Meet Don Johnson’s Children, Ages 18 to 42 – Photos

Audiences have loved Don Johnson for many years. However, his most important role is that of being a father. Known for playing cool characters on screen, the actor has also created a happy and loving family while enjoying a successful career.

Ranging in age from 18 to 42, Don’s biological kids have each made their mark, whether in Hollywood, fashion, or their private pursuits. Here’s a closer look at the actor’s five grown-up children.

Jesse Wayne Johnson

He’s the eldest child and 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 and developed a love for athleticism and adventure.

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 […].”

However, his early years were not without challenges. When he was born, 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.”

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 was committed to fatherhood.

Jesse, meanwhile, grew to follow in his father’s footsteps. 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.

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!”Âone social media user commented. Another shared, “Wow, you look like a younger version of your Dad #twinning.”

Jesse followed the selfie with a snap of him and his famous dad, proving exactly where he got his good looks. “A carbon copy,”Âone person said in reaction to the post of the father-son duo. Another person typed, “Don with the strongest genes.”

Dakota Mayi Johnson

Dakota Mayi Johnson, Don’s second child and daughter with actress Melanie Griffith — whose son, Alexander Bauer, he officially adopted — 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.”

Growing up with famous parents also came with its challenges. Dakota recalled understanding her parents’ fame from a young age and the impact 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.

Despite being surrounded by the industry, Don and Melanie initially discouraged their daughter from pursuing acting. Dakota revealed her lifelong passion when asked about her decision to follow in her parents’ footsteps, “I couldn’t wait because I grew up on set.”

“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.

Even though they discouraged her, 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 place in Hollywood was unstoppable.

The actress’s breakout role came in 2010 with “The Social Network,” but her portrayal of Anastasia Steele in the “Fifty Shades of Grey” series 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, she is Don’s daughter with his wife, Kelley Phleger. Known 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 runway, showcasing her poise and elegance. In 2021, Grace walked in Gucci’s Love Parade show, a star-studded event celebrating fashion and Hollywood glamor.

In 2024, Grace 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.

Jasper Breckenridge Johnson

Don and Kelley’s eldest son together has taken a different path. Born in June 2002, he has become a talented athlete, passionate about basketball.

In 2020, Jesse shared a clip showcasing Jasper’s impressive skills on the court, earning praise for his undeniable talent. Don, 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

Don and Kelley’s youngest child and second son 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,”Âone 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 was towering over Don.“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 following their dreams, Don Johnson’s five children are each making their mark in life.

Whether in the spotlight or pursuing their passions privately, they share a strong bond with their father, who takes immense pride in their accomplishments.