Donald Wayne Johnson was a talented American who was known for his multifaceted career as an actor, producer, and singer.
One of his most iconic roles was as James “Sonny” Crockett on the 1980s hit Miami Vice.
Johnson won a prestigious Golden Globe Award for his performance in the role and was even nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
His dedication to his career and undeniable talent have solidified his respected position in the entertainment industry.
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- Full name: Donald Wayne Johnson
- Stage name: Don Johnson
- Date of Birth: December 15, 1949
- Age: 74
- Birthplace: Flat Creek, Missouri.
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Actor, producer, singer and songwriter.
- Height: 1.8m
- Parents: Fredie Wayne Johnson and Nell Johnson.
- Siblings: Cheryl Ann Johnson and Casey Johnson.
- Spouse: Carrie Flagg, Melanie Griffith
- Children: Dakota Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Jasper Breckenridge Johnson, Grace Johnson, Deacon Johnson
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $50 million
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, Freddie Wayne Johnson, a hard-working farmer, were still 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 Johnson was still a child.
Living in poverty was difficult for Johnson, but it also fostered in him a strong work ethic and determination to succeed.
educate
After completing his studies at Wichita South High School, where he showcased his talent in theatre by playing the lead role of Tony in West Side Story, he decided to further pursue his passion for acting.
Although he enrolled at the University of Kansas as a theater major, he ended up dropping out after a year in search of broader opportunities.
So he moved to San Francisco, California, and honed his skills at the renowned American Music Theatre.
His experience in productions such as Burnt Cork & Melody and The Hullabaloo has certainly prepared him for future challenges and successes as an actor.
Profession
Don Johnson’s career in Hollywood spans more than five decades and is an accomplished one. Miami Vice (1984-1989): This iconic crime drama made Johnson famous as James “Sonny” Crockett.
His portrayal of the stylish undercover detective in pastel suits and a sports car won him a Golden Globe and cemented his status as a pop culture icon.
Nash Bridges (1996-2001): Johnson returned to television as the eponymous Detective Nash Bridges in this San Francisco-set police drama, which ran for six seasons and was a ratings success.
Other Notable TV Shows: Johnson has guest-starred on a number of television shows during his career, including “The Good Wife, From Dusk Till Dawn and Keenan.
Movie:
- A Boy and His Dog (1975): In this classic sci-fi film, Johnson played the early protagonist Vic, a young man surviving a post-apocalyptic world with his telepathic dog.
- Tin Cup (1996): Johnson gives a stellar performance as Roy McAvoy, a down-on-his-luck golfer who gets a second chance to play in the U.S. Open.
- Django Unchained (2012): Johnson plays the villainous Big Daddy in Quentin Tarantino’s spaghetti western.
- Knives Out (2019): Johnson makes an impressive cameo as wealthy patriarch Richard Drysdale in this murder-mystery comedy.
- Other notable film appearances: Johnson has appeared in a number of films, including Hot Stone, Return to Macon County, and Machete.
Awards and nominations
victory:
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series: 1986 (Miami Vice)
- TV Land Favorite Fashion Model Award – Male: 2004 (Miami Vice)
Nominations:
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series: 1985 (Miami Vice)
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series: 1987 (Miami Vice)
- TV Land Award for Coolest Crime Fighting Team: 2006 (Miami Vice) (shared with Philip Michael Thomas)
- TV Land Most Stylish Male Model Award: 2003 (Miami Vice)
- Derby Film Awards Best Ensemble Award: 2020 (Knives Out) (shared with cast)
- Derby Film Award for Best Ensemble of the Decade: 2020 (Knives Out) (shared with cast)
- Derby Film Awards Best Ensemble Award: 2013 (Django Unchained) (shared with the entire cast)
social media
- Instagram account: @donjohnson
- Facebook account: DonJohnsonOfficial
- Twitter account: N/A
personal life
Johnson was married five times, to four different women. Three of his marriages were short-lived, with the first two annulled within days.
The identities of Johnson’s first two wives are unknown, but there are reports that one was a dancer and the other was a wealthy woman.
Around 1971, Johnson lived with groupie Pamela Des Barres. In early 1972, Johnson met then 14-year-old Melanie Griffith, the daughter of Johnson’s co-star Tippi Hedren in The Harold Experiment.
Despite their significant age difference (Griffith was 15, Johnson was 23), they eventually began living together in a rental house in Laurel Canyon.
After Griffith turned 18, the two got engaged and married in January 1976. But unfortunately, their marriage did not last long. The two separated in July and officially divorced in November of the same year.
Johnson was initially suspected of money laundering but was ultimately exonerated. In May 2008, after his home in Woody Creek, Colorado, was foreclosed on, Johnson paid off a $14.5 million debt in just a few hours.
In July 2010, he won his lawsuit against Rysher Entertainment and was awarded $23.2 million for his legal share of Nash Bridges’ profits.
Although Reischer planned to appeal the verdict, they ultimately reached a settlement with Johnson, paying $19 million in January 2013.
Filmography
TV show:
- Nash Bridges (1996-2001): As mentioned above, Johnson played Nash Bridges on this hit series.
- Legal (1995-1996): Johnson played attorney Bobby Donnell 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 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 Sheriff Arlo Givens in this Western drama.
- Blood & Oil (2015): Johnson played oil tycoon Hap Briggs in this soap opera.
net worth
Don Johnson is a multi-talented personality known for his work in acting, directing, producing, and songwriting, with an impressive net worth of $50 million.
The American artist has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his diverse skills and successful career spanning decades.
Through his many endeavors, Don Johnson continues to captivate audiences around the world, solidifying his place among Hollywood’s greats.
