Actor Don Johnson talked candidly about his unexpected bond with renowned psychopathic journalist Hunter S. Thompson in a recent exclusive interview. Their relationship, which lasted for almost thirty years until Thompson passed away in 2005, was characterized by a special kind of creative collaboration, mutual respect, and shared experiences. Johnson’s observations provide insight into the life of one of the most well-known writers in America as well as the enduring influence he had on others who were close to him.
A Unique Friendship
While making his debut picture in New York City in the early 1980s, Don Johnson got to know Hunter S. Thompson. Their shared affinity for the drug culture of the day brought the two together. “He was the crazy m———f—er that came in with a pocket full of drugs, and our movie was about drugs,” Johnson recounted. The two men’s bond would deepen after their first encounter and when they moved in next door to each other in Woody Creek, Colorado.
As they worked through the highs and lows of life together, their bond grew stronger over time. Johnson characterized Thompson as a loving person who would support him in trying situations, in addition to being a buddy. Johnson said, “He would come over and sleep in the stall with my animal and nurse them back to health if I was away and had a sick animal.” Although Thompson’s wild reputation frequently obscured this nurturing side, it revealed another aspect of his personality.
Johnson’s family life was significantly impacted by Thompson as well. Dakota Johnson, the actor’s daughter, spoke warmly of her special bond with Thompson, calling him a “magical person” who would give her strange things and act silly. Dakota was impacted by their exchanges, which demonstrated how Thompson’s eccentricities made others like him.
Creative Collaborations
In addition to their personal relationship, Johnson and Thompson worked professionally together on the CBS sitcom “Nash Bridges.” Thompson’s admission of money difficulties during one of their late-night talks gave rise to the concept for the show. Johnson saw an opportunity to assist his friend and suggested that they collaborate on a television show. “Let’s just think of something,” he remembered saying.
Although Johnson called their original premise “terrible,” it served as the inspiration for the humorous buddy cop series “Nash Bridges,” which ran from 1996 to 2001. Despite just having written two episodes and credits, Thompson had a significant impact on the evolution of the show. Johnson made the quip that Thompson received residual payments for just showing up to such brainstorming sessions.
Their collaboration served as an example of how friendship can spur innovation and result in fruitful partnerships in unexpected ways. Johnson highlights the significant influence Thompson had on his life and profession as he continues to think back on their time spent together, saying, “I learned so much from him.”
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