Actor Don Johnson has opened up about the financial struggles he faced before finding success in his breakthrough role as Detective James “Sonny” Crockett in the popular ’80s crime drama series “Miami Vice.” In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, Johnson revealed that he moved to Los Angeles in 1969 and endured years of forgettable roles and unsuccessful TV pilots. He lived below the national poverty level for 15 years.
During this time, Johnson appeared in various television shows and movies, including “The Magic Garden of Stanley Sweetheart” and “Kung Fu.” However, it wasn’t until his friend Joe Cortese introduced him to a script for a promising television show called “Miami Vice” that things started to turn around. After reading the pilot script, Johnson felt an immediate connection to the character and auditioned for the lead role.
Although there were delays with the project, Johnson was eventually cast in an indie war drama called “Cease Fire.” Just as he finished filming that movie, he received a call from Tony Yerkovich, the creator of “Miami Vice,” offering him the part. Despite being annoyed by the process, Johnson seamlessly slipped into his iconic role.
“Miami Vice” premiered on September 16, 1984, receiving critical acclaim. The series went on to win four Emmy Awards in 1985 and earned Johnson his first Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series—Drama. During his acceptance speech at the awards show ceremony, he humorously referred to it as a sympathy vote.
Following his success on “Miami Vice,” Johnson continued to make a name for himself in Hollywood. He starred alongside Philip Michael Thomas as Detective Ricardo Tubbs for five seasons until 1989 when the show concluded. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films such as “Tin Cup,” “Django Unchained,” and most recently starred in Netflix’s thriller film ”Rebel Ridge.”
Reflecting on his journey since appearing on “Miami Vice,” Don Johnson expressed pride at being able to separate himself from Sonny Crockett’s iconic character and continue building an impressive career.
