Dakota Johnson reveals the tough love that forced her into Hollywood hustle: ‘I was totally on my own'
Dakota Johnson
Dakota Johnson may come from Hollywood royalty, but her path to stardom wasn't paved with privilege. The
Fifty Shades of Grey
actress is shedding new light on the rocky beginnings of her career, revealing that her father, actor
Don Johnson
, cut her off financially when she decided not to attend college.
In a conversation with her Materialists co-star Pedro Pascal for Elle U.K., the 35-year-old actress recalled how her dreams of attending Juilliard were dashed — along with her financial safety net. 'I didn't get in,' she said, referring to the prestigious performing arts school, 'and my dad cut me off because I didn't go to college.'
Left to figure things out on her own, Dakota dove headfirst into acting auditions. 'I think I was 19 when I did The Social Network,' she said, referencing her brief role in the 2010 film. That project opened a few doors, but stability was far from immediate. She began picking up minor roles, doing whatever it took to stay afloat.
'There were a few years where money was really tight,' Dakota admitted. 'I'd go to the grocery store and not have enough in my account. I couldn't pay rent sometimes.' Though she tried to stand on her own, she occasionally turned to her parents, Don Johnson and actress Melanie Griffith, for support. 'I'm very thankful they were there to help me,' she said. 'But it wasn't easy and it wasn't fun.'
Dakota elaborated on this during a February 2024 appearance on Today, where she revealed the ultimatum her father gave her: go to college and receive an allowance, or pursue acting and be financially independent. 'I chose to act and he told me, 'Alright, you're on your own.' I was cut off.'
To make ends meet, Dakota picked up modeling gigs and leaned on her mother during particularly tough times. 'She was the soft one,' she said affectionately. 'I had to ask her for help with groceries more than once.'
While her last name certainly opened a few doors, Dakota made it clear that she still had to fight for her place in the industry. 'Auditioning is brutal,' she told Pascal. 'It's the worst part of the job.'
Despite the rough start, Dakota's perseverance paid off. From a small role in Crazy in Alabama as a child to becoming a household name in the Fifty Shades franchise, she built her career from the ground up without a safety net.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
10 hours ago
- Mint
Dakota Johnson jokes about outfit mishap on The Tonight Show as Jimmy Fallon offers tissue to cover up
Actor Dakota Johnson turned an awkward fashion moment into a light-hearted exchange during her appearance on 'The Tonight Show' with Jimmy Fallon on Monday night, June 3. Appearing on the NBC late-night show, Johnson quickly confessed she had second thoughts about her outfit. 'This is the wrong outfit,' she said with a nervous smile. Fallon tried to reassure her, replying, 'I think it's perfect, just don't move,' prompting Johnson to quip, 'My eyes are up here.' Still feeling a bit uneasy, Dakota asked the host, 'Tell me if there's a problem.' Fallon assured her there wasn't—only 'almost' a problem. Not taking any chances, the actress jokingly asked for a blanket to help cover up. In the absence of anything else, Fallon handed her the closest thing that was available to him - a tissue. Johnson tucked it into her outfit and laughed as the makeshift fix did the job. 'It covered everything,' she said with mock relief. Fallon joked that he had 'ruined her outfit,' but Johnson decided to take the tissue out and hand it back. 'Do you want to keep this?' she asked with a grin. Fallon didn't miss a beat: 'I'm putting this on eBay this evening.' Johnson was on the show to promote her latest project - 'Materialists', but it was the impromptu outfit fix that ended up stealing the spotlight. Dakota is currently on a press tour for the film, which also features Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal. The film is directed by 'Past Lives' director, Celine Song. Bankrolled by A24, 'Materialists' will be internationally distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing International. 'Materialists' is set to hit theatres on June 13, 2025.
Hindustan Times
13 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Dakota Johnson reveals what attracted her to Celine Song's Lucy in Materialists
In director Celine Song's much-anticipated film Materialists, Dakota Johnson takes on the role of Lucy — a sharp, savvy matchmaker caught in a romantic tangle. The film follows her journey as she navigates a love triangle between her charming ex (Chris Evans) and a mysterious new suitor (Pedro Pascal), all set against the backdrop of modern romance and ambition. While promoting the film globally, Dakota opened up about what drew her to the character and the complexities that made Lucy such a compelling role. 'After I read the script, I was immediately enticed by the layered inscrutability I saw in Lucy. I was drawn to the role because it's so complex. Lucy has so many different dynamics in the film, so there's many different Lucys. She's a bit of a different person with every other character — she's sort of a chameleon in that way. And then you're wondering which of her is the truth, which I thought was just so fun to play with.' Sony Pictures Entertainment will release Materialists in cinemas across India on June 13. Recently, Johnson revealed that her father, Don Johnson, cut her off financially after high school when she decided not to attend college. Johnson recalled that her father's ultimatum was clear: attend college and receive an allowance, or pursue acting and be on her own. "I didn't get in, and my dad cut me off because I didn't go to college," Johnson said, adding, "So, I started auditioning. I think I was 19 when I did The Social Network, and then little jobs and stuff after that," as quoted by E! News. Despite struggling financially, Johnson landed roles in notable films, including 'The Social Network' and the 'Fifty Shades' trilogy. Johnson opened up about the challenges she faced while trying to make it in Hollywood. "For a couple of years, it was hard to make money," she said, adding, "There were a few times when I'd go to the market and not have money in my bank account or not be able to pay rent, and I'd have to ask my parents for help," as quoted by E! News.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Dakota Johnson just put these chunky sneakers back on the fashion map; here's why everyone's obsessed
Move over, sleek and slim - chunky is back, and Dakota Johnson is leading the charge. The Madame Web star, known for her effortlessly cool style and enviable sneaker game, has just brought a forgotten favourite back into the fashion spotlight. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now We're talking about the Nike V2K Run sneakers, a throwback-inspired pair that's suddenly everywhere again, all thanks to Dakota's off-duty gym looks. From sleek to chunky: Dakota's sneaker evolution For the longest time, Dakota Johnson's casual footwear of choice revolved around retro silhouettes. From Adidas Sambas to Converse All-Stars and Nike Daybreaks, her closet was a celebration of low-profile, flat-soled classics that oozed 'cool girl' energy. But things have taken a noticeable turn. On June 2, Dakota was spotted leaving a SoulCycle class in New York, dressed in a minimal all-black workout outfit that screamed quiet luxury, with an edge. She wore Lululemon Align leggings, a tongue-in-cheek pullover from Cinema L'Amour (yes, the adult movie theatre in Montreal), and instead of her go-to Sambas, she stepped out in chunky, futuristic Nike V2K Run sneakers. And just like that, the fashion tides shifted. The V2K run: A nod to Y2K with a modern edge If the silhouette of the Nike V2K Run sneakers looks vaguely familiar, it's because they're heavily inspired by early 2000s running shoes. Think dad-core meets futuristic gymwear. With exaggerated soles, extra cushioning, and techy vibes, they mark a distinct shift from the ultra-slim sneaker trend we've been living in for the past few seasons. Johnson's choice of the all-black version only adds to their wearability - they're sleek but substantial, bold yet versatile. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now And at just USD 125 (around INR 12,400), they deliver high fashion vibes without breaking the bank. No wonder they've become her latest obsession. This isn't the first time she's been spotted in them The V2Ks may feel like a new trend, but Dakota's been quietly championing them for months. She first debuted the pair on April 16 after another workout session in Malibu, just minutes from her home. Dressed in a cropped sweatshirt, those same Lululemon leggings, and a New York City Ballet cap, she looked both casual and curated, two of her signature style traits. Interestingly, the Nike V2K might also come with a celebrity co-sign from Jennifer Lawrence, who not only owns the same pair but also styles them in near-identical fashion. Coincidence? Unlikely. The two have been spotted hanging out, and Dakota's June 2 look came just hours after grabbing dinner with Lawrence. Sneaker twins? We think yes. Available in over 15 colours and counting What really sets these sneakers apart, aside from the comfort and cool factor, is the insane variety they come in. Whether you're into neutral whites and tans, or bolder tones like bronze, red, and electric blue, there's a V2K Run sneaker out there to match your mood. So while Dakota might be devoted to her all-black pair (a safe and stylish pick), we wouldn't be surprised if she starts collecting other colours the way she hoarded Adidas Sambas in every shade. Why everyone's now googling 'Nike V2K Run' The power of a Dakota Johnson street-style moment cannot be underestimated. With just one paparazzi snap, she has the ability to shift fashion trends, restock shelves, and bring forgotten gems back into the spotlight. The resurgence of the Nike V2K Run is a perfect example. In an era dominated by minimalism and pared-down fashion, these sneakers offer just enough drama to feel fresh again. They're nostalgic but not dated, bold but not bulky, and they look just as good with a workout set as they do with baggy jeans or a slip dress. And the price? Surprisingly accessible for a shoe that's fast becoming a style staple. You need these in your closet If you're ready to shake up your shoe game, take a cue from Dakota Johnson and embrace the chunky sneaker revival. The Nike V2K Runs are back, they're cool again, and they're basically sold out every time she wears them. So whether you're headed to the gym, brunch, or just trying to emulate that low-key celebrity style, these sneakers are the perfect starting point. And if Dakota's fashion history is any indicator, this trend is only just beginning.
