Actor Don Johnson shares the unconventional way he met the mother of his first child, Patti D'Arbanville, in a recent interview with People magazine.
In an interview with People magazine, "Miami Vice" star Don Johnson has revealed the rather unconventional manner in which he met the mother of his eldest child, model, and actress Patti D'Arbanville. Johnson recalls attending Andy Warhol's Factory in New York City while working on a movie when fate intervened.
"I walked in, and standing on the table stark naked was the mother of my first son. She was doing what I think was the very first cover photo shoot for Interview magazine," Johnson said. "She was just so beautiful and captivating."
Don Johnson's Unusual Encounter with the Mother of His Eldest Child
Johnson's initial encounter with D'Arbanville occurred during a brief period of separation from his first wife, Melanie Griffith. However, their paths crossed again in 1981 at a restaurant, and this time, sparks flew.
"She moved in that night," Johnson told People magazine in a 1984 interview. "And we stayed in bed for about eight days. The houseboy kept bringing food and water."
Don Johnson's Unusual Encounter with the Mother of His Eldest Child
D'Arbanville's pregnancy with their son, Jesse, brought a profound shift in Johnson's life. The couple mutually agreed not to marry, recognizing that their priorities lay elsewhere.
"I can't commit to marrying right now," Johnson had told D'Arbanville, to which she replied, "I'm not into that either."
Don Johnson's Unusual Encounter with the Mother of His Eldest Child
Johnson attributes fatherhood and his relationship with D'Arbanville as catalysts for his decision to overcome his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. "I walked into the breakfast room one morning," he said in the 1984 interview. "The sun was shining, and the birds were singing, and Patti was feeding the baby. I came staggering in and sat down and looked at them, and she looked at me, and I knew that if I didn't do something, she was going to leave. So I said, 'Patti, I'm a drunk and a drug addict, and I'm going to do something about it.'"
In 1985, Johnson landed his breakout role in "Miami Vice," and a year later, in 1986, he and D'Arbanville permanently split. Johnson went on to marry Griffith a second time in 1989, but their relationship dissolved again in 1996.
Don Johnson's Unusual Encounter with the Mother of His Eldest Child
Following his second divorce from Griffith, Johnson married Kelley Phleger in 1999. The couple shares three children: Atherton Grace, Jasper, and Deacon.
Johnson emphasizes the importance of a happy marriage in maintaining his youthful energy. "A bad marriage will age you," he told People magazine.
Reflecting on his unconventional encounter with D'Arbanville, Johnson acknowledges the profound impact it had on his life. While their romantic relationship may not have endured, the birth of their son and the lessons learned along the way have shaped Johnson into the man he is today.
