Dakota Johnson recalls ‘scary’ childhood as ‘aggressive’ people pursued her famous parents

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Dakota Johnson readily admits growing up with famous parents, Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson, had its benefits. However, she also acknowledges that their celebrity could be overwhelming and disorienting when she was a child.

The 36-year-old actress shared in a Vogue Germany interview that she sometimes felt frightened as a child because people would aggressively approach and even physically try to reach her mother during simple outings like grocery shopping.

Growing up believing that kind of attention is normal can create lasting insecurities. Adding to that, being constantly in the public spotlight means your personal life is often exposed in a deeply intrusive, disrespectful, and hurtful way.

Dakota had a unique upbringing, being raised on movie sets with a grandmother who was a famous actress, Tippi Hedren, and a stepfather, Antonio Banderas. She was constantly around people working in the film industry.

I always felt like my family was… different. While everyone else’s moms seemed to have normal office jobs, mine… well, it wasn’t like that at all. I just knew it was something special, something separate from all the everyday stuff.

Growing up, it was tough making and maintaining friendships because our family traveled constantly. But I always understood it was just part of our life, something we were naturally inclined to do.

I’ve been a fan of hers for years, and it’s fascinating to learn about how she got her start! Apparently, she owes her very first film role, when she was just nine years old, to her mom. Her mother got her a part in a movie directed by her stepfather, a Spanish filmmaker. It was his first time directing, a film called ‘Crazy in Alabama’ released back in 1999, though it didn’t get great reviews at the time.

‘But I wasn’t allowed to work properly until I graduated from high school,’ Dakota noted.

When she was 17, Johnson was chosen as Miss Golden Globe 2006, a role traditionally given to the children of famous people. As Miss Golden Globe, she presented awards to the winners and helped them off stage.

It’s no surprise that Melanie was chosen as Miss Golden Globe in 1975. However, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association stopped using the title of ‘Miss Golden Globe’ in 2022.

After winning an Independent Spirit Award by age 18, she leveraged her family’s recognition to quickly secure modeling representation with IMG in 2006. Two years later, she expanded her career by signing with the William Morris Agency for acting opportunities.

Dakota’s mother, Griffith, instilled in her self-care and self-love, empowering her to confidently wear daring outfits on the red carpet.

‘It’s fun to wear a sexy dress,’ Johnson said.

Growing up without hearing those encouraging words – that you’re perfect, intelligent, unique, resilient, and courageous – from the woman you admire most can be deeply damaging. It’s incredibly difficult to learn to love and believe in yourself later in life, and my mother giving me that constant affirmation was an invaluable gift.

According to World of Reel, actress Ana Lily Amirpour will direct her first feature film, a coming-of-age drama called ‘A Tree Is Blue.’ Filming is scheduled to begin next month in Los Angeles.

Dakota will be an executive producer on the new $10 million film, which tells the story of a teenager with autism and features Charli XCX, Jessica Alba, and Vanessa Burghardt.

Johnson’s previous work includes directing the 2024 short film Loser Baby, a 23-minute queer story, and Coldplay’s 2020 music video for “Cry Cry Cry.”

The actress known for her role in Madame Web and Coldplay’s Chris Martin ended their relationship in June after seven years of being on and off.

Dakota Johnson both produced and stars in the movie Verity, based on Colleen Hoover’s 2018 novel. It’s directed by Michael Showalter and is currently planned for release in US theaters on October 2, 2026.

The new psychological romance thriller from Amazon MGM Studios features Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett, and Ismael Cruz Córdova in leading roles.

Before becoming famous for the Fifty Shades films, Dakota Johnson first gained recognition for her role as Amelia, a Harvard student, in the 2010 movie The Social Network.

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2025-10-22 23:19