There was a time when Melanie Griffith was one of the most recognizable women in Hollywood.
Born into a family deeply connected to the film industry, Griffith began acting at a young age and gradually built a career of her own. But it was in the 1980s that she truly became a major star.
Her breakthrough came with the 1984 film *Body Double*, followed by the role that would define her career: Tess McGill in *Working Girl*. Released in 1988, the film became a major success, and Griffith earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Suddenly, she was everywhere.
With her blonde hair, distinctive voice and unmistakable screen presence, Griffith became one of the most recognizable actresses of her generation.
She continued appearing in major films throughout the 1990s, while her relationships and marriages—including her famously on-and-off marriage to Antonio Banderas—kept her in the spotlight.
But as the years passed, something else began attracting attention.
Griffith’s appearance changed considerably, and photographs of her increasingly became the subject of discussion in entertainment media. Unlike many celebrities who avoid the subject, she eventually spoke openly about having cosmetic procedures.
In a 2017 interview, Griffith revealed that she had undergone a procedure to have a cancerous patch removed from her nose. She also acknowledged that she had previously had cosmetic work that she was unhappy with and had taken steps to correct it.
Her experience also made her critical of the pressure women in Hollywood can face to maintain a youthful appearance.
Over the years, Griffith has continued acting while also focusing more on her family and personal life. She has remained close to her children, including actress Dakota Johnson, and has occasionally returned to the public eye for film events and other appearances.
Today, the woman people remember from *Working Girl* is older, but she remains instantly connected to one of Hollywood’s most memorable eras.
Her face may have changed with time, but Melanie Griffith’s place in Hollywood history was established long before the headlines about her appearance began.
