Dakota Johnson attends Feed the Children Benefit party at Planet Hollywood on March 26, 1998 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Dakota Johnson is a multifaceted talent – actress, producer, and director. She began her acting career at the young age of ten and has since appeared in over 30 films.
Many know her best as Anastasia Steele from the “Fifty Shades” series. Dakota reprised her role in both “Fifty Shades Darker” and “Fifty Shades Freed.”
Coming from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry, her mother, Melanie Griffith, boasts over 80 acting credits. Her father’s none other than Don Johnson, with an impressive résumé of over 100 acting credits. His notable roles include parts in “Knives Out” and “The Other Woman.”
Dakota Johnson, Melanie Griffith and Stella Banderas at the premiere of “The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Her parents’ marriage ended, and both have since remarried. Her mother’s marriage to Antonio Banderas from 1996 to 2015 led to a close bond between Dakota and Antonio.
Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, and Antonio Banderas at the 72nd Annual Academy Awards on March 26, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
Antonio fondly recalled, “She was five when I met her… She’s my daughter, I love her. I’ve traveled the world with her on my shoulders.”
Antonio Banderas and Dakota Johnson on a yacht during the Copa del Ray regatta on August 6, 2000 | Source: Getty Images
While she’s the only child of Melanie and Don together, Dakota thrived in a blended family. She once shared that chosen family bonds can be as significant as blood relationships.
Melanie Griffith, Dakota Johnson, and Don Johnson at the New York premiere of “How To Be Single” on February 3, 2016. | Source: Getty Images
She reflected on her large family saying, “I have four brothers and two sisters, and they all consider each other siblings despite not being blood-related.”
Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Stella Banderas, and Dakota Johnson at the Los Angeles premiere of “Shrek 2” on May 8, 2004. | Source: Getty Images
She emphasized the importance of chosen family, adding, “Irrespective of trials, we remain family. Embracing the complexity of our relationships makes us stronger.”
Don and Dakota Johnson at The Hollywood Foreign Press Association and The Hollywood Reporter party at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2019. | Source: Getty Images
Now at 34, Dakota is also part of a blended family as an adult. She feels comfortable and authentic in this environment, cherishing the honest dynamics of her relationships with no hidden secrets.
Melanie Griffith and Dakota Johnson at the 87th Annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2015, in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images
She shares her life with Chris Martin, the renowned lead of Coldplay. Their relationship has caught public attention, punctuated by engagement rumors whenever Dakota is spotted with a striking emerald ring.
In December 2020, her emerald ring sparked engagement speculations which resurfaced in March 2021. Adding to the intrigue, jewelry designer Jessica McCormack posted a picture of Dakota wearing the ring in November 2023, captioned “fav color after diamonds 💚 #mondaymuse.”
Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson seen leaving The Corinthia Hotel during the 65th BFI London Film Festival on October 13, 2021, in London. | Source: Getty Images
A source revealed in March 2024 that the couple had indeed gotten engaged quietly. Now, they’re more open about it within their close circles, emphasizing a deliberate, private commitment.
In early March 2024, Dakota expressed her deep affection for Chris, calling him her favorite person and saying she could watch him perform every day.
Chris is also a father to two children, Apple and Moses, from his previous relationship with Gwyneth Paltrow. Dakota and Gwyneth share a good rapport, often celebrating holidays together as a blended family.
In November 2018, Chris, Dakota, and Gwyneth celebrated Thanksgiving together. A year later, Gwyneth wished Dakota a happy birthday on Instagram, calling her “an absolute gem 💙.”
During an Instagram Q&A in November 2023, Gwyneth described Dakota as “very good friends,” expressing her fondness for her several times over the years.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Dakota Johnson at the front row for Gucci Love Parade on November 2, 2021 in Los Angeles. | Source: Getty Images
She even shared a heartwarming photo of her and Dakota holding hands during an Instagram Q&A session in November 2023.
Screenshot of Gwyneth Paltrow and Dakota Johnson holding hands, dated November 2023 | Source: Instagram/etalkctv
Though neither Dakota nor Chris has confirmed the engagement rumors, Dakota is fully immersed in her role as a loving stepmom to Apple and Moses.
She once fondly called Moses her stepson, narrating a story he shared about school. Dakota expressed, “I love those kids with all my heart, like my life depends on it,” and she’s frequently seen spending quality time with her stepchildren.
In May 2019, Dakota and Apple were spotted grabbing coffee in Malibu, and in December 2019, Dakota joined Chris’s family, including Gwyneth, for a holiday trip to Aspen.
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In March 2020, the family celebrated Chris’s 43rd birthday at Disneyland and in November 2023, they enjoyed a casual lunch in East Hampton.
June 2023 saw Dakota sharing a pizza dinner with Chris and Moses, with paparazzi capturing the sweet moment as Dakota and Moses walked arm in arm.
Though Dakota currently relishes her role as stepmom, she’s open to motherhood, embracing all life has to offer. She said, “I’m so open to that if it’s meant to happen.”
Dakota’s experiences in a blended family have sculpted her present family dynamics and aspirations. Her relationship with Chris and being a part of his children’s lives brings her immense joy and fulfillment.
