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Don Johnson's Five Kids: The Shocking Financial Rule That Launched Dakota Johnson's Career And Where His Other Children Are Now

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The legendary Hollywood actor Don Johnson, best known for his iconic roles in *Miami Vice* and *Nash Bridges*, is a proud father to five biological children from three different relationships. As of December 2025, his children range in age from 19 to 43, forming a diverse and talented family that spans the worlds of acting, fashion, and education. While the spotlight often shines brightest on his eldest daughter, Dakota Johnson, the careers and lives of his other children—Jesse, Grace, Jasper, and Deacon—are equally compelling and continue to evolve. This deep dive offers the most current and updated profile of Don Johnson's offspring, exploring their mothers, their current careers, and the surprising family rule that forced one of them to become financially independent and ultimately jumpstart her path to global stardom.

Don Johnson's Five Biological Children: A Full Family Biography (December 2025)

Don Johnson has been married five times to four different women, but his five biological children come from three significant relationships: actress Patti D'Arbanville, actress Melanie Griffith, and his current wife, former teacher Kelley Phleger. The following is a complete biographical list of his five children, including their mothers and current ages.

  • Jesse Wayne Johnson
    • Mother: Patti D'Arbanville (Partnered 1981–1985)
    • Born: December 7, 1982
    • Age (Dec 2025): 43
    • Profession: Actor, Musician
  • Dakota Mayi Johnson
    • Mother: Melanie Griffith (Married 1989–1996)
    • Born: October 4, 1989
    • Age (Dec 2025): 36
    • Profession: Actress, Producer
  • Atherton Grace Johnson (Grace Johnson)
    • Mother: Kelley Phleger (Married 1999–Present)
    • Born: December 28, 1999
    • Age (Dec 2025): 25
    • Profession: Fashion Model, Artist
  • Jasper Breckenridge Johnson
    • Mother: Kelley Phleger (Married 1999–Present)
    • Born: June 6, 2002
    • Age (Dec 2025): 23
    • Profession: Student/Emerging Artist
  • Deacon James Johnson
    • Mother: Kelley Phleger (Married 1999–Present)
    • Born: April 29, 2006
    • Age (Dec 2025): 19
    • Profession: Student/Emerging Talent

It is also worth noting that Don Johnson adopted Alexander Bauer, Melanie Griffith’s son from a previous marriage to Steven Bauer, making him a half-sibling to Dakota and a step-son to Don.

The 'Family Payroll' Rule That Shocked Dakota Johnson into Stardom

One of the most talked-about stories regarding Don Johnson’s parenting philosophy is the strict financial rule he enforced, which directly impacted his daughter, Dakota Johnson.

The Rule: Stay in School or Get Off the Payroll. Don Johnson famously revealed on *Late Night with Seth Meyers* that he had a simple, non-negotiable rule for all his children: if they chose not to pursue a college education, they would be immediately cut off from the family’s financial support.

When Dakota Johnson decided to forgo college after high school, her father asked her how she would support herself. Her response was a declaration that she would "figure it out."

This financial cutoff, which happened when she was 18, became the catalyst for her career. Dakota was forced to take on acting roles to pay her own way, a decision that led her down the path to becoming a global star in films like *Fifty Shades of Grey*, *Suspiria*, and *The High Note*.

Don Johnson has consistently defended the rule, stating that it was intended to instill a strong work ethic and a sense of financial independence in his children.

The Next Generation: From Actor-Musicians to High Fashion Models

While Dakota Johnson remains the most globally recognizable of the Johnson children, her siblings have forged impressive and distinct paths in their own right, demonstrating the family's deep-seated creative and artistic genes.

Jesse Wayne Johnson: The Actor and Musician

Jesse Wayne Johnson, Don’s eldest son, was the first of the children to follow his parents, Don Johnson and Patti D'Arbanville, into the world of acting.

Jesse is a seasoned actor known for his roles in television and film, including a recurring role in the critically acclaimed series *Twin Peaks*.

Beyond acting, Jesse is also a talented musician. He has maintained a steady career in Hollywood, often taking on supporting roles that showcase his versatility.

Atherton Grace Johnson: The Rising Fashion Model

Atherton Grace Johnson, who prefers to go by Grace, has found her niche in the high-fashion world. Unlike her famous siblings who chose the silver screen, Grace has established herself as a successful fashion model.

As of 2025, she is actively signed with major modeling agencies and has been featured on prominent fashion platforms like Models.com and Tagwalk, walking in shows and campaigns that mark her as a serious player in the industry.

She is the first child Don Johnson shares with his current wife, Kelley Phleger, a former Montessori nursery school teacher and San Francisco socialite who provides a stable, non-Hollywood anchor for the younger children.

Jasper and Deacon Johnson: The Youngest Generation

The two youngest sons, Jasper Breckenridge Johnson and Deacon James Johnson, are still navigating their late teens and early twenties.

Jasper, born in 2002, and Deacon, born in 2006, are often seen in rare family photos shared by their father and mother, Kelley Phleger, at public events like baseball games.

While Deacon is still a teenager, he has been described in some outlets as an "emerging talent" and a "rising star," suggesting he may be the next of the Johnson children to pursue a career in the public eye, though his exact path remains private for now.

The Enduring Legacy: Don Johnson's Family Tree

The lives of Don Johnson’s children are a testament to his complex and enduring Hollywood legacy. From the early career of Jesse with Patti D'Arbanville, to the globally recognized success of Dakota with Melanie Griffith, and the burgeoning careers of Grace, Jasper, and Deacon with Kelley Phleger, the Johnson family tree is a fascinating study in generational talent.

The "family payroll" story serves as a powerful anecdote of Don Johnson’s tough-love parenting style, which ultimately pushed his children towards self-reliance and success. His commitment to his family, despite the public nature of his relationships, remains a constant theme in his life, ensuring that the Johnson name continues to be synonymous with Hollywood's elite.

don johnson kids
don johnson kids

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