Dakota Johnson reveals the tough love that forced her into Hollywood hustle: ‘I was totally on my own'
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.
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