The seasoned actor once described his wife as “a saint” when reminiscing about their shared journey. Unlike him, she does not work in the entertainment industry. Take a closer look at the star’s enduring relationship with his devoted spouse.
Don Johnson, best known as James “Sonny” Crockett in the 1980s series “Miami Vice,” turns 75. The Hollywood star is married to Kelley Phleger, who is praised for her beauty and stands noticeably taller than him in photos.
While Johnson’s life today seems more grounded alongside Phleger, the memories of his meteoric rise to fame in “Miami Vice” remain vivid. In a September 2024 interview, he reflected on the intense celebrity status that accompanied his breakout role, recalling, “For a long time, I couldn’t even go anywhere… We had security 24/7.”
Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas on the set of “Miami Vice,” 1985 | Source: Getty Images
While the actor once worried about being typecast, Johnson ultimately learned to manage his notoriety, adding, “It’s the 40th anniversary of ‘Miami Vice’ this year, and hey, I’m still here.”
In addition to the challenges of fame, Johnson faced personal struggles early in his career. He dealt with alcohol addiction and, at 44, reportedly sought treatment under the care of a Los Angeles physician, though he wasn’t admitted to a treatment center.
His publicist, Elliot Mintz, divulged that he had been sober for 10 years before a relapse. Thankfully, the movie star ultimately received the help he needed and regained control of his life.
Having overcome those difficulties, Johnson now embraces life with humor and vitality. At 74, he revealed his secret to maintaining his timeless looks. “Marry right!” he advised, adding, “A bad marriage will age you.” He also credited exercise for keeping him youthful, joking, “How do you think I got six kids? That I know of, anyway!”
Johnson’s sense of humor and resilience are reflected in his personal life. He is currently in his third marriage. His first two marriages were to actress Melanie Griffith—first in 1976 and again from 1989 to 1996. Together, they share a daughter, and the actor also welcomed a son with his ex, actress Patti D’Arbanville.
Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson during 61st Annual Academy Awards on March 29, 1989, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Johnson found lasting love in the mid-’90s when he met kindergarten teacher Kelley Phleger, introduced by producer Jo Schuman Silver at then-San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown’s birthday party. While they felt an immediate connection, they didn’t begin dating until the fall of 1997. By April 1998, Phleger was seen wearing a stunning 5 1/2-carat diamond engagement ring.
Their connection was undeniable from the start. Schuman Silver later recalled in how Johnson confidently declared that he knew his future wife was the one for him the moment he saw her. Though uncertain of Phleger’s immediate thoughts, Schuman Silver believed she found the actor equally captivating.
Following their April 1999 wedding, Johnson and Phleger built a life together, welcoming three children: Grace, Jasper, and Deacon. In 2024, the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in grand style.
“Oh my gosh. We had a big dinner and a big party… and I bought her bling, man. Several different blings,” the Golden Globe Award winner revealed in an interview.
Reflecting on the success of their enduring relationship, Johnson disclosed, “Oh, we are just so in tune with each other that there’s an unspoken like trust and kindness and respect with us. And those are the keys.”
Don Johnson and Kelley Phleger at The Los Angeles Philharmonic 2011/2012 Season Opening Night Gala on September 27, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
As Johnson spoke about his decades-long union to Phleger, the Missouri native shared what makes their bond so strong in another interview. For him, it comes down to essential values.
During a conversation with Bob Dylan amid a difficult time, Johnson remembered, “Bob looks up at me and goes, ‘Well, see, love is about kindness, trust and respect, isn’t it?'” These qualities, he explained, perfectly describe Phleger. Their relationship is built on a foundation of kindness, trust, and respect, making them both lovers and friends.
Johnson’s admiration for Phleger shines through in his public expressions of love. In a heartfelt Instagram post from September 2024, he wrote, “My Best Gurl for 25 years!! Think I’ll keep her [sic].”
That same month, the couple attended the Los Angeles premiere of “Doctor Odyssey.” Johnson shared a photo of them holding hands, with Phleger standing tall beside her husband.
Kelley Phleger and Don Johnson attend the premiere of “Doctor Odyssey,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Johnson and Phleger’s commitment to each other and their family has always been a priority. When they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, a friend disclosed, “They want their time together with their family to be sacred,” and added, “They live a charmed life.”
Johnson leads an active and fulfilling life, focused on fitness and family. “I hike and swim and I train three or four days a week,” he revealed in a May 2023 interview, explaining his commitment to staying healthy.
As a father, he cherishes time spent with his kids, whom he calls “dynamos.” Whether laughing together or jokingly being handed a tambourine while his sons play music, Johnson enjoys every moment. Alongside Phleger, he travels often, happily declaring, “I’m having the time of my life, man.”
The family man’s home in the Santa Barbara area reflects his grounded approach to fame. The wall behind him, adorned with black-and-white photos of his life and career, was a recent addition made by Phleger. He explained that he initially avoided displaying such memorabilia, not wanting his children to grow up around what he called a “shrine to my job.”
Online, the couple continues to captivate fans. One follower wrote, “Wow you guys look stunning.” Another commented, “Handsome couple.” A third added, “Beautiful partner, glad he found true love,” while another declared, “You two are really a dream couple.”
Kelley Phleger and Don Johnson attend the 58th Annual CMA Awards on November 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Others complimented Phleger for her beauty, writing, “Gorgeous Kelley,” “So Classy, Kelley!” and “You look absolutely stunning, Mrs. Johnson!”
Their relationship, defined by trust, respect, and humor, has thrived through the years, with Phleger’s steady presence balancing Don Johnson’s life in the spotlight.
Together, they remind us that genuine love and connection are possible, even in the world of Hollywood fame. Their enduring bond continues to inspire, proving that true partnership only grows stronger with time.
