Donald Wayne Johnson, a talented American, is known for his multifaceted career as an actor, producer, and singer.
One of his most iconic roles was portraying James “Sonny” Crockett in the popular 1980s Miami Vice.
Johnson was honored with a prestigious Golden Globe award for his outstanding performance in this role and even received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
His dedication to his craft and undeniable talent have solidified his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Table of Contents
Profile
- Full Name: Donald Wayne Johnson
- Stage Name: Don Johnson
- Born: December 15, 1949
- Age: 74 years old
- Birthplace: Flat Creek, Missouri.
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Actor, producer, singer, and songwriter.
- Height: 1.8m
- Parent: Fredie Wayne Johnson and Nell Johnson.
- Siblings: Cheryl Ann Johnson and Casey Johnson.
- Spouse: Kelley Phleger, Melanie Griffith,
- Children: Dakota Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Jasper Breckenridge Johnson, Grace Johnson, Deacon Johnson
- Relationship: Married
- Net Worth: $50million
Early Life
Don Johnson was born on a cold December day in 1949 in the small town of Flat Creek, Missouri.
His mother, Nell, a beautician, and his father, Fredie Wayne Johnson, a hardworking farmer, were just teenagers when they welcomed him into their lives.
Despite the challenges of being young parents, they did their best to provide for Johnson and his siblings when they moved to Wichita, Kansas, in search of better opportunities when he was a boy.
Growing up in poverty was difficult for Johnson, but it instilled a strong work ethic and determination to succeed.
Education
After completing his education at Wichita South High School, where he showcased his talent in the theater program by portraying the lead role of Tony in West Side Story, he decided to pursue his passion for acting further.
Despite enrolling as a theater major at the University of Kansas, he ultimately dropped out after a year in search of broader opportunities.
This led him to relocate to San Francisco, California, where he sought to hone his skills at the prestigious American Conservatory Theater.
His experience in productions like Burnt Cork & Melody and The Hullabaloo had surely prepared him for the challenges and triumphs that awaited him in his future endeavors as an actor.
Career
Don Johnson has had a long and successful career in Hollywood, spanning over five decades. Miami Vice (1984-1989): This iconic crime drama launched Johnson as James “Sonny” Crockett to superstardom.
His portrayal of the stylish undercover detective, complete with pastel suits and fast cars, earned him a Golden Globe Award and solidified his place as a pop culture icon.
Nash Bridges (1996-2001): Johnson returned to television as the titular character, Inspector Nash Bridges, in this San Francisco-based police drama. The series ran for six seasons and was a ratings success.
Other notable television appearances: Johnson has guest-starred in numerous television shows throughout his career, including “The Good Wife,” “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series,” and “Kenan.”
Film:
- A Boy and His Dog (1975): This cult classic sci-fi film featured Johnson in an early starring role as Vic, a young man who survives in a post-apocalyptic world with his telepathic dog.
- Tin Cup (1996): Johnson delivered a charming performance as Roy McAvoy, a down-on-his-luck golfer who gets a second chance at the U.S. Open.
- Django Unchained (2012): Johnson played the villainous Big Daddy in Quentin Tarantino’s spaghetti western.
- Knives Out (2019): Johnson had a memorable cameo as Richard Drysdale, a wealthy patriarch, in this murder mystery comedy.
- Other notable film appearances: Johnson has appeared in a wide variety of films, including “The Hot Rock,” “Return to Macon County,” and “Machete.”
Awards and Nominations
Wins:
- Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Drama: 1986 (Miami Vice)
- TV Land Award for Favorite Fashion Plate – Male: 2004 (Miami Vice)
Nominations:
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series: 1985 (Miami Vice)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Drama: 1987 (Miami Vice)
- TV Land Award for Coolest Crime Fighting Team: 2006 (Miami Vice) (shared with Philip Michael Thomas)
- TV Land Award for Hippest Fashion Plate – Male: 2003 (Miami Vice)
- Gold Derby Film Award for Ensemble Cast: 2020 (Knives Out) (shared with cast)
- Gold Derby Film Award for Ensemble of the Decade: 2020 (Knives Out) (shared with cast)
- Gold Derby Film Award for Ensemble Cast: 2013 (Django Unchained) (shared with cast)
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @donjohnson
- Facebook handle: DonJohnsonOfficial
- Twitter handle: N/A
Personal Life
Johnson has been married five times to four women. Three of his marriages were brief; the first two were annulled within a matter of days.
Johnson’s first two wives remain unidentified, but sources suggest that one was a dancer and the other a wealthy individual.
Around 1971, Johnson resided with groupie Pamela Des Barres. In the early months of 1972, Johnson crossed paths with Melanie Griffith, who was just 14 years old, and the daughter of his co-star Tippi Hedren in The Harrad Experiment.
Despite their age difference (15 for Griffith and 23 for Johnson), they eventually started living together in a rented house in Laurel Canyon.
After Griffith turned 18, they got engaged and tied the knot in January 1976. Unfortunately, their marriage didn’t last long, as they separated in July and officially divorced in November of the same year.
Johnson was initially suspected of money laundering, but he was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing. Following the foreclosure of his home in Woody Creek, Colorado, in May 2008, Johnson paid off his $14.5 million debt in just a few hours.
In July 2010, he won a lawsuit against Rysher Entertainment and was awarded $23.2 million for his rightful share of profits from Nash Bridges.
Despite Rysher’s plans to appeal the verdict, they eventually settled with Johnson and made a $19 million payment in January 2013.
Filmography
Television shows:
- Nash Bridges (1996-2001): As mentioned above, Johnson played Nash Bridges in this popular show.
- Just Legal (1995-1996): Johnson played Bobby Donnell, a lawyer in this legal drama.
- From the Earth to the Moon (1998): Johnson played astronaut Gus Grissom in this miniseries about the Apollo space program.
- The West Wing (2004-2006): Johnson played a lobbyist, Jack Sloan, in this political drama.
- Boston Legal (2006-2008): Johnson played a lawyer named Brad Chase in this legal drama.
- Eastbound & Down (2009-2013): Johnson played Kenny Powers’ father in this comedy series.
- Justified (2010-2015): Johnson played Arlo Givens, a marshal, in this Western drama.
- Blood & Oil (2015): Johnson played Hap Briggs, an oil tycoon, in this soap opera.
Net Worth
Don Johnson, a multi-talented individual known for his work in acting, directing, producing, and songwriting, boasts an impressive net worth of 50 million dollars.
This American artist has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his diverse skill set and successful career spanning several decades.
Through his various ventures, Don Johnson continues to captivate audiences worldwide and solidify his status as a prominent figure in Hollywood.