Don Johnson Recalls Meeting Ex Patti D'Arbanville 'Stark Naked' on a Table (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo:Robin Platzer/Images/Getty

Robin Platzer/Images/Getty

Don Johnsonis widely known for having married his ex-wifeMelanie Griffithnot once but twice.

But between those unions he was partnered up with Andy Warhol muse, model and actress Patti D’Arbanville, with whom he shares son Jesse, 44.

He tells PEOPLE the way the two first met was somewhat unconventional. “The wife of the mother of my first son, I met her because I was working on a movie in New York, and I went down to Andy Warhol’s factory,” theDoctor Odysseystar, 74, says.

“I walked in, and standing on the table stark naked was the mother of my first son. She was doing what I think was the very first cover photo shoot forInterviewmagazine,” he says. “She was just so beautiful and captivating.”

Patti D’Arbanville and Don Johnson arrive at The 37th Primetime Emmy Awards on September22, 1985.Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

The two had undeniable chemistry, but they didn’t become an official couple until 1981 when they ran into each other at a restaurant in Los Angeles.

According to a 1984 PEOPLE profile on the actor, Johnson arrived at the restaurant with his then-girlfriend Tanya Tucker but left with D’Arbanville. “She moved in that night,” he told PEOPLE at the time. “And we stayed in bed for about eight days. The houseboy kept bringing food and water.”

When Patti got pregnant with Jesse, Johnson told PEOPLE they decided not to get married: “I can’t commit to marrying right now,” he told her.

“I’m not into that either,” replied D’Arbanville.

Jesse Johnson, son of the actro Don Johnson, with his mother, Patty d’Arbanville.Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty

But their union and fatherhood soon became something Johnson embraced and credited with his sobriety.

Jesse Johnson, Alexander Bauer, Don Johnson, Dakota Johnson, and Patti D’Arbanville.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty

He beat his addictions, got back into shape, then rose to nationwide fame after he was cast as Sonny Crockett onMiami Vice,which ran from 1985 to 1990. He and D’Arbanville stayed together until 1986 when they split up for good.

Patti D’arbanville in 2009.Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock

Dave Allocca/Starpix/Shutterstock

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Johnson wed Kelley Phleger in 1999, and they’ve also welcomed three children together.

Before their breakup in 1986, Johnson gave another interview to PEOPLE, in which he explained that he and Patti enjoyed their unconventional and long-distance relationship — and that she wasn’t worried about his intenseMiami Vicegroupies.

Patti told PEOPLE at the time, “Don loves me and wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize that.”

source: people.com