Summary:
- Dakota Johnson was cut off financially by her father, Don Johnson, after deciding not to attend college.
- The decision pushed her to begin auditioning, leading to her early roles in The Social Network and other films.
- Johnson expressed gratitude for parental support despite early financial struggles.
Dakota Johnson, daughter of Hollywood stars Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, experienced financial challenges early in her career. Despite her celebrity lineage, her parents withheld financial support after she chose not to pursue college, prompting her to earn her way into the film industry through persistence and early acting roles.
Why Did Dakota Johnson’s Dad Cut Her Off Financially?
Don Johnson enforced a strict family rule: financial support was contingent upon college enrollment. When Dakota opted out of attending college, her father withdrew monetary support. She had applied solely to Juilliard and, after not being accepted, decided against applying elsewhere. This led to her financial independence starting at 18, a move that would shape her career trajectory.
Dakota later explained that she had no strong desire to attend a small, enclosed institution like Juilliard. Nonetheless, her decision triggered immediate consequences. According to Dakota, her father told her she would no longer be on the payroll since she wasn’t pursuing higher education. Don Johnson later confirmed this during a TV appearance, recounting that she accepted the decision and responded confidently.
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How Did Dakota Johnson Manage After Losing Financial Support?
Following her father’s decision, Dakota began auditioning for roles. Her persistence paid off when she landed a brief part in David Fincher’s The Social Network in 2010 at the age of 19. This small role marked the beginning of her gradual rise in the entertainment industry. She continued to take on minor roles in films such as Beastly, 21 Jump Street, The Five-Year Engagement, and Date and Switch.
During this period, Johnson struggled financially. She revealed there were instances when she couldn’t afford groceries or rent. At times, she turned back to her parents for limited assistance. Still, she emphasized that the process was difficult and involved extensive effort in auditioning, which she described as “the worst.”
Despite the early struggles, Dakota acknowledged her gratitude for having parents who could and did help when absolutely necessary. Her journey reflects a blend of privilege and perseverance, having to rely on her own initiative despite her Hollywood background.
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What Did Don Johnson Say About Cutting Off Dakota Johnson?
Don Johnson addressed the situation during a 2021 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. He confirmed that there was a standing family rule: “stay in school, stay on the payroll.” When Dakota declined to attend college, he immediately informed her that financial support would end.
He shared that she took the news in stride, replying, “Don’t you worry about it.” Within three weeks, she landed a role in The Social Network, signaling the start of her acting career. Don expressed pride in her independence and resourcefulness, acknowledging that her determination proved effective.
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What Is Dakota Johnson Doing Now?
Dakota Johnson went on to achieve significant fame through her breakout role in Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). Since then, she has starred in numerous projects and established herself as a recognized name in Hollywood.
She will next appear in Materialists, a romance film directed by Past Lives filmmaker Celine Song. The movie also stars Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans and is set to release in theaters on June 13.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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