Dakota Johnson

Born in Austin, Texas, Dakota Mayi Johnson was raised in the heart of the film industry. She is the daughter of Hollywood veterans Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith, and the granddaughter of The Birds star Tippi Hedren.

Her introduction to the screen happened early in Crazy in Alabama, a family affair where she and her sister, Stella Banderas, played the onscreen daughters of their real-life mother. The project was even directed by her stepfather, Antonio Banderas. Despite this early start, Dakota stepped back to finish her education before pursuing a full-time career in the spotlight. In 2006, she followed in her mother’s footsteps by being named Miss Golden Globe—making them the first mother-daughter duo to hold the title. Her early professional years were also defined by modeling; she signed with IMG and fronted campaigns for brands like MANGO and the Australian label Wish.

After joining the William Morris Agency, her acting career took off in earnest. She landed a standout part in David Fincher’s 2010 hit The Social Network, sharing a memorable scene with Justin Timberlake. That film’s critical success opened doors to a variety of projects, from indie dramas like For Ellen and Chloe & Theo to the big-screen reboot of 21 Jump Street. While her 2012 Fox sitcom Ben and Kate was short-lived, it didn't slow her down. She soon beat out a long list of contenders for the role of Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy. The franchise became a global phenomenon, earning her a People’s Choice Award and catapulting her to A-list status. Since then, Dakota has intentionally chosen a mix of roles, showing her range in gritty dramas like Black Mass, psychological thrillers like A Bigger Splash, and comedies like How to Be Single. Her recent work continues to be diverse, spanning from the horror remake Suspiria to the heartfelt The Peanut Butter Falcon.