Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith met on the set of The Harrad Experiment when she was 14, and he was 22 in 1972. Griffith, daughter of the actress Tippi Hedren, was 15 when she started seeing Johnson. They shacked up together when she was 15, and he was 23. They became engaged when she turned 18 years old. They tied the knot in a spur-of-the-moment Las Vegas ceremony in January 1976.
First Marriage and Early Challenges
The first marriage wasn’t even six months long. Johnson confessed to cheating, plowing previous Miss World Marjorie Wallace the night before their marriage. Griffith had a long history of issues with drugs and alcohol in their marriage. They divorced in July 1976.
Separate Paths and Personal Growth
Griffith then tied the knot with actor Steven Bauer in 1981 after her divorce. They had a son, Alex, in 1985 but split four years later. Johnson had a son, Jesse, in 1982 from actress Patti D’Arbanville. During this time, both forged acting careers successfully.
Rekindling the Romance and Remarrying
Griffith and Johnson got back together in 1989. And they swapped vows on June 26, 1989, at their Aspen ranch, in an intimate ceremony. His sons from a prior relationship acted as ring-bearers. Their daughter, Dakota Johnson, was born on October 4, 1989.
Struggles and Final Separation
Although they rededicated themselves to it, the issues remained. Griffith continued to struggle with drug abuse and spent months in rehab. Johnson’s infidelities were also reflected on. The couple split in March 1994, reconciled later that same year, and then separated again in May 1995. The two divorced in 1996.
Life After Divorce and Co-Parenting
Both actors married again after the divorce. Griffith wed Antonio Banderas in 1996 and had a daughter, Stella, before divorcing in 2015. Johnson married Kelley Phleger in 1999 and they have three children together. Griffith and Johnson remained on friendly terms, getting together with family for celebrations.
Legacy and Family Ties
Their daughter, Dakota Johnson, has enjoyed her own Hollywood success, starring in the hit film Fifty Shades of Grey. Griffith and Johnson’s long-term friendship shows their dedication to co-parenting and family togetherness.
