Dakota Johnson reveals 'scary' childhood in spotlight as Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson's daughter
Share and Follow

Growing up in the spotlight with renowned parents, Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, as well as her stepfather Antonio Banderas, Dakota Johnson experienced the unique world of Hollywood from an early age. This upbringing left a lasting impression on her, with both positive and challenging aspects.

“I never fully grasped the concept of Hollywood, but I was raised on film sets and constantly surrounded by filmmakers,” Johnson shared with Vogue Germany in their November issue. “I was even born in Texas because my father was shooting a movie there.”

The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star revealed that she was always aware her family’s career was unlike that of her peers, whose parents typically worked in traditional office jobs.

“It was challenging to form and maintain friendships because of the constant travel during my childhood,” she explained. “However, I always accepted it as our way of life. It’s in our DNA.”

Influenced by her family’s legacy, Johnson knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue acting and be a part of the industry that had surrounded her throughout her upbringing.

“As a child, I was obsessed with movies,” she told Vogue. “I was the kid who watched the same thing over and over again for a year. I think that shapes your imagination and what you think is possible for yourself, especially when you watch movies with other children, like ‘Mary Poppins’ or ‘Home Alone.’”

Johnson’s parents, however, didn’t allow her to act as a child until she graduated from high school, with the exception of a small role with her mother in the 1999 film “Crazy in Alabama.”

Despite all the positive exposure to a creative industry, having famous parents could be unsettling as a child. 

“When I was little, there were times when it was really quite scary, and people would aggressively and physically try to get to my mom when we were just going to the supermarket or something,” she said, adding, “If you accept that as normal as a little kid, it can lead to a lot of complexes.”

She continued, “And then, of course, the fact that you’re in the public eye and the world knows about your private life in a way that’s very invasive, rude, and painful. So, yes, there are downsides, but there are also incredible upsides—like with everything, I think.”

Griffith, who is best known for 1988’s “Working Girl,” married Don Johnson, of “Miami Vice” fame in 1976, which lasted six months. They married a second time in 1989, shortly before Dakota was born, and divorced in 1996. 

Griffith married Banderas in 1996, and they divorced in 2015. 

Dakota Johnson has never been married. She was in a long-term relationship with “Coldplay” frontman Chris Martin until this year.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Thousands of dollars worth of teaching equipment stolen from Minds of the Future Academy

Shocking Theft: Minds of the Future Academy Loses Thousands in Crucial Teaching Equipment Heist

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Minds of the Future Academy faced an unexpected…
Jim Beam pausing production at main Kentucky distillery for a year

Jim Beam Halts Kentucky Distillery Operations for One Year: Impact on Bourbon Lovers and Local Economy

Jim Beam has announced a temporary halt in bourbon production at its…
Israeli diaspora minister says Australia should have seen 'writing on the wall' before terror attack

Israeli Minister Criticizes Australia’s Oversight Before Terror Attack: Calls for Proactive Measures

Amidst the tragic aftermath of a terror attack that claimed 15 lives…
Former classmate says suspect in Brown, MIT killings was ‘socially awkward’ and ‘angry’ during college years

Former Classmate Describes Brown and MIT Murder Suspect as ‘Socially Awkward’ and ‘Angry’ During College Years

A former schoolmate of the alleged shooter involved in the tragic Brown…
J.T. Miller set to miss multiple Rangers games with injury

J.T. Miller sidelined for several Rangers games due to injury

NASHVILLE — The Rangers are facing a temporary setback as their captain,…
Yale professor’s father charged in mother’s decades-old murder, says he ‘used me as bait’: report

Father of Yale professor charged in decades-old murder of her mother, allegedly used daughter as ‘bait’: Report

A Yale professor has broken her silence following the arrest of her…
‘It: Chapter Two’ and 'The Wire' star James Ransone has died

Beloved Actor James Ransone, Known for ‘It: Chapter Two’ and ‘The Wire,’ Passes Away

James Ransone, known for his memorable roles in horror films and television…
Why falling asleep on the couch could be ruining your holiday sleep

Discover How Couch Naps May Be Sabotaging Your Holiday Rest: Expert Tips to Improve Sleep Quality

LOS ANGELES — As the holiday season approaches, finding a restful night’s…