It’s truly incredible to think that the legendary Don Johnson, who looks as vibrant and energetic as ever, is set to celebrate his 70th birthday in December. At an age when many people are slowing down, Don’s career is booming like never before. He’s currently starring in HBO’s groundbreaking superhero drama Watchmen, where he delivers a performance that’s nothing short of stellar. To top it off, he’s also part of the star-studded cast of the holiday whodunit Knives Out, hitting theaters on November 27. “This is a golden period for me,” Don shares with a smile, and it’s easy to see why.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Don’s personal life is just as fulfilling. This year, he and his wife, Kelley Phleger, marked their 20th wedding anniversary. “Their priority is to keep their family time sacred,” a close friend confides to Closer Weekly in the latest issue, available on newsstands. “They’ve created a life that feels almost magical.” It’s clear that Don and Kelley have built a strong foundation of love and respect, which has stood the test of time.
Don’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Born in Flat Creek, Missouri, to teenage parents—a farmer and a beautician—his early years were anything but conventional. By the age of 12, he was sent to reform school for stealing cars, and he quickly became entangled in drugs and alcohol. “A lot of my friends didn’t make it,” Don reflects. “And those who did survive, some are left with scars they’ll carry forever.”
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Acting: The Turning Point
Acting became Don’s saving grace, offering him a creative outlet and a way to channel his energy into something positive. However, success didn’t come overnight. For years, he struggled to break into the industry, but his big break finally arrived when he landed the role of Sonny Crockett on Miami Vice. “I was a kid from Missouri with no connections or understanding of the business,” Don explains. “Getting that role was pure luck, and I’ll always be grateful for it.”
A Rollercoaster of Personal Relationships
The 1980s were a whirlwind for Don, both personally and professionally. In 1982, he welcomed his son Jesse with actress Patti D’Arbanville, and in 1989, he rekindled his romance with Melanie Griffith, whom he had briefly married in 1976. Their second marriage lasted until 1996 and brought them a daughter, Dakota, now a successful actress in her own right. “There was something special about Melanie,” Don says. “It was like two old souls coming together to bring Dakota into the world.”
