The “Hot Spot” star, who has enjoyed over 50 years in the entertainment industry, struck a pose with his kids while he was already in party mode, sporting a fedora hat.
On December 15, 2024, as he celebrated his 75th birthday, Don Johnson shared a rare photo with all his children. Fans quickly filled the comment section, noting how one of his sons was the spitting image of him.
A fan comments on the strong resemblance between Don Johnson and his son, Jesse, from photo shared as the actor turns 75, dated December 15, 2024 | Source: Facebook/peoplemag
The “Miami Vice” actor captioned the post, “My Kids are my Everything!!! Happy Birthday to me!!!” In the picture, Don was wearing a fedora hat, scarf, and coat as he and his family posed on a staircase adorned with Christmas decorations.
He was joined by his wife, Kelley Phleger, who wore a black dress with an embroidered collar, and their three children, Grace, 24, Jasper, 22, and Deacon, 18. Also present was his daughter, Dakota, 35, from his marriage to Melanie Griffith, and his son, Jesse, 42, from his relationship with actress Patti D’Arbanville.
Don Johnson and Kelley Phleger attend the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, on September 15, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Melanie’s son, Alexander, was also part of the stunning snap. Melanie shares Alexander with actor Steven Bauer but Don considers him one of his own, as he officially adopted him during their marriage. Stella Banderas, Melanie’s daughter with Antonio Banderas, who is also frequently seen at family gatherings, was also in the photo.
Don Johnson at ABC’s 58th Annual CMA Awards on November 28, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fans loved seeing Don’s family, particularly marveling at his son, Jesse Johnson, who they noted looks just like him. One fan was quick to point out the striking resemblance, “Top left is don’s [sic] carbon copy.”Another admirer concurred, “Top left son is your identical twin! Beautiful, blessed many times over & over!”
Don Johnson and Jesse Johnson at the Los Angeles premiere of “The Hateful Eight” at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, California, on December 7, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
One fan couldn’t hide their surprise, asking, “Those are all your kids?😮 Happy Birthday to you. 🥳 Btw, top left is your twin.” Someone else humorously noted the undeniable likeness, “He has some strong genes. Especially the son up top on the left. He couldn’t be on Maury saying that he is not the father. Nice picture.”
Don Johnson and Jesse Johnson in Cannes, 2001 | Source: Getty Images
The comparison continued with one fan remarking, “Jesse looks like Don circa 1984” and another writing, “Wow. His one son is his twin!!”The resemblance drew even more laughs and admiration, as another exclaimed, “They’re his clones! 😂😍.”
Don Johnson for “Miami Vice” in 1984 | Source: Getty Images
Compliments also poured in for the family, including,“Gorgeous kids you have! 🎁 Happy Birthday 🥳.” and “Very handsome sons 😍.”
Jesse Johnson at the premiere of Showtime’s “Twin Peaks” at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on May 19, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Jesse, who was born on December 7, 1982, is an actor like his father. Some of the productions he has featured in are “Chapman,” Twin Peaks,” “Redline,” “Law & Order: LA” and “From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series.”
Jesse is also a multi-talented producer, musician, and a member of the band, Blame Baby. The band debuted their EP, “Honest Answers to Your Most Private Questions,” in October 2020, following their first single, “Headcase,” which was released in September 2019.
In 2021, Jesse announced new music, sharing with his followers, “Earlier this year @tjwheetman, @taylorwilliamhale and I went into the studio and made a thing. It’s called Trésjeté. Spotify link in bio. Enjoy.”
Creativity runs in Don’s family’s blood, and it was on full display during their 2024 Thanksgiving gathering. In a video posted by Don, his sons were seen playing guitars and singing in the living room, while others relaxed on the carpet or were glued to their phones.
The heartfelt family moment was captioned, “All of my Son’s [sic] have guitar’s in their hands…Thanksgiving’s ho down! ‘Lord ya know it makes me high when you turn your love my way…’ I Love You @dickeybettsofficial RIP ol Pal…”
It’s clear from moments like these that Don Johnson showcases the pride and love he has for his children, celebrating their creativity and the bond they share. He has also come a long way to become a better father and role model for his kids.
At the time of Jesse’s birth, Don was struggling with addiction. In a 1984 interview, the actor admitted to a pivotal moment that changed his life.One morning, as Jesses’s mom, Patti, sat feeding him 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.”
Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith with their son Jesse Johnson at the 2nd Annual American Teacher Awards in 1991. | 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.
Don and Jesse Johnson at the premiere of “Tin Cup” in Westwood, California, in 1996. | Source: Getty Images
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’s son’s winter months were spent on the ice playing hockey, while summers were filled with mountain biking and whitewater kayaking.
Jesse Johnson at the 37th Annual AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2009. | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, just like his dad, his passion turned toward the arts, particularly acting, where he is making his own mark.