Get to know Don Johnson Children, Grandchildren, Kids and Their Mothers: A Multifaceted American Actor and Singer – Donnie Wayne Johnson, a prominent American actor, producer, and singer, has etched his name in the annals of the entertainment industry.
He rose to prominence with his unforgettable portrayal of James “Sonny” Crockett in the 1980s hit television series Miami Vice, earning him a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Johnson’s talents extend beyond acting, as he has also showcased his singing abilities through the release of two successful albums. In this article, we explore Johnson’s early life, career accomplishments, and intriguing personal journey.
Don Johnson Biography
Donnie Wayne Johnson was born in Flat Creek, Missouri, into a modest family. His mother, Nell, worked as a beautician, while his father, Fredie Wayne Johnson, was a farmer. Johnson’s parents were just 16 and 19 years old when he was born.
At the age of six, his family relocated to Wichita, Kansas, where he experienced a challenging upbringing in poverty. Johnson’s formative years were spent in Wichita, Kansas, where he discovered his passion for the arts.
He attended Wichita South High School and actively participated in the school’s theater program. During his senior year, he landed the lead role of Tony in the production of West Side Story. Prior to this, he had already made appearances in Burnt Cork & Melody and The Hullabaloo.
Johnson’s talent on stage became evident early on. Upon graduating from high school in 1967, Johnson enrolled at the University of Kansas as a theater major. However, his time there was short-lived as he decided to drop out after just one year.
Driven by his passion for acting, he made the bold move to San Francisco, California, to attend the American Conservatory Theater, a renowned institution known for nurturing emerging talent.
Career
Johnson’s breakthrough came with his role as James’s “Sonny” Crockett in the hit television series Miami Vice. From 1984 to 1990, his portrayal of the suave detective in this crime drama captivated audiences worldwide. The role earned him critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe award, and solidified his status as a sought-after actor.
Following the success of Miami Vice, Johnson continued to impress audiences with his performance in the 1990s series Nash Bridges. He played the titular character, a charismatic inspector, and showcased his versatility by bringing depth and charm to the role. Johnson’s involvement in the show further solidified his reputation as a skilled actor.
In addition to his television work, Johnson made notable contributions to the film industry. He appeared in various movies, including A Boy and His Dog (1975), Tin Cup (1996), Machete (2010), Django Unchained (2012), and Knives Out (2019). Johnson’s ability to portray diverse characters across different genres demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
Music Career
Alongside his acting career, Johnson explored his passion for music by releasing two albums. “Heartbeat” (1986) and “Let It Roll” (1989) showcased his singing talents and received positive reviews from both critics and fans. Johnson’s smooth vocals and heartfelt performances resonated with audiences, further solidifying his artistic range.
Johnson’s cover version of “Heartbeat” gained significant recognition, reaching an impressive No. 5 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of the song demonstrated Johnson’s crossover appeal and established him as a formidable presence in the music industry.
Personal Life
Throughout his life, Johnson has been married five times to four different women. His first two marriages were brief and annulled shortly after. The details of these unions remain undisclosed, but reports suggest that his first wives included a dancer and a person described as a “rich bimbo.”
In the early 1970s, Johnson formed a relationship with Melanie Griffith, the daughter of his co-star from the film Harrad Experiment, Tippi Hedren. They began living together when Griffith was just 15 years old, and they later became engaged on her 18th birthday.
The couple married in 1976 but separated within months, eventually divorcing in 1976. Their paths crossed again, and they remarried in 1989, only to separate once more and finalize their divorce in 1996. Johnson has embraced the joys of fatherhood and family life.
His relationship with former Warhol model Patti D’Arbanville resulted in the birth of their son, Jesse Wayne Johnson, in 1982. Additionally, Johnson and Griffith have a daughter together, Dakota Johnson, born in 1989.
Currently, Johnson is married to Kelley Phleger, a San Francisco socialite and Montessori nursery schoolteacher. They tied the knot in 1999 and have three children: Atherton Grace, born in 1999, Jasper Breckinridge, born in 2002, and Deacon, born in 2006.
Johnson shared a close friendship with journalist Hunter S. Thompson, who even contributed to the television series Nash Bridges. Dakota Johnson, Donnie’s daughter, regarded Thompson as a “godfather figure,” emphasizing the deep connections Johnson has forged within the entertainment industry.
Don Johnson Children, Kids
- Dakota Johnson
- Jesse Johnson
- Grace Johnson
- Jasper Johnson
- Deacon Johnson
Don Johnson, the famous actor renowned for his role in the popular TV series Miami Vice, has five children from different relationships. Let’s take a closer look at his children and their achievements.
One of Don Johnson’s daughters, Dakota Johnson, has gained recognition as an actress, particularly for her notable role in the Fifty Shades of Grey film series. Jesse Johnson, another child of Don Johnson, is involved in the entertainment industry as an actor and producer.
Grace, Don Johnson’s daughter with his current wife Kelley Phleger, has also ventured into acting. Following in his family’s footsteps, Jasper Johnson, Don Johnson’s son with Kelley Phleger, has pursued a career in the entertainment field.
Lastly, there’s Deacon Johnson, who holds a special place in Don Johnson’s heart as he was born on Don and Kelley’s anniversary. They lovingly refer to him as their “anniversary gift.” Despite his busy career, Don Johnson has always prioritized being a loving and devoted father to his children.
Meet Dakota Johnson
Dakota Mayi Johnson, born on October 4, 1989, in Austin, Texas, is a well-known American actress and producer. She comes from a family of actors, with her parents being Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, and her maternal grandmother is the acclaimed actress, Tippi Hedren.
Dakota began her acting career at a young age, making her film debut in the dark comedy Crazy in Alabama (1999), where she had a minor role alongside her mother. After completing high school, Dakota moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting aspirations.
She landed a minor part in the film The Social Network (2010), marking a significant step in her career. However, her breakthrough came when she portrayed Anastasia Steele in the popular erotic romantic drama film series Fifty Shades (2015–2018).
Her performance garnered attention, and she even received a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2016. In addition to her role in the Fifty Shades series, Dakota has showcased her talent in various films.
She has appeared in the crime drama Black Mass (2015), Luca Guadagnino’s drama A Bigger Splash (2015), the romantic comedy How to Be Single (2016), and the supernatural horror Suspiria (2018). Dakota has also ventured into the world of fashion modeling and was honored with the title of Miss Golden Globe in 2006.
Her Boyfriend: Currently, she is in a relationship with Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay.
Meet Jesse Johnson
Born on December 7, 1982, in Los Angeles, California, he is a talented American actor, singer, and screenwriter. His parents are the renowned actors Don Johnson and Patti D’Arbanville, and he is also the half-brother of the well-known actress Dakota Johnson.
He took his first steps into the world of acting with a guest appearance on the CBS television series Nash Bridges in 2001. Following his passion, he pursued a theater major at Occidental College in Los Angeles, successfully graduating in 2004.
Throughout his career, he has made appearances in various films and television shows, showcasing his acting prowess. Some of his notable works include Word of Honor (2003), My Life: Untitled (2010), and The Rookie (2018). With his talent and dedication, he continues to make a mark in the entertainment industry.
Meet Grace Johnson
She is a prominent American model, hailing from San Francisco, California, where she was born on December 28, 1999. She is recognized as the daughter of the well-known actor Don Johnson and his wife, Kelley Phleger.
Jasper Johnson
Jasper Johnson is the son of the renowned actor Don Johnson and his wife Kelley Phleger. He shares his family with a brother named Jesse Johnson and a sister named Dakota Johnson. Jasper, born on May 21, 1983, has made a name for himself as a basketball player.
Standing tall at 6’7″, he has played as a center for the Defensor Sporting Club in Uruguay. It’s worth noting that there is another basketball player who shares the same name, but he is a combo guard from Versailles, KY.
Meet Deacon Johnson
Deacon Johnson, the youngest child of actor Don Johnson and his wife Kelley Phleger, was born on April 29, 2006. His birthdate holds a special significance as he arrived on his parents’ anniversary, earning him the endearing nickname of their “anniversary gift.”
Grandchildren
In recent news, Don Johnson expressed his excitement about the possibility of becoming a grandfather. He eagerly awaits Dakota Johnson, his daughter, starting a family with her partner Chris Martin. Don Johnson’s journey as both a successful actor and a caring father continues to inspire many.
In Conclusion
Don Johnson, the acclaimed actor from Miami Vice, has a diverse and talented family.
His children have made their own marks in the entertainment industry, with Dakota Johnson achieving recognition as an actress, Jesse Johnson involved in acting and producing, Grace Johnson pursuing an acting career, Jasper Johnson following in his family’s footsteps, and Deacon Johnson holding a special place as the “anniversary gift” of Don and Kelley.
Despite his busy career, Don Johnson has always prioritized being a devoted father. As he eagerly awaits the possibility of becoming a grandfather, his journey as both a successful actor and a caring father continues to inspire many.
