Dakota Johnson: the beginning of a creative journey
The future Shades star was born in Austin, Texas, into a family of famous 90s actors. Her father, Don Johnson, is known as a serial actor who played mostly supporting roles (“Django Unchained”), and her mother, Melanie Griffith, is a popular Hollywood actress who became recognizable after the release of the film “Working Woman.” It is worth noting that the girl’s grandmother was a famous actress and model of the last century and was extremely popular with Alfred Hitchcock; as they said later, she was his muse.
Naturally, the baby, under parental influence, already knew her path and was actively paving her way to worldwide recognition. A few years later, Dakota's parents separated, and her mother married Antonio Banderas, whom she met on the set of the film. Subsequently, he took custody and patronage of the girl, who from early childhood began to show interest in bohemian life: she briefly studied dancing, but achieved more success in the modeling business. Having good external data: spectacular appearance and a beautiful slender figure, the girl was actively in demand among modeling agencies. Johnson also showed considerable interest in cinema.
Childhood and adolescence
Dakota Mayi Johnson was born on October 4, 1989 in Austin, Texas. Her mother, Melanie Griffith, was an actress. Father, Don Johnson, worked as a singer and actor. The girl's parents belonged to the caste of creative people. Dakota's grandmother, Tippi Hender, starred in Hitchcock's The Birds, and her grandfather performed on Broadway.
Melanie was only 14 years old when she met Don. The age difference did not bother the relatives. The lovers began dating. As soon as Griffith turned 18, they got married. The marriage did not last long and ended in divorce. Melanie later married Steven Bauer, but the relationship quickly fizzled out.
In 1989, Griffith got back together with Don and gave birth to a daughter. The second attempt to save the marriage also ended unsuccessfully, so in 1996 they separated again. Melanie's new boyfriend is Antonio Banderas. Dakota grew up in the house of a famous actor. The girl has an older brother, Alexander (his father is Steven Bauer) and a younger sister, Stella del Carmen (her father is Antonio Banderas).
Dakota's childhood was not easy. From an early age she was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. She has been taking pills since childhood and has changed schools seven times due to illness. The girl lived with her parents in Aspen and Woody Creek, Colorado. In the summer she worked part-time in a small store.
Dakota was dancing. As a teenager, she took part in a photo shoot for Teen Vogue magazine. The girl dreamed of becoming an actress, but her parents did not encourage her aspirations.
Movies with Dakota Johnson
The first step on the path to fame as an actress was the film “A Woman Without Rules,” which was directed by the baby’s stepfather himself. Young Dakota did not gain popularity and did not appear on screens for more than ten years after the film's release, deciding to focus on her modeling career.
The film “The Social Network” with the famous handsome Justin Timberlake brought her worldwide recognition, then the girl appeared in the comedy series “Ben and Kate” by Dana Fox, playing the main role. The film was a success among television viewers and critics, and Dakota Johnson’s collection of films was replenished with such popular films as “Macho and Nerd,” “Terribly Handsome” and “Goats.” She appeared in the melodrama “Knocked Up,” the short film “All That Glitters,” the drama “Cymbeline” and many others, rapidly moving up to fame and accumulating fan recognition and prestigious awards in her arsenal.
Biography
Dakota Mayi Johnson was born on 10/04/89 in Austin, Texas, USA. Her parents were actors, so from childhood they tried to raise Dakota accordingly. At one time, the girl was even raised by her stepfather, Antonio Banderas. Dakota began her career as a model, but was quickly noticed by cinema - her first role took place in 1999 and was a minor one in the film “A Woman Without Rules,” in which the actress’s star stepfather had a hand.
What made Dakota famous among the mass audience was not the most important, but memorable role in the film “The Social Network”, where she played together with Justin Timberlake. Then there was another successful project - the series “Ben and Kate”, and after that the cult film “Fifty Shades of Gray”, which brought Dakota worldwide fame. Now Dakota Johnson continues to actively act.
"50 shades of grey"
But the film “Fifty Shades of Gray” based on the novel of the same name by E.L. brought her resounding success and recognition from millions. James. Dakota played a philology student in love with sexy billionaire Christian. Many critics and fans of the erotic novel believed that Johnson was not suitable for the main role, and on this occasion they even wrote a petition for the re-election of a more worthy person. More than twenty thousand people signed, declaring that the actress is not young and attractive enough.
And yet, Dakota played the leading role and became one of the sought-after actresses of our time; after the film was released, viewers and film critics recognized that the girl still has a talent for transformation. Of course, there were some negative reviews about the sensational film, since it began to differ significantly from the novel itself, and explicit episodes, according to experts, replaced the “vanilla” scenes. The actress herself does not think so and believes that she coped with the task perfectly and bed moments did not become a stumbling block for her.
At first it was a literary phenomenon. Fifty Shades of Gray was published in France in 2012 and became a bestseller even before sales began. E.L. James manages to turn a harlequin love story into an ode to sensuality. Alas, it has nothing in common with de Sade, Houellebecq and the vicious erotic literature of the eighteenth century... The peculiarity of this saga is that it again brought people to bookstores, then, when the film was released on February 11, 2015, to cinemas. Since Hollywood has always been good at turning popular stories into blockbusters, this film was a success as expected, simultaneously cementing hopes for subsequent films. It was because of this factor that Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan met with journalists from around the world in a huge, gloomy room at Universal Studios while promoting the film Fifty Shades Darker. She is just like her character, cold and reserved. He is a charming Englishman with good manners.The first film is built on sex, humor and dominance. In the second, perhaps, Anastasia takes power into her own hands.
Dakota Johnson: Given the ending of the first film, it's very important for her to take control of their relationship. If Christian wants to be with her, it will be on her terms. But, of course, their relationship will develop. Anastasia will not only compromise, but will also sacrifice her beliefs for him. Just like him, actually.
Is this a love story or a battle between two egos?
Jamie Dornan: Love! It contains the essence of the films and the novel. Fifty Shades isn't about two selves facing off; it's about two people trying to build their love in the best possible way. The films do justice to the books and remain fairly close to them in content.
The movies are a little more fun. Anastasia on the silver screen is much more entertaining than on the pages of a book, isn’t it?
Dakota Johnson: She's a pretty strong character.
Jamie Dornan
: However, perhaps it was you who gave her this strength, strength of character, sense of humor.
Dakota Johnson
: Perhaps... I think she's quite funny, but not everyone sees that in her.
Jamie Dornan:
Well, in the second film this aspect of her character will be revealed even more. [laughs]
How do each of you see your characters?
Jamie Dornan: Ha, if only we knew! We constantly discuss this among ourselves and with the director. But I don't feel like a big brother giving advice to my little sister. We're just trying to stay on the same page.
These roles involve real intimacy. Did you have to become friends in real life to make this possible?
Dakota Johnson: We have a special relationship. I'm very close to Jamie's wife, his children, she's a wonderful person. There are a huge number of franchises filmed in Hollywood, but, in my opinion, this is the only one where the actors became real friends. On the other hand, if this were not the case, it would complicate everything...
Did you make friends off set?
Jamie Dornan: I wouldn't say that. We work thirteen hours a day together, so we've had time to get to know each other! [Laughs.] It brings people together, creates shared memories. Many will say that it’s all a movie, but we became friends pretty quickly. We have the same approaches to roles, we don’t mind laughing, especially after the most intense scenes. We are now deeply connected. The success that we experienced together was also quite a test.
You were filming in Nice when the terrorist attack occurred.
Jamie Dornan: I was there with my family, the film crew was in Monaco at the time. We were sleeping during the attack because I have small children, so we go to bed early. But at night they called me a lot, asking if everything was okay. Dakota Johnson:
But I didn't sleep. I didn’t go to bed until I found out if everything was okay with all the team members. I collected information drop by drop... It was a very difficult event. We wanted to stay to help France. And even more so, I didn’t want to shock people with the sight of a film crew from Hollywood who came only to work. As a young American woman, I have never been so close to the epicenter of an attack. I spent hours watching TV and reading newspapers.
The next day, Mr. Gray and Miss Steele couldn't tell that anything had happened?
Dakota Johnson: But it happened. We asked the French who worked on our team if we should pause filming out of respect. But they asked us in unison to continue, to return to work, not wanting to dance to the tune of terrorists.
How do you see your career continuing? There is always a risk that you will be constantly identified with your characters.
Dakota Johnson: Personally, it doesn't bother me. I can’t believe that someone will always see me as Anastasia.
Jamie Dornan:
Agree. I think I can distance myself from my hero. How many actors had iconic roles before me and which of them went on to star in other films? The real problem here is just the inability to portray the character with the same intensity. The challenge is to keep working, to look for good projects, ones that people would like to see.
Jamie, your choice of roles is amazing. You just starred in a film by French director Alexandre Aja, The Ninth Life of Louis Drax. Quite a small project...
Jamie Dornan: It's definitely different from Hollywood franchises. The budget is completely different, but the stakes are the same, and I just need that balance between these kinds of “personal” projects and high-profile films. I also really want to do a TV show where you can do a lot more in terms of writing than a classic film. Although in a sense, I owe the freedom that I now have to Christian Gray.
Dakota Johnson:
Fifty Shades is a real platform for us to work on. Films allow us to open up. Instead of confining us to one role, as you suggest, they open up new horizons.
Now you are under the guns of the paparazzi 24/7. Is it like the proverb: no pain, no gain?
Jamie Dornan: I don't care, I just pretend they don't exist. I have never been interested in other people's lives, so I live as usual. When people gather in Paris near the Opera Garnier because we are filming there, that's just a certain moment in my life. The next day something different awaits me. My everyday life does not involve filming a film in Paris. This is just a few days... Moreover, this kind of “incident” is an extremely rare occurrence.
Dakota Johnson
: I try to live as normal a life as possible. Of course, I have famous parents, but I also have many friends who do not belong to the world of cinema. Of course, when I go to a premiere, I always think about what I should wear. But when I go shopping, I don’t care much. [Laughs.]
Jamie Dornan:
The more you think about it, the more crazy you get. It's better to try to live a normal life.
Dakota Johnson:
And it would be boring to think through every day what you should do, what you should say...
So fame and recognition are not a problem for you?
Jamie Dornan: Yes, it is. We may just be better at dealing with it than other people. We live in a rural area and few people are interested in Mr. Gray. I'd get more attention if I spent five days a week in New York clubs. It was fun when I was twenty. Now I'm thirty-four and it's not like that.
Jamie, in England you were a member of a rock band. Was it that success that pushed you into a film career?
Jamie Dornan: [Laughs] We were friends, we started when we were seventeen, without any ulterior motive. Many wanted us to finally break up. But the adventure had a sudden ending.
Dakota Johnson:
I can't imagine you in a rock band. [Laughs.]
Some critics have called Fifty Shades a mixture of Cinderella and The Life of Adele. What do you think of it?
Dakota Johnson: Oh, I like it. But how many people actually say that? Either way, I find it flattering. This is great!
Jamie Dornan:
I like these movies, so I don't mind either. In this particular case.
The translation was made by little_eeyore specifically for the site www.twilightrussia.ru and the group https://vk.com/twilightrussiavk. When copying material, be sure to include an active link to the site, group and author of the translation.
Full interview with Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan for Paris Match (2017)
Relationships with men
There are not so many facts about Dakota Johnson's personal life, and this gives the paparazzi a reason to keep a closer eye on the movie star. The girl dated actor Jordan Masterson before filming of “Shades” began: the guy begged her to give up the role and asked her to attend church with him. It was not an easy choice for the girl, but her career became more important than her personal life.
Dakota Johnson unexpectedly began an affair with musician Matthew Heath, but even here the guy could not withstand the pressure of the press, and the couple broke up six months later. So we can say with confidence: filming in an explicit role did not do the girl any good, upsetting her entire personal life.
Dakota Johnson and her husband - wedding
Dakota Johnson's personal life is the area that perhaps suffered the most from her creative path. Her chosen ones were completely different people, but almost always creative. So, in 2010, it was known about her relationship with musician Noah Gersh.
The relationship lasted quite a long time, however, it ended after 4 years. The next boyfriend was Hollywood actor Jordan Masterson. The relationship developed quite rapidly, and many began to think that he was the future husband of Dakota Johnson.
But this was the first time her role seriously affected personal relationships. The fact is that her lover was a follower of the Church of Scientology and had a very negative attitude towards the filming of Dakota in a huge number of sex scenes in the film “Fifty Shades of Grey”. A relatively short time has passed since the last breakup, and rumors have once again spread in the media and social networks that Dakota Johnson will soon get married. This time, rock guitarist Matthew Hitt was the future husband of the actress.
However, this relationship also became a victim of Dakota’s role - Matthew could not cope with the excitement around her “scandalous” role. However, perhaps such a high-profile separation was just a PR-chorus of producers who wanted to maintain the illusion of a real relationship with Jamie Dornan, who played the main role with Dakota. Be that as it may, the relationship ceased to exist. After that, there were persistent rumors about her romances with actor Benedict Cumberbatch and even with bisexual actress Cara Delevingne, however, most likely these were just rumors.
Until recently, the actress had a relationship with musician Chris Martin. The relationship lasted a little over two years, the couple was serious and even met each other’s parents.
Things were moving towards the wedding and many began to seriously think that soon a photo of Dakota Johnson’s husband would appear in all media spaces, and the actress herself would have children. However, in June 2021, confirmation emerged that Dakota Johnson had broken up with Chris. The reasons for the separation are not disclosed by either side.
Perhaps interesting: Khloe Kardashian's husband, Celine Dion's husband.
Jamie Dornan: biography
Born in Ireland in 1982, he grew up in the family of an obstetrician and a housewife. As a child, the actor showed interest in sports, namely golf and rugby. When he turned 16, his mother died of cancer, and the next year his 4 friends died in a car accident: such events left a strong imprint on Jamie, and subsequently he had to consult a psychologist.
In his hometown of Belfast, he went to college, and even then the makings of an actor appeared: he actively attended a drama club and began to be interested in music; with his best friend David, he created the group Sons of Jim. Due to the guys' inexperience and lack of finances, their careers as musicians failed miserably. Jamie himself says that he loves this world too much to spoil it with his music. In 2008, the group officially ceased to exist.
After graduating from college, the actor entered a local university and soon received a tempting offer from a famous modeling agency. The guy immediately went to London to conquer the world's catwalks; his first photo shoot took place for an advertising catalog in 2002, and the pictures turned out to be quite piquant. Soon, one after another, Jamie signed contracts with famous brands and men's magazines, and worked with brands such as Calvin Klein, Armani, Gap and many others.
The model's career developed at an astonishing speed; his collection of works included photographs with the most popular top models: Dornan was photographed with Kate Moss and Eva Mendes, the latter was very pleased with the work of the Irish handsome man. Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan have also sparked a lot of off-set dating rumors, but is there any basis to this?
Personal life
During the filming of the three parts of the film, reports periodically appeared in the press that Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan were dating. But the actors themselves refuted them: Jamie already had a wife by that time, and Dakota was trying to build her personal life. True, a dark streak awaited her here: her boyfriend, musician of the rock band Drowners, Matthew Heath left Dakota almost before the premiere of Fifty Shades of Gray. Even before this, Johnson managed to break up with actor Jordan Masterson. In 2021, her relationship began with the lead singer of the popular band Coldplay, Chris Martin, but she also broke up with him in 2021. The press wrote that the reason for the separation was Dakota’s reluctance to have children. However, she can be understood: Johnson is still in demand in films, and she doesn’t want to take a break.
Filmography of the actor
Jamie did not bypass the film industry, but he did not act very much, having managed to appear in such projects as “Once Upon a Time,” “Flight Home,” and “New Worlds.” Jamie Dornan became recognizable in the film “The Fall,” playing the role of a serial killer; by the way, filming took place in his native land - in Ireland. However, he tasted full glory after the release of the film trilogy “50 Shades of Gray”: Dakota Johnson became his partner in the film. Critics did not approve of Jamie Dornan and even awarded him a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor. Despite everything, the film broke box office records and became very popular all over the world. Only after this role did fans of Jamie Dornan begin to enjoy films with his participation of increased interest.
Irish Don Juan
Jamie's personal life has always been quite good, since before marriage he had numerous affairs. He met with Keira Knightley, with whom he was in a relationship for 3 years and claimed that his intentions were the most serious. The couple eventually broke up due to press interference, but thanks to her, he got his first role in the film. Jamie Dornan even managed to have an affair with Kate Moss, Lindsay Lohan, Sienna Miller, and many other famous ladies were in his bed. Then the actor married the beautiful singer and actress Amelia Warner, they had two wonderful daughters - Dulcie and Phoebe.
Rumors around the creative tandem
Gossip will always circulate around this Hollywood couple: the press and tabloids claim that these creative people are connected not only by filming and that a spark ran between them, especially if you watch the film. It's getting interesting: are Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan dating or not?
The guys deny the base rumors, claiming that they have developed warm and friendly relations. Dakota speaks with particular tenderness about Jamie’s wife and considers her an amazing woman; undoubtedly, the girl also became friends with the actor’s children. So, statements about the romance of the stars are another ploy to attract the public’s attention to the last part of the trilogy: the directors themselves decided to create an image of mutual sympathy between Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, going beyond the scope of ordinary friendship.
Dakota Johnson
Dakota’s “abnormal” (by the actress’s own admission) family consists of the radiant Don Johnson and the scandalous Melanie Griffith. Since childhood, the girl grew up in a family whose scandals, divorces and affairs were discussed all over the world.
Since her youth, Dakota Johnson dreamed of following in her mother's footsteps and, starting with modeling, gradually moved to the big screen. Having passed the casting for the role of a passionate student, Dakota pulled out a lucky ticket and began to act more often. However, show business news of 2016 was without her - the girl almost did not act this year, appearing only at parties, although at the beginning of the year she received a prize for best dramatic actress.
The main news of 2021 was the second part of the acclaimed film. This time, the creators promised to make the plot and video sequence even more explicit. How they did it is for the audience to judge.
Dakota Johnson's Instagram is filled with pictures from the set, as well as some photos from erotic photo shoots. Unfortunately, such a frank role interferes with building a personal life. Two men, Jordan Masterson and Matthew Heath, could not remain calm next to such an actress.
At the moment, the only man that Dakota Johnson truly loves is her dog Zeppelin, who can be seen on her Instagram . Many people are looking there for something interesting about the couple Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan, the latest news from the filming of their film.
