ACTOR · BORN 1949

Don Johnson

Born

15 December 1949, Flat Creek, Missouri, USA

Known for

Django Unchained (2012), Knives Out (2019), The Other Woman (2014), Machete (2010)

50 archived facts · 7 topics · 1 source · Last reviewed Sep 2026

18 Interesting Facts About Don Johnson

1. #001

   Legendary fashion designer Gianni Versace cited Don Johnson and his on-screen alter ego Sonny Crockett as inspirations. Versace once said, "The first person I dressed in Miami was Don Johnson," underlining Johnson's status as a style icon. The remark highlights Johnson's influence on the fashion world in the 1980s and shows that he was not only an actor but also a fashion phenomenon.

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2. #005

   In the 1970s, Don Johnson wrote songs together with Dickey Betts, former guitarist and singer of The Allman Brothers Band. Many of the pieces that came out of this collaboration were recorded by The Allman Brothers Band, one of the era's major rock groups. Johnson's connection to music shows that he was a versatile artist, and by displaying his talents in music alongside acting he left his mark on the music world as well.

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3. #008

   During pre-production on Miami Vice (1984), Don Johnson wanted his character Sonny Crockett to look more like a cowboy and therefore suggested baggy jeans, a V-neck sweater and cowboy boots. Producer Michael Mann and costume designer Jodie Lynn Tillen, however, envisioned Crockett more as a beach bum. Johnson was worried whether the heavy use of pastel and bright colors would suit his character's macho and serious personality, but he agreed after the pair's efforts to persuade him. The decision made Johnson one of the biggest fashion icons of the 1980s and played an important role in shaping the series' visual identity.

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4. #009

   Don Johnson was among the names considered for the role of John McClane in Die Hard (1988), one of the classics of action cinema. The role ultimately went to Bruce Willis, giving Willis a major leap in his career. Missing out on the part could have been a turning point in Johnson's film career, but he continued to make his name through his success in television, and the episode is remembered as an example of how important it is to find the right role in Hollywood.

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5. #012

   Don Johnson and Tom Cruise became the most important faces of the Ray-Ban sunglasses brand in the 1980s. Neither appeared in official campaigns, but through product placement strategies in films and series they greatly increased Ray-Ban's sales. Johnson wore many different Ray-Ban models in Miami Vice (1984), especially the Wayfarer model known as Model L2052, Mock Tortoise. That model pushed Ray-Ban's sales to 720,000 units in 1984 and played a key role in the brand's global success, and Johnson's on-screen choice fundamentally changed sunglasses fashion.

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6. #013

   Don Johnson feels a deep attachment to Vietnamese culture and owns a small island off the country's southern coast. The island is a special escape for him, and in May 1999 he spent his honeymoon there with his wife Kelley. Johnson's interest in Vietnam shows that he is not only an actor but also a cosmopolitan person curious about different cultures, and this bond holds an important place in his personal life.

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7. #015

   Don Johnson was among the names considered for the role of Eliot Ness in The Untouchables (1987), but the part went to his good friend Kevin Costner. For Costner the role was a turning point that placed him among Hollywood's stars. Missing out on the part led Johnson to move in a different direction in his film career, though his success on television continued, and the episode once again showed the importance of being on the right project at the right time in Hollywood.

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8. #020

   Don Johnson also scored major successes in his music career. He had three hits on the Billboard Hot 100: "Heartbeat" (US #6, 1986), "Heartache Away" (US #56, 1986) and "Til I Loved You" (US #25, 1989), a duet with Barbra Streisand. These songs proved him a versatile artist and made his name in the music world as well, showing his artistic talents to a wide audience alongside his acting.

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9. #022

   Don Johnson was the person who came up with the idea for the series Las Vegas (2003) and planned to produce and star in it himself. The series was initially to be titled "Casino Eye," but the project was later realized under the name Las Vegas. Johnson wanted to serve as both producer and actor on the project, but the series ultimately aired with a different cast. Even so, Johnson's vision laid the groundwork for an important production in the world of television.

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10. #023

    To maintain the perpetual two-day stubble of his character Sonny Crockett on Miami Vice (1984), Don Johnson used his favorite razor. This detail showed his commitment to his character and the importance he placed on his appearance. Johnson's habit became part of the series' iconic visual style and was imitated by many of his fans. Such small details reveal his professionalism and dedication to his role.

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11. #025

    Galco designed a special shoulder holster for Don Johnson to use on Miami Vice (1984). The holster became known as the "Miami Classic" and quickly gained popularity. At the Galco Gunleather headquarters, the shoulder holster rig Johnson wore and a signed photograph of him are displayed in a large exhibition. The exhibition immortalizes Johnson's contribution to the series and his collaboration with Galco. Johnson's use of the holster also influenced his style and the way his character carried a gun.

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12. #028

    When Don Johnson married Kelley Phleger, his close friend Robert Wagner served as best man at the wedding. Wagner, one of Hollywood's major figures, held an important place in Johnson's life. The gesture laid bare the strong friendship between the two. Wagner taking on this role at Johnson's wedding shows how solid his ties in his social circle were.

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13. #031

    While filming the pool-hall scene in Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man (1991), Don Johnson accidentally knocked out his co-star Branscombe Richmond with a billiard ball. The accident was an unexpected event on set and caused Johnson distress. Fortunately Richmond came to shortly afterward and filming continued. The incident is remembered as an example of how risky action scenes can be.

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14. #040

    Don Johnson holds the distinction of being the first actor to use a Glock pistol in any medium. He earned this distinction by using the weapon on Miami Vice (1984). Johnson's choice played an important role in popularizing the Glock and contributed to the weapon becoming a cultural icon. This detail shows how influential his on-screen image was.

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15. #041

    Don Johnson has said he believes he is finished with police series, though he does not rule out joining a show with "international scope and global character." The statement suggests he is seeking new directions in his career. Although Johnson delivered successful work in the crime genre for many years, he says he is open to proving himself in different genres as well, a stance that reflects the importance he places on artistic variety.

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16. #043

    Don Johnson was exempt from being drafted during the Vietnam War. The exact reason for the exemption is not known, but it is known that Johnson did not serve in the military during this period. This allowed him to focus on his career and advance as an actor, and his experiences during this time hold an important place in his life.

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17. #046

    Don Johnson attended Wichita South High School in Wichita, Kansas, and graduated in 1967. His high school education was an important turning point in his youth, and it was there that his interest in theater took root. After high school, Johnson went on to the University of Kansas, where he further developed his artistic talents. This education gave him a solid foundation for his career.

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18. #049

    In 2008, Don Johnson began developing sports-themed television series with the acclaimed director and screenwriter Ron Shelton. The collaboration shows Johnson's desire to break new ground in the television world. Shelton was a name known especially for sports films, and the partnership promised innovative productions combining the worlds of sports and entertainment. The venture reveals Johnson's wish to open a new chapter in his career.

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