Don Johnson

Current Role

Don Johnson became a household name in the 1980s through his role in Miami Vice, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Series (Drama) in 1985. He will be taking the reigns of Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls from 8th January 2007 after Patrick Swayze has left the show.

Please be advised: we cannot guarantee that Don Johnson will appear in every show

Early Life

Don Johnson was born in Flat Creek, Missouri, on 15th December 1949. When he was six he moved to Wichita, Kansas, where he later attended high school. He graduated from high school in 1967 and went on to attended the University of Kansas. In the late 1960s Don appeared as one of the contestants on the popular television show 'The Dating Game', which was the American version of 'Blind Date.'

Career Highlights

Throughout the 1970s Johnson's career failed to ignite into stardom. Having studied drama at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco he played roles in two sexually charged films, 'The Harrad Experiment' and the post-apocalyptic 'A Boy and His Dog'. He was also briefly married to Melanie Griffith in 1976.

Don's major break came in September 1984 when he was cast in the role of Sonny Crockett in 'Miami Vice.' In a series noted for revolutionary use of music, cinematography, and imagery Johnson quickly became a star, winning a Golden Globe in 1985. He filled the role for five seasons until 1989. Don also remarried Melanie Griffith that year and this time the couple stayed together until 1996.

In 1996 Don had another shot at working on a T.V cop drama in a major role in 'Nash Bridges.' This successful series went on for six seasons and played in a number of different countries.

Don started his career in musical theatre in the lead role of 'Fortune and Men's Eyes' back in 1969 and he will soon be making his West End debut in Guys and Dolls from 8th January 2007 at the Piccadilly Theatre.

Interesting Facts

• The producers of Miami Vice were initially against casting Johnson as he'd featured in 6 failed TV pilots.
• In 1996 Don was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his TV work.
• Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari gave Don a silver Testarossa while he was working on Miami Vice