While Don Johnson’s charisma has captivated audiences for decades, his greatest role has been being a father. The actor, celebrated for his smooth portrayal of iconic characters, has built a loving family alongside his successful career.
Ranging in age from 42 to 18, Don’s biological kids have each made their mark, whether in Hollywood, fashion, or their own private pursuits. Here’s a closer look at the actor’s five grown-up children.
Don Johnson at the 2024 Disney Upfront on May 14 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Jesse Wayne Johnson, Don’s eldest child, grew up surrounded by the serene beauty of Aspen, Colorado. Born to Don and actress Patti D’Arbanville, Jesse spent his childhood exploring the outdoors, where he developed a love for athleticism and adventure.
Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith with their son Jesse Johnson at the 2nd Annual American Teacher Awards in 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Winter months were spent on the ice playing hockey, while summers were filled with mountain biking and whitewater kayaking. Reflecting on his upbringing, Jesse shared, “I had the privilege of going to these great schools that prided themselves on a really extensive outdoor curriculum […].”
Don and Jesse Johnson at the premiere of “Tin Cup” in Westwood, California, in 1996. | Source: Getty Images
His early years were not without challenges, though. At the time of his birth, Don was struggling with addiction. In a 1984 interview, the actor admitted to a pivotal moment that changed his life.
One morning, as Patti sat feeding baby Jesse with the sun streaming in, Don realized the cost of his choices. He told Patti, “I’m a drunk and a drug addict, and I’m going to do something about it.”
Jesse and Don Johnson at the 54th Cannes Film Festival in May 2001, France. | Source: Getty Images
Determined to turn his life around, Don sought sobriety, which paved the way for his career-defining role as Sonny Crockett in “Miami Vice,” catapulting him to nationwide fame. Though he and Patti ultimately split in 1986, the Hollywood star’s commitment to fatherhood remained steadfast.
Jesse, meanwhile, grew up carving his own path. Over the years, his passion turned toward the arts, particularly acting. With several credits to his name, he landed roles in hit shows like “Twin Peaks,” “Hawaii Five-0,” “NCIS,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” showcasing his natural talent and versatility.
Jesse Johnson and Melanie Griffith at the 37th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards on June 11, 2009, in Culver City, California. | Source: Getty Images
In December 2016, Jesse took to Instagram to mark his 34th birthday, captioning the post, “Slide into 34 like…” A year later, the now 42-year-old shared a selfie highlighting his resemblance to his father.
“Don style!” one social media user commented. Another shared, “Wow, you look like a younger version of your Dad #twinning.”
Jesse Johnson at the 37th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Jesse followed the selfie with a snap of him and his famous dad, further proving exactly where he got his good looks from. “A carbon copy,” one person said in reaction to the post of the father-son duo. Another person typed, “Don with the strongest genes.”
Don and Jesse Johnson at the premiere of “The Hateful Eight” on December 7, 2015, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Dakota Mayi Johnson, Don’s second child and daughter with actress Melanie Griffith, was born on October 4, 1989, in Austin, Texas. From an early age, Dakota was immersed in the world of Hollywood.
Reflecting on her unconventional upbringing, she shared, “I feel like I grew up in the circus. I know planes, trains, and automobiles. And really talented, weird people.”
Don Johnson with Melanie Griffith’s son Alexander Bauer and his daughter Dakota Johnson at the 23rd Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 12, 1997, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
Growing up with famous parents also came with its challenges. Dakota recalled understanding her parents’ fame from a young age, as well as the impact it had on her life.
“[…] It annoyed me when people had no regard for us just trying to have a family meal in a restaurant. Back then, they’d want autographs, or to shake your hand. It seemed more personable,” she recalled.
Don and Dakota Johnson at the “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” Westwood premiere on November 14, 2001, in California. | Source: Getty Images
Despite being surrounded by the industry, Don and Melanie initially discouraged their daughter from pursuing acting. When asked about her decision to follow in her parents’ footsteps, Dakota revealed her lifelong passion, “I couldn’t wait because I grew up on set.”
Melanie Griffith, Dakota and Don Johnson, and Kelley Phleger at the Warner Bros. and InStyle Golden Globe afterparty on January 16, 2006, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
“My parents were always working with amazing artists, and I just loved it. I wanted to be a part of it so badly,” she continued. While her enthusiasm was clear, Don and Melanie hoped she would take her time.
Melanie Griffith with Dakota and Don Johnson at the “How to Be Single” premiere on April 28, 2016, in New York | Source: Getty Images
“They discouraged,” Dakota admitted in an interview. “But I understood. They wanted me to have as much of a childhood as I could.” However, her determination to carve out her own place in Hollywood was unstoppable.
The actress’s breakout role came in 2010 with “The Social Network,” but it was her portrayal of Anastasia Steele in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series that propelled her to global stardom. Since then, Dakota has built an impressive résumé, balancing big-budget blockbusters with critically acclaimed indie films.
Atherton Grace Johnson, born on December 28, 1999, is Don’s daughter with his wife, Kelley Phleger. Known simply as Grace, the 24-year-old has made a name for herself as a successful model, following a path quite different from her father’s Hollywood legacy.
Signed with IMG Models, Grace burst onto the fashion scene in 2019, making her runway debut at the Christian Cowan x The Powerpuff Girls fashion show in Los Angeles. It was a standout start to what has become a flourishing modeling career.
Her momentum continued as she built experience on the catwalk, showcasing her poise and elegance. In 2021, Grace walked in Gucci’s Love Parade show, a star-studded event that celebrated both fashion and Hollywood glamour.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Grace once again turned heads, walking in Gucci’s Spring/Summer 2025 show, further solidifying her place as one of the brand’s rising stars.
Despite the 10-year age gap between Grace and her older sister Dakota, the two share an undeniably close bond. They’ve often supported each other at major events, including arriving hand-in-hand at the 2019 Met Gala.
Grace and Dakota Johnson at The 2019 Met Gala on May 6 in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Jasper Breckenridge Johnson, Don and Kelley’s eldest son, has taken a different path from the spotlight his family is so familiar with. Born in June 2002, he has grown into a talented athlete with a particular passion for basketball.
In 2020, Jesse shared a clip showcasing Jasper’s impressive skills on the court, earning praise for his undeniable talent. Don, who is known for his heartfelt social media tributes to his kids, also took to Instagram to celebrate Jasper’s milestone 21st birthday in June 2023.
“Happy 21 today. A stand-up young man is Jasper Johnson. With Love and Respect, Dad,” the actor wrote. Now 22 years old, Jasper continues to focus on his interests while keeping a relatively low profile.
Deacon James Johnson is Don and his wife’s youngest child and officially left the nest in September 2024. At just 18, Deacon began a new chapter at the University of Southern California.
Luckily, as Don shared, the family won’t be too far from their youngest and will be able to visit all the time. “He’s my sixth and final one. I might have done my best work there,” the actor joked.
The “Rebel Ridge” star also opened up about Deacon’s striking resemblance to his late grandfather, calling him an “exact clone.” “He has the looks of like ten movie stars,” Don revealed, though he doesn’t expect Deacon to follow in his Hollywood footsteps. “But he probably won’t end up in the business because he’s incredibly authentic […].”
While the actor saw his father in Deacon, social media users swore the teenager was his dad’s mini-me. “One face,” one person commented on a snap of the father-son duo. “Wow twins,” another person shared. A third typed, “😇 Best smile!💜✨💜.”
Beyond his looks, over the years, social media users have caught glimpses of Deacon’s many talents. In June 2020, Kelley proudly celebrated his graduation on Instagram, which, due to the pandemic, took place over Zoom.
Two years later, Don marked his youngest son’s 16th birthday in April 2022 by sharing a throwback photo of a younger Deacon playing the piano. It’s clear music runs in his veins, as Kelley later posted a sweet video of the Hollywood star and their son playing the guitar together in May 2022.
Deacon’s milestones didn’t stop there. In April 2023, Kelley celebrated her youngest son’s 17th birthday on Instagram, and now, at 18 years old, Deacon continues to shine.
In early November, his mom shared a touching update showing him back home from college. Notably, the photo revealed that Deacon has already outgrown Don, towering over him with easy confidence.“He’s so tall 😱,” one person commented. Another shared, “Wow. Handsome and tall. Blessings.”
Recently, Don had the pleasure of celebrating his 75th birthday surrounded by his beautiful family, and he took to Instagram to share, “My kids are my everything!!! Happy birthday to me!!!”
From Dakota’s Hollywood success and Grace’s rise in the fashion world to Jesse, Jasper, and Deacon forging their own unique paths, Don Johnson’s five children are each making their mark.
Whether in the spotlight or pursuing their passions privately, they share a strong bond with their father, who takes immense pride in their accomplishments.
