Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 5, 2025 · Entertainment

Height Hype at Gala: Don Johnson Out-Graced by Wife Kelley!

Nash Bridges star Don Johnson, 75, looked handsome in a black suit with a black shirt at a charity event in Los Angeles on Thursday

Don Johnson's Golden Years: A Glimpse into His Life of Love, Luxury, and Redemption

It's been decades since Don Johnson ruled the small screen as Detective Sonny Crockett in the iconic 80s series Miami Vice. But despite his silver hair and advancing age (he's now a spry 75), the charismatic actor still turns heads with his dashing good looks and effortless charm. Case in point: his recent appearance at the YES Scholars 25th Anniversary Gala in Los Angeles, where he stunned in a sleek black suit, complete with Gucci loafers, alongside his stunning wife Kelley Phleger.

Kelley, a former school teacher who has been Don's partner in love for an impressive 26 years, looked absolutely ravishing in a leopard-print dress that showcased her slender figure to perfection. But what really caught our attention was the obvious chemistry between the two - they were practically beaming with happiness as they posed for photos together.

He was at the YES Scholars 25th Anniversary Gala which Jennifer Lopez and Kris Jenner also attended

So, just how did this Hollywood hunk manage to keep his love life so sizzling? We dug up some juicy details from Don's past to get a glimpse into his remarkable transformation from party animal to devoted family man. And let us tell you, it's a wild ride.

Don's long history of romance includes two marriages to the stunning Melanie Griffith (yes, that Melanie Griffith - the one who dated Antonio Banderas and had a daughter with him, Stella). The couple first tied the knot in 1976, but their union was short-lived, lasting only a year. They rekindled their love affair in 1989 and remained together until 1996.

But it's his current marriage to Kelley Phleger that has really brought out the best in him. The two met when Kelley was teaching at a Montessori school, and Don has credited her with helping him turn his life around. In an exclusive interview with thescholarlynote.com (back in 2017), he revealed that it wasn't until he reached his 50s that he realized the importance of building long-lasting relationships.

Next to the former Miami Vice star was his slender wife of 26 years, Kelley Phleger, who towered over her actor husband, thanks in part to her high heels. So how tall is he?

"I used to think that you were either on a high or on a low," Don confessed, reflecting on his wild youth. "But as I got older, I began to realize that there's a middle ground - and it's where the real magic happens." He credits Buddhism and New Age self-help with helping him let go of fear and find inner peace.

One of the most surprising aspects of Don's transformation is his newfound love for family life. In fact, he has six children between his two marriages (yes, you read that right - six!). There's Jesse Wayne Johnson, 42, from his first marriage to Patti D'Arbanville; Dakota Johnson, 32, the stunning actress and daughter of Melanie Griffith; and then there are the three younger kids with Kelley: Atherton Grace, 25; Jasper, 23; and Deacon, 19.

But here's where things get really interesting - Don has also adopted two more children from his ex-wife's relationships. There's Alexander Bauer, 39, whose mother is Melanie Griffith and father is Steven Bauer (yes, that Steven Bauer); and then there's Stella Banderas, 28, Melanie and Antonio's daughter.

He is 5ft11in. Johnson seen with Kelley in 2019

In a heartwarming interview with OK! magazine, Don shared how being a father has brought him immense joy. "I love kids," he gushed. "It's no less exciting this time than it was the first time!" He also revealed that his family is a major source of inspiration for him, adding, "Happiness is hanging out with my six."

As we watched Don and Kelley walk the red carpet together at the YES Scholars gala, it was clear that their love story is far from over. They've been through ups and downs, but they're clearly still smitten - and who can blame them? With his dashing good looks and her elegant poise, they make a power couple to be reckoned with.

But what really caught our attention was Don's impressive family tree. We dug up some more juicy details about his children, including how he helped raise Alexander Bauer after Melanie and Steven's relationship ended. And then there's the fascinating story of Stella Banderas, who is the daughter of Melanie and Antonio - talk about complicated family dynamics!

Johnson with his wife at the Emmy Awards in September 2024

As we wrap up this behind-the-scenes look at Don Johnson's life, it's clear that his love for family and redemption has brought him full circle. From his wild days as a party animal to his current status as devoted husband and father, Don's story is one of growth, self-awareness, and (dare we say it?) true love.

So what's next for this Hollywood legend? We can't wait to see! With six kids, two ex-wives, and a slew of high-profile projects under his belt, Don Johnson is still going strong - and we have no doubt that he'll keep on dazzling us with his charm and charisma for years to come.

Here Don is seen with Kelley as well as several of his kids

Jesse was seen with Don's ex Melanie Griffith in April in Beverly Hills

He was married to Working Girl actress Melanie Griffith not once but twice: The first time was in 1976. They wed again from 1989 until 1996. Together they have daughter Dakota Johnson who dates Chris Martin. Her mother is Tippi Hedren of the hit horror movie The Birds

From left, Dakota Johnson, Tippi Hedren, Griffith and Stella Banderas in 2015