Don Johnson, famous for his role in the TV show “Miami Vice,” had a difficult childhood.
At 16, he left home and worked hard to put himself through college.
For years, he struggled with drugs, alcohol, and money, trying to fill the emptiness he felt. But everything changed when he met his wife, Kelly Phleger.
Johnson became a successful actor, winning awards for his work, especially in “Miami Vice.” He built his career on his own, overcoming many challenges to find true happiness.
His childhood was tough. His father, Wayne, was only 19, and his mother, Nell, was just 17 when he was born.
Don Johnson grew up in poverty and faced abuse. By the time he was 12, his parents had divorced, and at 16, he was so unhappy that he decided to leave home.
He wandered the streets on his own and had to find a way to finish high school by himself. Despite being alone, Johnson was able to turn his life around and become successful.
Even after gaining fame and owning all the luxuries he wanted, Don Johnson still felt something was missing—happiness. He realized he couldn’t escape the fear his parents had caused through their punishments.
To cope, Johnson turned to alcohol, drugs, and women. He once thought that having 20 cars, boats, and a ranch in Aspen, Colorado, would make him happy, but he confessed, “I was intensely unhappy.”
Though Johnson admitted to having an alcohol problem, he never drank while working. However, as soon as his day ended, he would drink heavily until he couldn’t stop.
Don Johnson went through several marriages, with some lasting only a few days. He married Melanie Griffith twice and also had relationships with Cybill Shepherd, Barbra Streisand, and Patti D’Arbanville. Besides these, he had many short flings and one-night stands. Johnson has a daughter, Dakota Johnson, with Griffith, and a son, Jesse, with D’Arbanville.
Falling in Love with a Teacher
Johnson’s life took a positive turn when he met someone who inspired him to change. At a birthday party for city mayor Willie Brown, he saw Kelly Phleger. He called her “a woman of substance” and knew he had to get to know her.
Don Johnson and Kelly Phleger married in 1999. That same year, they welcomed their daughter, Grace. Two years later, they had a son, Jasper, and four years after that, another son, Deacon.
With Phleger, Johnson finally found the happiness he had been searching for. He was so happy that he decided to stop drinking. His turning point came during a trip with friends.
They walked into a restaurant, and a scene of a Madonna and child having breakfast was playing on TV. At that moment, Johnson realized how lucky he was to have built such a loving family. He didn’t just give up alcohol but also let go of material things like his 20 cars and boats.
Don Johnson feels lucky to have married his wife, Kelly Phleger. He joked, “I had a rare moment of clarity and asked this woman to marry me, and I still think she’s under a spell. So I beg of you not to snap your fingers because who knows what will happen if she wakes up.”
The “Book Club” star realized he used smoking and luxury items to hide behind, but he no longer needed them. He admitted he was only using them to impress women.
Johnson shared that he once tied his self-worth to his possessions, but said, “Through training, spirituality, and education, you learn that you are enough and don’t need anything extra.”
Above all, Don Johnson is thankful he survived his wild days. After “Miami Vice,” he starred in “Nash Bridges.” Things slowed down after that series ended, but now he’s back in demand with successful projects like “The Book Club” and “Django Unchained.”
Before this comeback, Johnson almost lost his career. He admitted that after having his son, Jesse, he was out of shape due to alcohol and drugs. Every time he went to an audition, people thought his career was over. Determined, he worked hard to get back in shape and prove them wrong.
Now that Don Johnson has worked on himself, he is focused on being the best father he can be and making up for the moments he missed, especially with his older children.
Don Speaks about His Family in His 70s
Johnson is now 74 years old and still happily married. He is also a devoted family man. After long days on set, he says what he looks forward to the most is spending time with his children.
He admits that he wasn’t always there for his older children, Jesse and Dakota. A source shared that he’s doing his best to make up for the time he lost with them.
Since Don Johnson has many children, he spends a lot of time visiting each of them individually. He also enjoys taking walks in nature with his beautiful wife, Kelly.
Because Johnson knows firsthand the harmful effects of drugs, he has made it his mission to warn young people about their dangers and how they can ruin lives.
Don Johnson has come a long way to find happiness, and now he feels it’s at its peak. He enjoys spending time with his loving wife and children, all of whom make him very proud.
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