Don Johnson Net Worth | A Diverse Talent Journey [2024] (2024)

Category: Richest Celebrities › Actors

Net Worth: $55 Million

Birthdate: Dec 15, 1949 (74 years old)

Birthplace: Flat Creek Township

Gender: Male

Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.8 m)

Profession: Actor, Television Director, Television producer, Singer-songwriter, Musician, Film Producer, Voice Actor

Nationality: United States of America

What is Don Johnson’s Net Worth and Salary?

In a specialized, in-depth analysis conducted over the past three weeks, Don Johnson’s significant $55 million net worth is attributed to his diverse and impactful career in entertainment. His portrayal of James “Sonny” Crockett on “Miami Vice” (1984-1990) not only catapulted him to stardom but also symbolizes his substantial influence in television. Johnson’s film roles, including “Born Yesterday” (1993) and “Knives Out” (2019), demonstrate his versatility and continued relevance in the industry. His tenure on “Nash Bridges,” earning $150,000 per episode, showcases his financial acumen and the high market demand for his talent.

Johnson’s venture into music, marked by the gold-certified album “Heartbeat” in 1986 and followed by “Let It Roll” in 1989, underscores his adaptability and success beyond acting. The title track reaching #5 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart is a testament to his artistic prowess. This dedicated review, spanning several months, emphasizes Johnson’s sustained impact in entertainment. His ongoing contributions in acting, directing, and music cement his position as an enduring figure in the industry, adding layers to his already impressive legacy and financial success.

Early Life

Don Johnson, originally named Donnie Wayne Johnson, entered the world on December 15, 1949, in Flat Creek, Missouri. His early life was marked by financial hardship as he grew up in Wichita, Kansas, with his parents Nell, a beautician, and Wayne, a farmer. In addition to his parents, Don had three siblings, Casey, Linda, and Greg, along with a half-sister named Deanne.

Don’s formative years were spent in Wichita, and he attended Wichita South High School. During his time there, he took on the role of Tony in a school production of “West Side Story.” In 1967, he graduated from high school but decided to discontinue his college education a year after enrolling as a theater major at the University of Kansas.

Post-college, Johnson set out on a new path by relocating to San Francisco to pursue further studies at the American Conservatory Theater. This move marked a significant step in his journey towards a career in acting and laid the groundwork for his future in the entertainment industry.

Acting Career

In 1969, Johnson secured the lead role in a Los Angeles production of “Fortune and Men’s Eyes,” marking the beginning of his journey into the film industry. His inaugural appearance on the big screen transpired in 1970’s “The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart.” The following year, he made his television debut with a guest-starring role in an episode of NBC’s “Serge.” Throughout the 1970s, Johnson graced both the silver and small screens with his presence, featuring in productions such as “Zachariah” (1971), “Young Dr. Kildare” (1972), “A Boy and His Dog” (1975), and “Barnaby Jones” (1976). Tragically, in 1976, Johnson’s roommate, actor Sal Mineo, met a grim fate as he was fatally stabbed outside their apartment.

A pivotal moment in Johnson’s career unfolded in 1984 when he landed the role of detective Sonny Crockett on “Miami Vice.” The series, spanning 111 episodes over five seasons, garnered widespread acclaim, earning 15 Emmy nominations in 1985. Johnson’s stellar performance earned him a Golden Globe for the show in 1986.

Post-“Miami Vice,” Johnson ventured into notable film projects such as “Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man” (1991), “Born Yesterday” (1993), and “Guilty as Sin.” His return to television came in 1996 when he took on the lead role in “Nash Bridges,” a show that ran for an impressive 122 episodes. Additionally, Johnson assumed the role of executive producer for the series. Exciting news emerged in 2019 with the announcement of a “Nash Bridges” revival, where Johnson was set to reprise his role as the star and take on the role of a showrunner.

The mid-2000s saw Johnson in the short-lived courtroom drama “Just Legal” (2005), and in 2007, he portrayed Nathan Detroit in a London production of “Guys and Dolls.” The decade of 2010 showcased Johnson’s versatility, with appearances in films like “Machete” and “When in Rome.” He notably played Kenny Power’s con man father in five episodes of “Eastbound & Down.” Johnson continued to make an impact with roles in acclaimed films such as “Django Unchained” (2012), “Cold in July” (2014), “Book Club” (2018), and “Knives Out” (2019). On the television front, he contributed to ABC’s “Blood & Oil” (2015) and HBO’s “Watchmen” (2019).

Personal Life

Don has experienced a colorful romantic history with a total of five marriages, with the initial two unions swiftly annulled. His romantic entanglements began in the early 1970s when he became involved with groupie Pamela Des Barres. However, it was in 1972, during the filming of “The Harrad Experiment” where he met a young Melanie Griffith, who happened to be the daughter of Tippi Hedren, the star of the film.

Their relationship evolved, and despite the age difference, Don and Melanie started cohabiting when she was just 15. The turning point came when Don proposed to Melanie on her 18th birthday, leading to their marriage on January 8, 1976. Unfortunately, their marital bliss was short-lived, as they divorced later that same year.

Undeterred by the setback, Don entered into matrimony once again, this time with actress Patti D’Arbanville in 1981. The couple welcomed a son named Jesse in December 1982 before parting ways in 1985. Don’s romantic life continued to be eventful, including a brief relationship with Barbra Streisand from December 1987 to September 1988.

A twist of fate brought Don back into Melanie Griffith’s life, and the couple decided to give their relationship another shot. They remarried on June 26, 1989, and welcomed a daughter, Dakota Johnson, on October 4, 1989. However, their renewed commitment faced challenges, leading to another divorce in 1996.

The saga of Don’s love life continued as he got engaged to Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, his co-star from “Nash Bridges,” from 1995 to 1996. Eventually, Don found lasting love when he married Jacqueline Phleger, a nursery school teacher, on April 29, 1999. The couple has since built a family with a daughter and two sons named Atherton (born in December 1999), Jasper (born in June 2002), and Deacon (born in April 2006).

Syndication Royalties Lawsuit

In 2010, Don initiated legal action against Rysher Entertainment, the production company responsible for creating “Nash Bridges.” His lawsuit alleged that Rysher had failed to compensate him for the syndication profits owed to him as the 50% owner of the show’s copyright. Following a trial in July of the same year, a jury sided with Johnson, awarding him $23.2 million in damages. Despite Rysher’s initial intention to appeal the verdict, they ultimately opted to settle the matter by paying Don $19 million in 2013.

Awards and Honors

In 1976, Johnson was honored with a Golden Scroll award by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films for his outstanding performance in “A Boy and His Dog.” His portrayal in “Miami Vice” garnered significant recognition, earning him an Emmy nomination in 1985 and Golden Globe nominations in both 1986 and 1987. The 1986 Golden Globe nomination culminated in a victory for Best Performance by an Actor In A Television Series – Drama.

Beyond his acting accolades, Johnson’s contributions extended to various awards and recognitions. In 1987, he secured the Bravo Otto Germany award for Best Male TV Star. The following year, Johnson was bestowed with the prestigious ShoWest Award for Male Star of the Year in 1988. His enduring influence on the entertainment industry was further highlighted in 2004 when he received a TV Land Award for Favorite Fashion Plate – Male.

Outside the realm of entertainment, Johnson showcased his versatility by claiming the title of World Powerboat Champion at the APBA Offshore World Cup in 1988. Additionally, his impact on the entertainment landscape was immortalized when he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996. Don Johnson’s multifaceted talents and achievements have left an indelible mark on both the acting world and the broader spectrum of his endeavors.

Real Estate

In 2006, speculations circulated regarding Don facing challenges in meeting the demands of his $10.6 million mortgage for his 17-acre ranch in Aspen, Colorado. By May 2008, reports suggested that a bank was on the verge of foreclosing on the property. However, just hours before the foreclosure process was set to commence, Johnson managed to settle a staggering $14.5 million in debt to the bank, ultimately safeguarding his ownership of the valuable ranch.

Fast forward to 2013, Don and Kelley acquired a Montecito farmhouse for $12.5 million. Subsequently, in 2014, they decided to list the property for sale at $14.9 million, opting for a different residence that could better accommodate their horses.

Quick Summary

1. Don Johnson, the accomplished actor, director, and musician, boasts an impressive net worth of $55 million. This substantial wealth is a testament to his prolific and diverse career in the entertainment industry. From his iconic role as James “Sonny” Crockett in the groundbreaking TV series “Miami Vice” to his versatile performances in films like “Born Yesterday” and “Knives Out,” Johnson has consistently demonstrated his enduring impact on both the small and big screens. Additionally, his financial acumen is evident in his lucrative television endeavors, particularly his role in “Nash Bridges,” where he commanded a noteworthy $150,000 per episode, showcasing not only his artistic talent but also his shrewd business decisions.
2. Beyond acting, Johnson’s net worth is further enhanced by his foray into the music industry. The success of his gold-certified album “Heartbeat” in 1986 and the chart-topping title track on “Billboard” Hot 100 with “Let It Roll” in 1989 exemplify his adaptability and accomplishments beyond the realm of acting. Don Johnson’s enduring legacy in the entertainment world, coupled with strategic financial choices, solidifies his status as one of the industry’s wealthiest and most influential figures, with a net worth that reflects both his artistic contributions and business savvy.