When you think about the 1980s television scene, there’s a high chance that the name Don Johnson will pop up in your mind. This talented actor, producer, director, and singer has had a profound influence on the world of entertainment over the past four decades. With his charismatic presence and unique style, Don Johnson has become a household name that has stood the test of time. We will delve into the life of this multi-faceted artist, exploring his early life, career, and the impressive net worth he has amassed through his work in the entertainment industry.
Net Worth: $50 Million
Date of Birth: Dec 15, 1949
Place of Birth: Flat Creek, Missouri
Gender: Male
Profession: Actor, Television Director, Producer, Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Voice Actor
Don Johnson Early Life
Don Johnson, born Donnie Wayne Johnson on December 15, 1949, in Flat Creek, Missouri, had a humble beginning. His mother, Nell, was a beautician, while his father, Wayne Fred Johnson, was a farmer. Growing up in a small town, Don developed a passion for acting at a young age. When he was just 12 years old, he took part in a school production of “The Wizard of Oz,” and the rest, as they say, is history.
Determined to chase his dreams, Don moved to San Francisco in the late 1960s to study drama at the American Conservatory Theater. After honing his craft, he started auditioning for acting roles and eventually made his way to Hollywood. The early years of his career were filled with guest appearances on TV shows such as “The Streets of San Francisco” and “Kojak.” Don’s perseverance paid off when he landed the leading role in the cult classic “A Boy and His Dog” (1975), which marked the beginning of a successful acting career.
Don Johnson Personal Life
Don Johnson has had a colorful personal life, filled with high-profile relationships and marriages. He has been married five times, twice to the same woman, actress Melanie Griffith. Don and Melanie first got together in 1972 when Melanie was just 14 years old, and Don was 22. They married in 1976 but divorced six months later. The couple rekindled their relationship and got married again in 1989, and they have a daughter together, Dakota Johnson, born in 1989, who has followed her parents’ footsteps and became a successful actress herself. Don and Melanie divorced for the second time in 1996.
In addition to his marriages to Melanie Griffith, Don was married to actress Patti D’Arbanville from 1981 to 1985, and the couple had a son named Jesse Johnson. Don has also been romantically linked to several other famous women, including Barbra Streisand, Pamela Des Barres, and Tanya Tucker.
Since 1999, Don Johnson has been happily married to his fifth wife, Kelley Phleger, a former schoolteacher and socialite. The couple has three children together: a daughter, Atherton Grace (born in 1999), and two sons, Jasper Breckinridge (born in 2002) and Deacon (born in 2006).
Don Johnson Career
After establishing himself as a television icon in the 1980s with Miami Vice, Don Johnson continued to explore various roles in both television and film. His career saw a resurgence in the 1990s with Nash Bridges, which not only showcased his acting abilities but also his talents as a producer.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Don Johnson took on a diverse range of roles, proving his versatility as an actor. Some notable film appearances include “Guilty as Sin” (1993), “The Other Woman” (1995), and “The Hot Spot” (1990), where he starred alongside a young Jennifer Connelly. In recent years, he has taken on more supporting roles in films such as “Brawl in Cell Block 99” (2017) and “Knives Out” (2019), as well as television series like “Eastbound & Down” (2010) and “Watchmen” (2019).
Don Johnson Net Worth
Don Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be around $50 million, and it’s no surprise considering the illustrious career he has had. The majority of his wealth comes from his acting roles, but he has also dabbled in singing, producing, and directing. Let’s take a look at the career milestones that have contributed to his remarkable net worth.
Miami Vice (1984-1990): Don Johnson became a global sensation when he starred as Detective James “Sonny” Crockett in the hit TV series “Miami Vice.” The show was a smash hit and became a cultural phenomenon that defined the 1980s. Don’s performance, combined with his iconic pastel-colored wardrobe, made him an instant sex symbol and earned him a Golden Globe award in 1986.
Nash Bridges (1996-2001): After the success of Miami Vice, Don Johnson continued to make waves in the entertainment industry. He co-created and starred in the popular police drama “Nash Bridges,” where he played the role of San Francisco Police Inspector Nash Bridges. The show ran for six seasons and further cemented Don’s status as a leading man in the world of television.
Music Career: Apart from his acting prowess, Don Johnson has also ventured into the world of music. His debut album, “Heartbeat,” was released in 1986 and spawned a Top 5 hit with the title track. Although his music career was short-lived, it undoubtedly added to his overall net worth.
Filmography: Don Johnson has appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including “Tin Cup” (1996), “Machete” (2010), and “Django Unchained” (2012). His roles in these movies have also contributed to his impressive net worth.