Melanie began acting at an early age, appearing in commercials before she turned one. At 14, she worked on The Harrad Experiment, where she met Don Johnson. Despite their age gap—Johnson was 22 and she was 14—the two formed a strong connection. By 18, they were engaged, and in 1976, they married in Las Vegas. Their relationship didn’t last, and they divorced after six months. However, they later reunited and married again in 1989.

Throughout her career, Melanie starred in notable films like Night Moves, Something Wild, and Working Girl, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. While filming Roar, a project involving real lions, she was injured on set and needed plastic surgery. Despite the risks, she continued her acting career, gaining widespread recognition.

Melanie married actor Steven Bauer in 1981, and they had a son, Alexander. They divorced in 1989, and she remarried Don Johnson, welcoming daughter Dakota Johnson later that year. However, their relationship ended in 1996. That same year, Melanie married Antonio Banderas, who became a strong presence in her children’s lives. Dakota has spoken openly about how much his guidance meant to her.

Even after Melanie and Antonio divorced in 2014, they remained close. Today, Melanie is focused on family and is writing her memoir. She has also been open about her health struggles, including a cancer diagnosis, but continues to stay active and involved in important causes.