Don Johnson's 5 Children: A Closer Look at Jesse, Dakota, Atherton, Jasper, and Deacon
- Celebrity
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- UPDATED MAY 10, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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Don Johnson has always been proud of his five children. His journey into fatherhood began with actress Patti D’Arbanville, welcoming their son Jesse Wayne in 1982. Johnson later credited the newborn with turning his life around. By 1989, Johnson became a father again, this time to his first daughter, Dakota Mayi, with Melanie Griffith. Although the pair had married and divorced over a decade earlier, they reconciled, and soon after remarrying, they welcomed Dakota. Despite eventually parting ways with Griffith, Johnson found lasting love with Kelley Phleger. The couple, who married in 1999, have three children together: Atherton Grace, Jasper Breckenridge, and Deacon James.
Reflecting on his role as a father, Johnson once admitted he was more relaxed with his younger children but just as thrilled to watch his family grow. “I love kids, so it’s more good times, more joy, and more fun. It’s no less exciting this time than it was the first time,” he told OK! Magazine after his youngest son’s birth in 2006.
Jesse Wayne Johnson, 42
Don’s first child, Jesse, was born on December 7, 1982, in Los Angeles, during his relationship with Patti D’Arbanville. In the late 1970s, Johnson struggled with substance abuse, but the birth of Jesse was a turning point. He once recalled a morning when he realized he needed to change, eventually seeking help through Alcoholics Anonymous and achieving sobriety. Jesse grew up in Aspen, Colorado, where he developed a love for the outdoors. While he eventually joined the entertainment world, he kept a relatively low profile.
Dakota Mayi Johnson, 35
Johnson and Melanie Griffith welcomed Dakota on October 4, 1989, in Austin, Texas. Her early years were marked by constant travel due to her parents’ acting careers, leading her to describe her childhood as “consistently unmoored.” Despite the instability, Dakota eventually found her footing in acting and became a successful actress in her own right.
Atherton Grace Johnson, 25
Grace, born on December 28, 1999, is Johnson’s first child with wife Kelley Phleger. Raised away from the spotlight in Santa Barbara, Grace pursued photography, studying at the University of Southern California. She also explored modeling, making her runway debut in 2019 and maintaining a close bond with her sister Dakota.
Jasper Breckenridge Johnson, 22
Born on June 6, 2002, Jasper grew up in Santa Barbara and dedicated much of his youth to sports, particularly basketball. He played varsity basketball in high school and maintained a relatively private life, focusing on his education and athletics.
Deacon James Johnson, 19
The youngest of the Johnson siblings, Deacon was born on April 29, 2006, coinciding with his parents’ seventh wedding anniversary. Like his siblings, Deacon grew up in Santa Barbara, balancing academics, music, and sports. In his early teens, he developed interests in piano, guitar, and athletics.
Don Johnson and Kelley Phleger’s Love Story
Don Johnson has been married to Kelley Phleger for over two decades. They tied the knot in 1999 and have built a strong, enduring partnership rooted in kindness, trust, and respect. Johnson once shared that a conversation with Bob Dylan reminded him that love is about “kindness, trust, and respect,” values that define his relationship with Phleger. Their bond remains strong, a testament to their shared values and deep connection.
