We can’t get enough of Miami Vice (1984-1989) for the thrilling plot line, of course. But Don Johnson, the 1980s fashion and iconic music might also have a little something to do with it. Miami Vice follows Detective James “Sonny” Crockett as he navigates the dangerous world of Miami’s drug trade.
But as you watched Sonny Crockett, fight crime and fall in love, the actor and his co-stars were falling in love behind the scenes. Find out which of your favorite stars are married or were while Miami Vice was on the air.
Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith
Their love story was one for the books. Don Johnson, who famously portrayed James Crockett in Miami Vice, met his first wife, actress Melanie Griffith, in 1972. Griffith was only a teenager when she encountered the 22-year-old Johnson on the set of their film, The Harrad Experiment. The film also starred Griffith’s legendary mother, Tippi Hedren.
Johnson and Griffith moved in together when she was 15, they were engaged on her 18th birthday in 1976 and were married soon after. But their marriage (the first one) only lasted six months as they divorced that same year.
Nearly 13 years later in 1989, the couple found their way back to each other and gave their union another chance. Griffith explained, “There was always this connection. I can’t explain it. It’s almost like soulmates, and it always was.”
Which TV show’s real-life couples do you want to know more about?
Later that year, they welcomed their daughter, actress Dakota Johnson. But despite their supposed soulmate connection, the couple filed for divorce in 1994. The two are nonetheless still close.
Don Johnson and Kelley Phleger
The actor met his second and current wife, Kelley Phleger, at a birthday party for then-San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown in the mid-90s. Introduced by producer Jo Schuman Silver, Johnson reportedly knew she was the one right away.
“Don came up to me at Willie’s birthday party and said that the minute he laid eyes on Kelley, he knew he was going to marry her,” Schuman Silver shared in 1999. “I don’t know what she thought, but I’m sure she found him very attractive.”
The couple was engaged in 1998 and tied the knot in 1999 in a secret ceremony, even from their guests. The couple sent an invitation out that only said there would be a black-tie event, which was actually their wedding ceremony.
They welcomed three children together — daughter Atherton Grace in 1999, son Jasper Breckenridge in 2002 and son Deacon in 2006.
Philip Michael Thomas and Kassandra Thomas
The Miami Vice star, Philip Michael Thomas, who portrayed Ricardo Tubbs, tied the knot with model Kassandra Green Thomas in 1986. The couple welcomed 5 children together —Sacred, Imaj, Sovereign, Kharisma and Noble. Thomas and Green divorced in 1998.
Saundra Santiago and Roger Squitero
Saundra Santiago, who we know best as Detective Gina Calabrese, has been married to her husband, musical artist Roger Squitero, since 1999. The couple met in 1994 while starring in the Broadway play, Chronicle of a Death Foretold. Squitero was on percussion for the show while Santiago portrayed Angela Vicario.
In 2023, Santiago shared an anniversary post for her husband, writing, “Been married to this sweet, talented & handsome guy for 24 years today. I’m a lucky gal!”
Edward James Olmos and Kaija Keel
Edward James Olmos, who spent five seasons of Miami Vice portraying Lieutenant Martin Castillo, met his first wife, Kaija Keel, while in a band. The couple tied the knot in 1971 and were married until 1992. During their marriage, Olmos and Keel welcomed two sons — Bodie and Mico.
Edward James Olmos and Lorraine Bracco
About two years after his first divorce, Olmos wedded actress Lorraine Bracco in 1994. The couple met while on the set of the film Talent for the Game (1991). Olmos and Bracco remained married until 2002 when they divorced.
Edward James Olmos and Lymari Nadal
The same year he split from his second wife, Olmos walked down the aisle with current wife, actress Lymari Nadal. The couple has been married since 2002.
John Diehl and Julie Christensen
Best known for his portrayal of Detective Larry Zito is actor John Diehl, who has been in a long-lasting relationship with wife Julie Christensen. The couple exchanged vows in 1992 and have since welcomed one son, Jackson, together.
