Dakota Johnson may come from Hollywood royalty, but her early career wasn’t exactly a cushy ride. The Materialists star recently opened up about struggling to make ends meet after her father, Don Johnson, cut her off financially when she chose not to go to college.
“I graduated and only applied to Juilliard. And I didn’t get in,” Johnson said during a candid conversation with co-star Pedro Pascal for Elle U.K. “My dad had a rule—if you’re not in school, you’re off the payroll. So, he cut me off.”
Though she admits she never really wanted to attend college, the decision had serious consequences. Johnson, who was 19 when she landed a small role in The Social Network, said she had to start auditioning right away to survive. “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,” she recalled. “I’d have to ask my parents for help.”
Still, the now-successful actress is grateful for the support she received during those tough times—even if it was limited. “I’m very lucky my parents were able to help. But it certainly wasn’t fun,” she added, reflecting on the struggle and stress of auditions early in her career.
Don Johnson previously discussed the situation during a 2021 appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, saying he was firm about his expectations. “She said, ‘I’m not going to college.’ So I said, ‘Okay, you’re off the payroll.’” But, he added proudly, “Three weeks later, she booked The Social Network—and the rest is cinema history.”
Up next, Dakota stars alongside Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans in Materialists, directed by Past Lives filmmaker Celine Song. The film is set to hit theaters June 13.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
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