| Full Name | Dakota Mayi Johnson |
|---|---|
| Birthday | October 4, 1989 (age 33) |
| Birthplace | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Parents | Don Johnson, Melanie Griffith |
| Siblings | Stella Banderas, Jesse Johnson, Grace Johnson, Jasper Johnson, Deacon Johnson |
| Relationship | Chris Martin (2017-present) |
Dakota Johnson is an award-winning American actress who has enthralled audiences with her undeniable talent, showcasing both comedic and dramatic skills across a range of roles. As the daughter of Hollywood veterans Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, acting talent clearly runs in her blood!
Early Life and Background
Born in Austin, Texas in 1989, Dakota spent her early years growing up in Woody Creek, Colorado and Aspen where she attended Aspen Community School. Her parents divorced when she was a young child, after which she relocated to Los Angeles with her mother.
Dakota has described having a loving but unstable childhood, as both her parents struggled with substance abuse issues. However, she remains close with them, saying:
My parents have experienced a lot of life and have stories to tell. I can always rely on them for advice.
Prior to acting, Dakota‘s first love was dance. She trained in ballet, jazz and tap for 10 years from the age of 3 at the local dance studio. Although she initially had no aspirations of entering the entertainment world, her fate was sealed once she stepped on her first movie set as an extra in Crazy in Alabama directed by her stepfather Antonio Banderas.
Breakout Role in Fifty Shades Franchise
After small roles in The Social Network, Beastly and TV series Ben and Kate, Dakota‘s breakthrough came when she was cast as Anastasia Steele in the 2015 erotic romantic drama Fifty Shades of Grey. The movie was a monster box office hit, grossing over $571 million worldwide. Critics praised Dakota‘s performance as Ana, with TheWrap stating:
Johnson brings an iron comedic timing and icy fragility to the role.
Dakota went on to reprise her role as Ana in the two Fifty Shades sequels – Fifty Shades Darker (2017) and Fifty Shades Freed (2018). The popularity of the franchise cemented her status as a Hollywood leading lady.
Displaying Dramatic Range
Eager to prove her acting chops, Dakota began pursuing more layered dramatic roles. She earned acclaim from critics for her nuanced performances in Luca Guadagnino‘s horror remake Suspiria (2018) and Drew Goddard‘s mystery Bad Times at El Royale (2018).
In 2019, Dakota received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her chilling work in Suspiria. She credited the nomination to seeking out transformative acting opportunities:
Iām drawn to things that scare me and make me feel uneasy. I never want to play it safe.
Other critically praised films displaying Dakota‘s versatility include The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019), The High Note (2020) and The Lost Daughter (2021).
Award Nominations
Some of Dakota‘s most notable award nominations include:
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Drama) for Suspiria (2018)
- Hollywood Film Award for Hollywood Breakout Performance Actress for Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
- People‘s Choice Award for Favorite Dramatic Movie Actress for Fifty Shades Darker (2017)
- Satellite Award for Best Actress for Bad Times at the El Royale (2018)
Personal Life
Dakota resides in Los Angeles but frequently visits her homes in Aspen, Colorado and Malibu. While she keeps her personal life private, she has been in a relationship with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin since 2017.
Outside of acting, Dakota enjoys interior design, citing it as a therapeutic creative outlet. She also loves Pilates, spin classes and staying active outdoors.
An outspoken feminist and activist, Dakota uses her platform to promote gender equality and raise awareness for social justice issues. She has partnered with organizations like Global Citizen and the Art of Elysium charity.
Why Fans Love Dakota Johnson
There are endless reasons to adore Dakota Johnson!
- Her impressive acting range and ability to captivate in any genre – from romance to comedy to thrilling dramas
- Her trendsetting fashion sense on and off the red carpet
- Her humble, down-to-earth nature despite her A-list status
- Her willingness to be raw and vulnerable in complex roles
- Her fun, cheeky personality that shines in interviews
- Her devotion to charity work and social causes
With her undeniable on-screen magnetism and willingness to push artistic boundaries, Dakota Johnson emerges as one of the most talented and exciting actresses of her generation. We can‘t wait to see what she does next!
