Was considered for the lead role of Eliot Ness in The Untouchables (1987). Johnson's good pal Kevin Costner got the part, which turned out to be his big breakthrough.
Was considered for the role of Francis Dollarhyde in Manhunter (1986).
Was given a Ferrari Testarossa by Enzo Ferrari as an appreciation of his work on "Miami Vice" (1984).
Was the cause of much media frenzy and an uproar when he didn't wear socks to a meeting with then U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Johnson said in his defense: "I've always said that for me, a sports jacket over a t-shirt is good enough for meeting anyone, except the Queen. As for the socks, well, I must confess that I simply don't own a pair anymore. See, I live in Miami.".
Was the director's first choice for the role of Tom Wingo in The Prince of Tides (1991).
Wellcraft let him design his own offshore power-boat, called The 43 ft Scarab Don Johnson Signature Series, and he raced a similar one.
Went to Wichita South High School. 1971 graduate of University of Kansas in Lawrence KS on a full drama scholarship.
Won the 1988 APBA Offshore World Cup in the Superboat class.