Don Johnson gets candid about being a father to Dakota Johnson

Actor Don Johnson, best known for his roles in Miami Vice and Rebel Ridge, recently opened up about his experiences as a father, particularly the pride he takes in raising his children, including actress Dakota Johnson. In a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, the veteran actor shared heartfelt reflections on his journey as a parent and the bittersweet emotions of seeing his children grow up and leave home.

Johnson and his wife, Kelly Phleger, recently dropped off their youngest son, Deacon, at the University of Southern California. “He’s my sixth and final one,” Johnson shared with a mix of pride and humor. “I might have done my best work there,” he joked, referring to Deacon, the youngest of his five children. However, he playfully acknowledged that his Fifty Shades of Grey star daughter, Dakota Johnson, might not appreciate that comment. “I have a famous daughter who probably won’t like to read that in print!”

While Dakota is certainly the most famous of his children, Johnson had plenty to say about Deacon, too. Describing his son, the actor said, “He has the looks of like ten movie stars, but he probably won’t end up in the business because he’s incredibly authentic and doesn’t mind telling you when you’re full of caca!” That authenticity, according to Johnson, is one of the traits he admires most in his son.

Now that his children have all left the nest, Johnson admitted that it has been an emotional transition. “Now that they’re all out of the house, it’s sad,” he confessed. “But they all come back. They never really leave, and honestly, you don’t want them to leave.” His remarks capture the duality many parents feel — the sadness of watching their children move on, balanced by the deep connection that keeps them coming home.

Throughout his career, Johnson has embraced his role as a father, and his reflections on raising children, including a now-world-famous actress, provide a touching glimpse into his life away from the spotlight. Whether it’s dropping his youngest son off at college or watching Dakota’s rise in Hollywood, it’s clear that being a father remains one of Don Johnson’s most cherished roles.