Don Johnson was one of the biggest icons of the 80s thanks to his role in “Miami Vice,” but that fame had a downside.
“For a long time, I couldn't even go anywhere,” Johnson told People magazine.
He continued: “I had to isolate myself. Women know where you are. We had security 24/7.”
The intense fandom reminded him of what Elvis Presley must have gone through at the height of his fame.
“One day, I was reflecting on Elvis and I thought, ‘Isn’t that how Elvis lived and died?’ Not that I’m comparing myself to Elvis, but in the sense that I couldn’t have a personal life. So I learned to deal with it and I promised myself not to let it imprison me,” Johnson said.
“Miami Vice” celebrated its 40th anniversary this month. The show launched Johnson to stardom as Sonny Crockett.
But with fame and fans, Johnson became concerned about going beyond the role.
“At the time, my goal was to not be Sonny Crockett forever,” he said. “I had seen the danger of actors who identified too much with their characters. I felt I had to separate myself from Sonny so people could see me as other characters.”
The 74-year-old actor is happy to still be working after his career's initial difficulties, and is especially grateful for “Miami Vice.”
“This year is the 40th anniversary of 'Miami Vice' and, hey, I'm still here,” he told the outlet.
Johnson also said he's better at balancing his fame with his personal life.
“Work-life balance is an interesting thing for an actor, because movies eat up your life. TV shows eat up your life,” he said. “Luckily, I’m in a place where I can pick and choose the roles I want, and sometimes I prefer the supporting role because I still enjoy what I do, but I don’t want to work so many hours and be away from my family.”
The “Nash Bridges” star added: “Fame is a condition, but it also fades.”
That doesn’t seem likely to happen anytime soon, with Johnson’s latest Netflix film, “Rebel Ridge,” drawing millions of viewers, and a new series, “Doctor Odyssey,” premiering Sept. 26 on Hulu.
“I’m still on the menu!” she joked to People.
