas and Kimpel radiated elegance. Matching sunglasses complemented their outfits. Banderas charmed with his subtly unshaven visage, while Kimpel highlighted her natural beauty with minimalistic makeup.
Comment about Antonio Banderas' appearance | Source: Instagram.com/antoniobanderas/
Besides, fans have pointed out Banderas' youthful aura even in his 60s. One user complimented him enthusiastically, stating, "Looking good, brother. Very high class." Another fan even claimed that the actor seems to have turned back the hands of time, writing, "Antonio, I like your hair. You look 10 years younger."
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