The Colorful Love Life of Don Johnson: Ex-Wives, Current Wife, Partners, Marriages, and Relationships – Let’s delve into the captivating love life of Don Johnson, the American actor. Discover the fascinating stories behind the women who have played a significant role in his life and the children who have enriched his world.
Don Johnson Biography
Donnie Wayne Johnson, known as Don Johnson, is an American actor, producer, and singer. He was born on December 15, 1949, in Flat Creek, Missouri, USA. Don has been active in the entertainment industry since 1969.
His mother, Nell, worked as a beautician, while his father, Fredie Wayne Johnson, was a farmer. They were young parents, with his mother and father being 16 and 19 years old respectively when he was born. Johnson grew up in Wichita, Kansas, and experienced a challenging upbringing due to their impoverished circumstances.
When he was six years old, his family relocated to Wichita. During his time at Wichita South High School, Johnson actively participated in the school’s theater program. In his senior year, he had the lead role of Tony in the production of West Side Story.
Prior to that, he had already appeared in other theatrical works like Burnt Cork & Melody and The Hullabaloo. After graduating from high school in 1967, he enrolled at the University of Kansas as a theater major but decided to drop out after completing his first year.
Career
Don’s acting career began with his involvement in the 1969 Los Angeles stage production of “Fortune and Men’s Eyes,” where he played the lead role of Smitty. The play gained attention for its daring portrayal of a prison rape scene, in which Don participated. Following this, Don appeared in the film “The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart” in 1970.
Although the film was quickly forgotten, Don continued to work in various stage, film, and television projects without achieving widespread fame. During this period, Don appeared in notable films such as “Zachariah” (1971), “The Harrad Experiment” (1973), where he displayed frontal nudity, “Lollipop and Roses” (1974), and “A Boy and His Dog” (1975).
In 1976, Don found himself living with actor Sal Mineo, who was tragically murdered at the time. Don’s breakthrough came in 1984 when he landed the starring role of undercover police detective Sonny Crockett in the popular TV series “Miami Vice.” The show, which ran from 1984 to 1990, propelled Don to international stardom.
His portrayal of Sonny Crockett, with his iconic fashion sense, including expensive suits and pastel cotton t-shirts, along with his flashy lifestyle, drove a Ferrari and lived on a luxurious yacht, made him a symbol of masculine cool during the era of the ’80s. Don received a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama in 1986 for his work on “Miami Vice.”
Between seasons of “Miami Vice,” Don appeared in TV miniseries such as the 1985 remake of “The Long, Hot Summer.” He also ventured into the music industry, hosting an hour-long music video/pay cable program and releasing albums like “Heartbeat” in 1986 and “Let it Roll” in 1989. His single “Heartbeat” reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.
Don’s career continued with roles in various films and TV shows, including “Nash Bridges” (1996-2001), where he played the title role of an inspector for the San Francisco Police Department, and more recent projects such as “Watchmen” (2019) and “Knives Out” (2019).
Don has also had his fair share of personal and financial ups and downs. In 2002, he was involved in a situation where bank statements evidencing billions of dollars in transactions were found in his car. However, he was later cleared of any wrongdoing.
In 2008, he paid off a significant debt of $14.5 million after losing his home to foreclosure. In 2010, Don won a lawsuit against production company Rysher Entertainment, receiving a $23.2 million settlement for his share of profits from the TV show “Nash Bridges.”
Despite the challenges, Don Johnson continues to pursue his passion for acting and remains a well-known figure in the entertainment industry. His contributions to film, television, and music have left an indelible mark, and his versatile performances have endeared him to audiences worldwide.
Don Johnson Ex-Wifes | Relationship
Don Johnson, the acclaimed American actor, has led a captivating life filled with marriages, relationships, and fascinating encounters. With a rich tapestry of experiences, Johnson’s journey through love and companionship has left an indelible mark on his personal and professional life.
In this article, we delve into the intricacies of his relationships, marriages, and the children who have played a significant role in shaping his world. Don Johnson’s romantic endeavors began with a series of whirlwind marriages, some of which were astonishingly short-lived.
While the identities of his first two wives remain undisclosed, rumors have circulated that one was a dancer and the other a woman of considerable wealth. However, these unions were annulled within a few days, adding an air of mystique to Johnson’s early relationships.
Pamela Des Barres and Melanie Griffith
In 1971, Johnson embarked on a romantic relationship with Pamela Des Barres, a self-described “groupie” known for her involvement with various musicians. Shortly after, he crossed paths with Melanie Griffith, who was just 14 years old at the time.
Griffith, the daughter of Tippi Hedren, Johnson’s co-star in the film “The Harrad Experiment,” captured his heart. At the age of 23, Johnson began living with Griffith in a rented house in Laurel Canyon.
They eventually got engaged when Griffith turned 18 and exchanged vows in January 1976. Unfortunately, their marriage encountered difficulties, leading to their separation in July of the same year and subsequent divorce in November.
Sally Adams and Patti D’Arbanville
In 1980, Johnson found companionship in Sally Adams, the mother of actress Nicollette Sheridan. Their relationship was marked by affection but did not lead to marriage. Soon after, Johnson met Patti D’Arbanville, a former model associated with renowned artist Andy Warhol.
Although they never married, they shared a deep connection and welcomed a son, Jesse Wayne Johnson, into the world on December 7, 1982.
Cybill Shepherd and Barbra Streisand
During the production of the television miniseries “The Long Hot Summer” in 1985, Johnson found romance with actress Cybill Shepherd. Their connection was intense but ultimately short-lived.
Following their breakup, Johnson entered into a relationship with the acclaimed singer and actress Barbra Streisand. Their romance endured until at least September 1988, representing a significant chapter in Johnson’s personal life.
Uma Thurman and Rekindled Love with Melanie Griffith
Shortly after parting ways with Streisand, Johnson, then 38 years old, became romantically linked to the 18-year-old Uma Thurman. Their relationship, while capturing attention, did not evolve into a lasting commitment.
In 1989, Johnson and Melanie Griffith reignited their romance and welcomed a daughter, Dakota Johnson, into their lives on October 4, 1989. Determined to give their love another chance, they remarried that same year, but sadly, their union ended in divorce in 1996.
Penelope Ann Miller and Jodi Lyn O’Keefe
Before reuniting with Griffith, Johnson briefly dated his co-star Penelope Ann Miller in the movie “Dead Bang.” Their connection, though fleeting, added another layer to Johnson’s romantic history.
Subsequently, between 1996 and 1997, Johnson embarked on a relationship with Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, who portrayed his daughter on the television series “Nash Bridges.” Despite their age difference, Johnson being 47 and O’Keefe 18 at the time, their companionship bloomed.
Current Wife, Kelley Phleger
On April 29, 1999, Johnson found enduring love as he exchanged vows with Kelley Phleger, a socialite and Montessori nursery schoolteacher from San Francisco.
The wedding ceremony took place at the picturesque Pacific Heights mansion of Ann and Gordon Getty, with esteemed actor Robert Wagner standing as the best man and Mayor Willie Brown officiating the civil ceremony.
Phleger had previously been in a long-term relationship with Gavin Newsom, who would later become the Governor of California. Don Johnson and Kelley Phleger’s union blossomed into a beautiful family, with the couple welcoming three children into their lives.
Their first child, a daughter named Atherton Grace, was born on December 28, 1999, followed by two sons named Jasper Breckinridge, born on June 6, 2002, and Deacon, born on April 29, 2006. The bond between Johnson and Phleger stands as a testament to enduring love and the stability they have found in their shared journey.
Close Friendship with Hunter S. Thompson
Aside from his romantic entanglements, Don Johnson shared a special friendship with renowned journalist Hunter S. Thompson, who collaborated with him on the television series “Nash Bridges.”
Johnson’s daughter, Dakota, regarded Thompson as a fatherly figure in her life, showcasing the profound impact their relationship had on both her and her father.
In Conclusion
Don Johnson’s life has been an intricate tapestry of marriages, relationships, and connections that have shaped his personal and professional journey.
From his early annulled marriages to his tumultuous but passionate relationship with Melanie Griffith, and his friendships with influential figures like Hunter S. Thompson, Johnson’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and an ever-evolving pursuit of love and happiness.
Through it all, he has embraced the joys and challenges that come with romantic entanglements, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood and the lives of those closest to him.
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