Don Johnson Biography: Don Wayne Johnson, born on December 15, 1949, is an American actor and singer-songwriter best known for his role as James “Sonny” Crockett in the iconic 1980s TV series Miami Vice. His performance in the show earned him a Golden Globe Award and a Primetime Emmy nomination. In the 1990s, he starred as the lead in another popular series, Nash Bridges. In recognition of his contributions to entertainment, Johnson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996. Beyond television, Johnson has appeared in a range of films including A Boy and His Dog (1975), Tin Cup (1996), Machete (2010), Django Unchained (2012), and Knives Out (2019). As a musician, he released two albums: Heartbeat (1986) and Let It Roll (1989). His single “Heartbeat,” a cover, reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Don Johnson Biography
Don Johnson became a defining figure of 1980s television through his iconic role as Detective Sonny Crockett on the hit series Miami Vice (1984–1989). As Crockett, Johnson faced off weekly against criminals ranging from drug dealers and pimps to arms traffickers and corrupt law enforcement. The show, spanning 110 episodes, was a cultural phenomenon and helped revolutionize TV with its bold use of contemporary fashion, pop music, and real-world locations. It was executive-produced by acclaimed filmmaker Michael Mann, and Johnson starred alongside Philip Michael Thomas as Det. Ricardo Tubbs and Edward James Olmos as the stoic Lt. Martin Castillo. Miami Vice was as much about style as it was about storytelling. Johnson’s character became a fashion icon, frequently seen in $1,000 designer suits from Armani, Versace, and Hugo Boss paired with pastel T-shirts. Crockett drove a sleek Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona.
Don Johnson Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Don Wayne Johnson
December 15, 1949 (age 75)
Flat Creek, Missouri, U.S.
|
| Occupations |
|
| Years active |
1969–present |
| Spouses |
Melanie Griffith
Kelley Phleger
(m. 1999)
|
| Partner |
Patti D’Arbanville (1981–1985) |
| Children |
5, including Jesse and Dakota |
| Category |
Singers Bio |
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About Don Johnson
Don Wayne Johnson is an American actor and singer-songwriter. He played the role of James “Sonny” Crockett in the 1980s television series Miami Vice, for which he won a Golden Globe, and received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He also played the titular character in the 1990s series Nash Bridges.
Don Johnson Wiki
- Born: 15 December 1949 (age 75 years), Flat Creek Township, Missouri, United States
- Spouse: Kelley Phleger (m. 1999), Melanie Griffith (m. 1989–1996), Melanie Griffith (m. 1976–1976)
- Children: Dakota Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Jasper Breckinridge Johnson, Grace Johnson, Deacon Johnson
- Height: 1.8 m
- Siblings: Deanne Johnson, Casey Johnson, Linda Johnson, Greg Johnson
- Parents: Wayne Johnson, Nell Johnson
Early Life
Johnson was born in his grandmother’s house in Flat Creek, Missouri. His mother, Nell (née Wilson), worked as a beautician, and his father, Fredie Wayne Johnson, was a farmer. At the time of his birth, his parents were just 16 and 19 years old. The family relocated to Wichita, Kansas when Don was five, where his father took a job with Boeing Aircraft. His upbringing was troubled; he later described his childhood as abusive and dysfunctional, with absent, overburdened parents and strict corporal punishment. When he was 12, his parents divorced, and he initially lived with his mother and siblings.
By age 13, after being sent to juvenile court, he moved to Missouri to live with his father. Johnson returned to Wichita for his senior year of high school, taking part-time jobs as a butcher’s apprentice and a shoe salesman. He graduated from Wichita South High School in 1967. After being removed from the football team, he enrolled in a drama class to fulfill graduation requirements.
Don Johnson Facts
Where does Don Johnson live? And how much money does Don Johnson earn?
| Birth Date |
15-12-1949 |
| Heritage/origin |
American |
| Ethnicity |
White |
| Religion – believes in God? |
Roman Catholic |
| Residence |
He lives together in a house in Los Angeles, California, United States. |
Don Johnson Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth |
50 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary |
N/A |
| Colleagues |
Philip Michael Thomas |
Houses
- Santa Barbara house ($14.9 million)(Swimming Pool • Jacuzzi • Sauna • Home Office • Cooking Island • )
Don Johnson: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status |
Married (Since 1999) |
| Sexuality |
Straight |
| Current Wife of Don Johnson |
Kelley Phleger |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives |
Melanie Griffith
Jennifer Connelly
Barbra Streisand
Sofia Gucci, Yasmine Bleeth, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Jeanne Anderson, Kari Whitman, Alexandra Kabi, Tracy Richman, Cybill Shepherd, Donya Fiorentino, Patti D’Arbanville, Tanya Tucker, Lynn Whitfield, Pamela Des Barres, Nancy Pfister, Donna Rice, Danielle Staub |
| More info |
Was previously married and divorced |
| Has any kids? |
Yes, father of: Dakota, Jesse, Grace, Jasper, Deacon |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Dakota Johnson (Daughter)
- Jasper Johnson (Son)
- Deacon Johnson (Son)
- Grace Johnson (Daughter)
- Jesse Johnson (Son)
- Wayne Johnson (Father)
- Nell Johnson (Mother)
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool friendly fun actor, musician originating from Flat Creek, Missouri, United States has a thin body & oval face type.
| Hair color |
Light brown |
| Hair type |
Straight |
| Hair Length |
near-shaved Hair |
| Hairstyle |
alternative |
| Distinct feature |
hair color |
| Skin Tone/Complexion |
Type I: Light skin |
| Skin Type |
Normal |
| Beard or Mustache |
Beardless |
| Eye Color |
Licht green |
| Does Don Johnson smoke? |
No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height |
180 cm |
| Weight |
73 kilo |
| Clothing style |
alternative |
| Favorite colors |
gray |
| Feet size |
N/A |
| Does Don Johnson have a tattoo? |
No |
FAQs
What made Don Johnson’s role in Miami Vice iconic?
Don Johnson’s portrayal of Detective Sonny Crockett stood out for its unique blend of style, grit, and emotional depth, helping to redefine the image of a television cop in the 1980s.
What kind of fashion did Don Johnson popularize on Miami Vice?
Johnson helped popularize high-end designer fashion on television by wearing $1,000 suits from Armani, Versace, and Hugo Boss, often paired with pastel T-shirts, setting new trends in men’s style.
What vehicles did Don Johnson’s character drive in Miami Vice?
In Miami Vice, Johnson’s character drove a Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona in the early seasons, which was later replaced by a Ferrari Testarossa, becoming some of the most iconic cars in TV history.
Who were Don Johnson’s co-stars on Miami Vice?
Johnson starred alongside Philip Michael Thomas as Detective Ricardo Tubbs and Edward James Olmos as Lieutenant Martin Castillo, both of whom played key roles in the show’s success.
What awards did Don Johnson receive for Miami Vice?
For his performance as Sonny Crockett, Johnson won a Golden Globe in 1986 and was nominated again in 1987, along with an Emmy nomination in 1985 for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
How did Miami Vice influence television in the 1980s?
Miami Vice transformed TV with its cinematic style, use of contemporary music, on-location filming, and a fashion-forward aesthetic that set a new standard for crime dramas.
