Dakota Johnson biography, parents, net worth, boyfriend, height, age 2025

Biography of Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson is an American actress who shot to fame playing Anastasia Steele, the love interest of a billionaire, in the erotic drama "Fifty Shades of Grey."

Early Life and Family

Born in Texas into an acting dynasty, Dakota has Norwegian, English, Swedish, and German heritage. Her father, Don Johnson, is a renowned television actor who has also played supporting roles in notable films like "Tin Cup" and Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained." Her mother, Melanie Griffith, was a major star of American cinema during the 1990s.

Melanie's parents were also part of the acting profession. Dakota's grandmother, Tippi Hedren, featured in Alfred Hitchcock's iconic film "The Birds," while her grandfather, Peter Griffith, performed on Broadway.

Dakota Johnson's Grandmother Starred in Hitchcock's Films

Dakota's parents, Don and Melanie, first crossed paths when Don was 22 and Melanie was only 14. The age difference didn't bother anyone in the family. They began dating and eventually married when Melanie turned 18. However, the marriage was short-lived; by 1980 Melanie had married Steven Bauer (Manolo Ribera in "Scarface"). Yet, Melanie reunited with Don in 1989, and Dakota was born.

Their relationship couldn't be repaired, leading to another divorce. In 1996, Melanie left Don for Antonio Banderas, making Dakota's childhood home the residence of a heartthrob adored by millions of women.

In Childhood, Dakota Johnson Was a Late Bloomer

Dakota has half-siblings; an older brother named Alexander, whose father is Steven Bauer, and a younger half-sister, Stella del Carmen, the daughter of Griffith and Banderas.

Dakota Johnson with Her Mother, Stepfather, and Sister

Educated at Aspen Community School, Dakota developed a passion for dancing during her school years. Like many celebrity kids, she tried modeling during her teenage years, featuring in a photoshoot for "Teen Vogue." This experience sparked her decision to pursue a career in modeling.

In 2004, Dakota Johnson Posed for Teen Vogue

Initial Roles

Dakota Johnson made her film debut at just 10 years old in the comedy "Crazy in Alabama," playing Sondra. Directed by her stepfather Antonio Banderas, and featuring her mother Melanie Griffith in the lead role, so it made perfect sense that Johnson and her sister Stella were cast as the main character's children.

Dakota Johnson's first role in 'Crazy in Alabama,' 1999

At 17, Johnson signed with the prestigious IMG Models agency. In 2009, she became the face of the fashion brand MANGO, specifically endorsing their denim line.

In 2010, Johnson was featured in David Fincher's biographical drama "The Social Network," playing the supporting role of Amelia Ritter. She shared scenes with pop icon Justin Timberlake. That same year, Nylon Magazine named her one of the "55 Faces of the Future."

In 2011, Johnson showcased her versatility with roles in two films: the romantic drama "Beastly" and the dark comedy "Goats," where she acted alongside David Duchovny.

A 10-Year-Old Dakota Johnson

By 2012, Johnson had already landed roles in four projects: comedies "21 Jump Street" (as Fugazy), "The Five-Year Engagement" (as Audrey), "Gay Dude" (as Em), and the TV series "Ben and Kate," where she landed the starring role of Kate Fox.

A scene from the TV series 'Ben and Kate'

Fifty Shades of Grey

When Sam Taylor-Johnson took on the film adaptation of E.L. James' erotic novel "Fifty Shades of Grey," she faced countless challenges. Finding the right actress for the lead role was especially tough. Many actresses had serious doubts about the project and quickly sent the scripts back.

The search for an actress to play Anastasia was lengthy

Elizabeth Olsen turned down the audition after reading the book, saying, "This will only appeal to porn fans." Shailene Woodley was busy with "Divergent," and also found the submissive Anastasia Steele annoying. Felicity Jones, the star of the blockbuster "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," flat-out refused to do explicit bedroom scenes.

Confessions from Fifty Shades» Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson

Lucy Hale from the TV series "Pretty Little Liars" agreed to audition but got nervous during the casting process and didn't land the role. Daveigh Chase was dismissed due to her youthful appearance. In the end, Dakota Johnson got the part because she was comfortable doing intimate scenes.

Dakota Johnson became Anastasia because she agreed to everything

The controversial film follows a 21-year-old philology student who, through a twist of fate, ends up interviewing young millionaire Christian Grey for her journalist friend. Like magic, the handsome rich man becomes obsessed with the awkward, shy young woman. But Grey has a dark secret—he gets off on hurting women.

A shot from the movie Fifty Shades of Grey

Fans of the book were disappointed with the movie, arguing that Johnson was wrong for Anastasia Steele because of her age and lack of appeal for the role. Fans favored Alexis Bledel of "Gilmore Girls" and Matt Bomer of "White Collar" to portray Anastasia and Christian, rather than Johnson and Jamie Dornan.

In February 2017, the sequel "Fifty Shades Darker" hit theaters, showing the developing romance between Anastasia and Christian, with her now demanding freedom from all romantic restrictions.

Fifty Shades Darker - Official Trailer

February 2018 brought the finale of this steamy saga with "Fifty Shades Freed."

While Anastasia and Christian's story is over, Johnson definitely isn't hurting for work. In 2018, she collaborated with Chris Hemsworth on the thriller "Bad Times at the El Royale," and joined forces with Chloë Grace Moretz and Tilda Swinton in the horror film "Suspiria." That same year, she appeared alongside Shia LaBeouf in the adventure comedy "The Peanut Butter Falcon."

Dakota Johnson on the set of the movie "Suspiria"

The Personal Life of Dakota Johnson

In 2007, Johnson entered a month-long rehab program for alcohol and drug addiction. This wasn't entirely surprising given her mother's history with cocaine and her father's well-documented drinking.

Substance abuse is not uncommon among children of famous parents

Johnson previously dated Noah Gersh, guitarist for the band Portugal. The Man.

In 2012, she began dating actor Jordan Masterson. However, her role in "Fifty Shades of Grey" created tension; Masterson wasn't comfortable with the steamy scenes she'd be filming. Plus, he was a Scientologist, which Johnson didn't share.

Dakota Johnson and Jordan Masterson dated for two years

From 2014 to 2016, Johnson was in a relationship with singer Matthew Hitt, the frontman for The Drowners. Ironically, they split while she was filming "How to Be Single" – talk about life imitating art.

Dakota Johnson has a penchant for musicians (pictured with Matt Hitt)

When filming began on the "Fifty Shades" sequel, tabloids buzzed about a possible "on-set romance" between Johnson and co-star Jamie Dornan. But their relationship stayed strictly professional – Dornan is happily married with kids.

In December 2017, reports emerged of Johnson's relationship with Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay. Her mother confirmed the romance in May 2018, saying she adores Martin but asking for her daughter's privacy to be respected. In June 2019, the couple announced their separation. Insiders said Martin wanted kids, something Johnson wasn't ready for yet.

But just a month later, they were spotted together again, and the breakup rumors have stayed quiet since. During a London concert in October 2021, Martin referred to Johnson as his universe. She often joins him on tour when her schedule allows, and he returns the favor by showing up on her film sets, like "Madame Web."

Dakota Johnson made a music video for Coldplay

Dakota Johnson Now

The actress has been expanding into different creative territories. She directed the music video for Coldplay's "Cry Cry Cry" and is co-producing upcoming films "Am I OK?" and "Cha Cha Real Smooth," in which she also stars. Johnson even portrayed herself in the thriller "The Nowhere Inn."

She secured the leading role in the Netflix adaptation of Jane Austen's "Persuasion," released in July 2022.

In early 2022, Johnson was cast as Cassandra Webb in "Madame Web," an upcoming superhero blockbuster from Sony, slated for a February 2024 release. "It's been an extraordinary experience! Right after that, I jumped into one of the more intimate projects through my own production company, giving me a taste of cinema's different sides," Johnson shared after wrapping up filming.

Dakota Johnson on the set of 'Madame Web'

Jeremiah Julian Watson

Incredibly attractive :) I hope I`ll see more movies with her.

2021-05-06 20:37:15
Sarah Murphy

I don`t understand all these talks about Dakota as an actress. Did she play in a lot of movies and has many awards? Nothing of the sort.

2021-05-05 20:49:44
Rodney Rice

The one fortunate role (it`s doubting) and a lot of buzz around another `falling star`.

2021-04-25 19:07:01
Jackie Brooks

I`m delighted with Dakota in `Fifty Shades of Grey`. To give a message full of emotions can do only a talented actress.

2021-03-03 17:29:14
William Summers

I will be straight, `Fifty Shades of Grey` was not for Dakota Johnson. She didn`t play good at all.

2021-02-22 19:50:33
Mckaylan govender

i love fifty shades of grey..dakota and jamie played their roles as Christian grey and anastasia steele extremely well its tough and sad to say that the fifity shades trilogy has ended i have dreams of becoming an actor bt it will remain unfufilled

2018-10-26 12:58:19

Photos: Dakota Johnson