who are the most famous spanish actors? ...

looking at spanish actors ... antonio banderas is one of the best-known, internationally ...

Who do you think the most famous Spanish celebrities in the film world are?

Well, I reckon Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardem are the two best-known internationally ...

They've both received recognition and acclaim in the United States, they've acted in numerous international films, and been honored with awards.

But, they're certainly not the only brilliant actors Spain has to offer - not to mention good-looking!

Spanish television is jam-packed with talented, handsome, up-and-coming young actors and entertainers, who may one day replace the present Antonio Banderas and Javier Bardems of the world.

So, let's take a look at Spanish actors ... we'll start with quick biographies of Banderas and Bardem, then continue with the most popular Spanish television celebrities ...

Which one do you like best?...

famous spanish actors - antonio banderas

Antonio Banderas was born José Antonio Domínguez Banderas, in Málaga, Andalucia, on 10th August 1960.

You'll find a picture of him at the top of this page ...

He's not bad for his age, is he?

Actually, he originally hoped to play football/soccer, but breaking his foot at the age of 14 put paid to these dreams.

He started his acting career at the age of 19, starring in some of renowned Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar's films.

Of course, he now lives in the United States, and has appeared in numerous Hollywood films - Assassins, Evita, Desperado, The Mask of Zorro ... to name but a few.

He's extremely versatile, with an excellent singing voice, which got him the part in the Broadway revival of the musical Nine.

He's still married to his second wife - Melanie Griffith. They married in 1996, and have one daughter.

Although living in the United States, he always returns to his native city of Málaga for Holy Week - Easter - when he participates in the celebrations there.

And, Melanie Griffith's Spanish slowly improves!...

famous spanish actors - javier bardem

Javier Bardem is some nine years younger than Banderas, having been born on 1st March 1969 in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, with the name Javier Ángel Encinas Bardem.

Unlike Antonio Banderas, he comes from a family of actors although, at one time, he was also interested in a sports career.

He appeared in numerous Spanish films - such as Jamón, Jamón alongside beautiful Penélope Cruz - before achieving international recognition.

His big international breakthrough came in 2000 with Before Night Falls.

Perhaps his main claim to fame at present, is that he's the first Spanish actor to win an Oscar.

So, who do you prefer?... Antonio Banderas or Javier Bardem?...

spanish actors - television

Of course, you'll also find tons of popular and talented Spanish entertainers who appear regularly on Spanish television and in Spanish movies, but are not well-known internationally.

Sometimes, this is because they've not managed to achieve that international breakthrough.

Although, often it's because the actor is happy in Spain and not prepared to move to the United States - something which seems to be a pre-requisite for international fame.

Here is just a small handful of the talented Spanish actors on offer ...

Moving from left to right, they're Paco León, Luis Merlo, Hugo Silva, and Yon González ...