Below is a compiled list of the most interesting facts about Don Johnson. Check it out!
Best known for his starring role as Det. Sonny Crockett on the hugely successful TV series Miami Vice (1984), Don Johnson is one of the stars who really defined the 1980s. As James “Sonny” Crockett he went toe-to-toe with drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes, assassins, illegal arms-dealers and crooked cops on a weekly basis from 1984 to 1989, appearing in a grand total of 110 episodes. The show, which was executive-produced by four time Oscar-nominated director, producer and writer Michael Mann, paired Johnson with the equally cool Philip Michael Thomas as Det. Ricardo Tubbs and the calm and stoic presence of Edward James Olmos as Lt. Martin Castillo. It revolutionized television with its modern fashion, pop music, unique style and use of real locations. Johnson typically wore $1000 Armani, Versace and Hugo Boss suits over pastel cotton T-shirts, drove a Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona (later a Ferrari Testarossa) and lived on an Endeavour 42-foot sailboat named “St. Vitus’ Dance” with his pet alligator Elvis. He also had full use of an offshore powerboat. Still, “Miami Vice” had not only style but substance, and his portrayal of the Vietnam veteran turned vice detective turned Sonny Crockett into the world’s favorite cop. For his work on “Miami Vice” Johnson won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series in 1986, and was nominated in the same category a year later. He also picked up an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1985.
Interesting Facts about Don Johnson
- Was considered for the role of Horatio Caine on CSI: Miami (2002), which went to David Caruso.
- To maintain his perpetual two-day stubble on Miami Vice (1984), he shaved with a sideburn trimmer.
- Was considered for the role of Edward Deline on Las Vegas (2003), which went to James Caan.
- Beat out Nick Nolte, Jeff Bridges, Richard Dean Anderson, Mark Harmon, Larry Wilcox and Gary Cole for the role of Sonny Crockett on Miami Vice (1984).
- Robert Wagner served as best man at his wedding to Kelley Phleger.
- Was given a Ferrari Testarossa by Enzo Ferrari as an appreciation of his work on Miami Vice (1984).
- Ex-son-in-law of Tippi Hedren and Peter Griffith.
- Galco designed a special shoulder holster especially for him to use on Miami Vice (1984). This was called the “Miami Classic”. In the Galco Gunleather headquarters, there is a large display that contains the Miami Vice shoulder holster rig that Johnson wore, accompanied by an autographed photo of him.
- He and Miami Vice (1984) co-star John Diehl were investors in the boxing career of Mark Breland.
- He often arrived on the set of Miami Vice (1984) in his own powerboat, called “My Vice”.
- Best known by the public for his starring roles as Detective Sonny Crockett on Miami Vice (1984), and the title character on Nash Bridges (1996).
- Got his big break into stardom by starring in the controversial off-Broadway play “Fortune and Men’s Eyes”, which was directed by and starred Sal Mineo. The play, which featured a realistic rape scene in a men’s prison, generated plenty of press reviews due to the once taboo subject of homosexuality in the arts.
Personal Quotes by Don Johnson
London is one of the most enchanting places I’ve ever been on this planet.
Don Johnson
I consider myself an artist. God granted me some gifts so that I could express myself artistically.
Don Johnson
I do what I can to make young people understand that drugs can destroy their lives. I’m the perfect example of what people can accomplish when they have regained a sane body and spirit.
Don Johnson
I joined the PBA way before I should have because I heard a rumor they were going to limit the number of people who could get in.
Don Johnson
Let me just say, I’ve seen a pub or two.
Don Johnson
