Antonio Banderas is a worldwide household name, but in recent years someone very close to him has risen to their own celebrity status. Though the connection between them has existed for decades now, many people are still surprised to learn that his step-daughter (well, former step-daughter) is none other than Dakota Johnson!

The success of the Fifty Shades of Grey series marked the official launch of Dakota Johnson's career as a leading actress, and these days she's far more than Anastasia Steele. From leading turns in the rom-com How to Be Single to the horror remake Suspiria, it's clear that Dakota Johnson isn't slowing down anytime soon.

Of course, it helps to have an A-list actor like Antonio Banderas in her life. Here are 18 Facts About Dakota Johnson's Relationship With Ex Step-Dad, Antonio Banderas that you may not have known!

18 He Was Her Stepdad For Almost 20 Years

Antonio married Dakota's mother, actress Melanie Griffith, in 1995, several months before Dakota turned six years old. He remained her stepfather for nearly 20 years, eventually divorcing her mother in 2015. Nevertheless, he reportedly played an active role in raising Dakota and supporting her rising career during that time.

17 They Love Each Other Like Dad and Daughter

Both have publicly spoken about their familial love for one another. Most recently, Antonio Banderas opened up to Us Weekly about their relationship, saying, "She’s my daughter, I love her. I’ve been with her on my shoulders, traveling all around the world."

16 Through Him, Dakota Has a Half-Sister

Banderas and Melanie Griffith had a daughter, Stella, during their marriage, making Dakota a big sister. Dakota has called her litte sister "magical", who was born in Marbella, Spain in 1996. She and Dakota are reportedly as close as sisters can be!

15 She Walked Her First Red Carpets with Him

As the child of celebrities, Dakota did not have a normal upbringing. She was walking red carpets from a young age, as a guest of Antonio and her mother Melanie. She even attended her first Academy Awards with them at the young age of 10! Here's a throwback photo of the family being interviewed by Joan Rivers at the time.

Related: Fifty Shades of Dakota: 15 Things People Don't Know About Dakota Johnson

14 Dakota Johnson Gave Banderas a Touching Tribute in 2019

Dakota had the pleasure of presenting her former stepfather with a Hollywood Actor Award at the 2019 Hollywood Film Awards, during which she surprised him with a touching tribute about how much he meant to her. She called him her "bonus dad" and credited him with bringing a "bright light" to her family. Aww!

13 Antonio Directed Dakota in Her First Movie Role

Dakota made her film debut in 1999, at the young age of eight years old. The movie was Crazy in Alabama, and it was very much a family project. Dakota appeared in a small role alongside her sister, Stella, while mother Melanie Griffith starred as the lead. It was also Antonio Banderas' first directorial effort.

12 He Encouraged Her to Finish School Before Pursuing Acting

In 2016, Dakota Johnson told Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan in a Live with Kelly & Michael interview that, despite her early debut in Banderas' film, her parents discouraged her to continue with acting until she finished school. Both Banderas and Melanie Griffith also did not start acting until they had completed their studies.

11 He Didn't Go Watch Her in Fifty Shades of Grey

Though he's supported her career from early on, Antonio admitted on ITV's Loose Women that he did not go see Dakota's breakout role in Fifty Shades of Grey. The reason was simple; he knew her since she was very little and watched her grow up. What parent would actually want to go see their kid in a BDSM role?

10 She Was There When He Got His Walk of Fame Star

When Antonio Banderas received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005, Dakota was photographed in attendance along with her mother and sister. Celebrities getting inducted only bring those who are closest to them, so it's very telling that Dakota was there. It's easy to speculate that if Dakota gets her own star one day, Antonio will be there for her!

Related: 19 Things Most People Don't Know About The Fifty Shades of Grey Franchise

9 She Calls Him 'Papi'

A lot of stepchildren tend to either call their stepparents by their first names or by a nickname. Dakota Johnson has been heard calling Antonio Banderas "Papi", which makes total sense because it is well-known Spanish for "Daddy".

8 Dakota Understands Spanish, But Doesn't Speak It Well

Since her former stepdad is a famous Spanish actor (and her younger sister holds dual Spanish / American citizenship), many have wondered if Dakota herself speaks Spanish. While she has appeared on various Spanish-language TV shows, it's with an interpreter. As she told Swiss magazine Si Style, she understands the language perfectly but does not speak it fluently.

7 She Loved Him As 'Puss in Boots'

Antonio took Dakota and his other family members along to the Shrek 2 premiere, when he debuted his popular character of Puss in Boots. At the Hollywood Film Awards in 2019, Dakota was even quoted saying, "It was the most fun a kid could have. We had Shrek swag coming out of our ears. We loved every second of it."

6 Dakota Was Bitter About Antonio and Melanie's Divorce... At First

Like many children (of all ages). Dakota was not pleased when Melanie and Antonio decided to get a divorce. However, it was widely reported that she reached out to her former stepdad after he had a medical crisis (a small heart attack in 2017 that required surgery) and cleared the air.

5 Antonio Cites Dakota As One Of The Reasons His Marriage Was Worth It

Divorces can be difficult, and many people feel they wasted years in a marriage that wasn't right. But not Antonio Banderas! The actor recently told E! that Dakota still "means a lot" to him. He also said his marriage to Melanie Griffith was about more than just them; "They were about the family. They were worth it all."

4 They Share A Love of Skiing

Dakota's whole family, including Antonio Banderas, has been spotted many times over the years in Colorado, particularly in Aspen for ski vacations. Dakota has even returned in recent years with her sister, Stella Banderas.

3 He Missed Her Turn As Miss Golden Globe 2006

The annual Golden Globe Awards select the child of a celebrity to help with the ceremony. Dakota Johnson is one of several who has held this position and later went on to become successful actors themselves. Antonio Banderas, unfortunately, was not there to cheer her on, but then-wife Melanie Griffith and younger daughter Stella Banderas attended instead.

2 They Are Both Dating People Around The Same Age

On an interesting note, Antonio Banderas, 59, has been dating Nicole Kimpel, 39, for a few years now, while Dakota Johnson. 30, is now dating Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 42. While Dakota and Antonio have been photographed together numerous times, the lack of photo evidence with their significant others in tow makes it unclear just how well they all get along.

1 They Will Likely Remain Close

In addition to Antonio and Dakota being on good terms, it appears that he and Dakota's mom, Melanie Griffith, have reached common ground. Both have spoken respectfully of each other since, with Banderas even telling People Magazine, "Melanie is not my wife anymore, but I think she is my best friend... She’s my family."

It seems Dakota won't have to say 'goodbye' to her former stepdad anytime soon! We love that they get along so well. Tell us in the comments what you think!

Next: 20 Times Coldplay's Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson Were Caught Off Guard