Most Famous Johnsons in the World

The surname Johnson spans film sets, recording studios, sports arenas, and even mission control—covering people whose work is known on every continent. From box-office leaders to culture-shaping musicians and championship athletes, these Johnsons have built careers that show up in global headlines and everyday playlists alike.

Below is a friendly, fact-packed tour through some of the most recognizable Johnsons working in entertainment and beyond. Each entry highlights concrete career milestones—key roles, awards, landmark projects, or lasting cultural contributions—so you can quickly place the name with the achievements.

Dwayne Johnson

Dwayne Johnson transitioned from a decorated professional wrestling career into leading roles in major studio films, becoming one of the most bankable actors of his era. His credits span franchises and family hits alike, including ‘Fast & Furious’ entries, ‘Jumanji’ films, ‘Moana’, and ‘Black Adam’. He co-founded Seven Bucks Productions, which develops and produces films and series, and he has served as an executive producer on projects such as ‘Young Rock’.

Before acting, Johnson competed in the WWE under the ring name “The Rock,” winning multiple world championships and headlining numerous pay-per-view events. He has also hosted and produced large-scale television formats, launched successful brand partnerships in categories like energy drinks and tequila, and regularly tops annual lists tracking entertainment-industry earnings.

Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is a five-time NBA champion and three-time NBA Most Valuable Player whose playmaking with the Los Angeles Lakers helped define the “Showtime” era. He later served in executive and ownership roles across sports, becoming a part-owner or managing partner in teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, LAFC, and the Washington Commanders.

Following his public disclosure of an HIV diagnosis, Johnson founded organizations that fund HIV/AIDS education, prevention, and community development. His business holdings—spanning real estate, media, and food service—have made him a leading figure in athlete entrepreneurship, and his life and career were profiled in the Apple TV+ docuseries ‘They Call Me Magic’.

Dakota Johnson

Dakota Johnson earned international recognition as the lead of the ‘Fifty Shades’ films and has since balanced studio releases with acclaimed independent projects. Notable screen work includes ‘Suspiria’, ‘Bad Times at the El Royale’, ‘The Lost Daughter’, ‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’, and ‘Madame Web’, along with producing credits that reflect her expanding role behind the camera.

She co-founded TeaTime Pictures to develop film and television projects and has appeared in festival-premiering titles that broaden her range from psychological horror to character-driven drama. Johnson comes from a multigenerational Hollywood family—her parents are Don Johnson and Melanie Griffith—which has informed a career that spans acting, producing, and brand ambassadorships.

Don Johnson

Don Johnson became a global television star as Detective Sonny Crockett in ‘Miami Vice’, a role that earned him a Golden Globe and helped set the look and sound of prime-time crime drama. He later headlined ‘Nash Bridges’ and returned to that character in a revival, while continuing a steady run of film and television appearances.

Recent high-profile roles include ensemble work in ‘Knives Out’ and a pivotal turn in HBO’s ‘Watchmen’. Johnson has also produced projects, released music in tandem with his acting career, and appeared on Broadway, reflecting a versatile presence across multiple entertainment formats.

Rian Johnson

Rian Johnson is a filmmaker whose genre-blending storytelling spans noir, science fiction, and mystery. He wrote and directed ‘Brick’ and ‘Looper’, directed ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, and launched the Benoit Blanc mysteries with ‘Knives Out’ and ‘Glass Onion’, earning Academy Award nominations for Original Screenplay.

On television, Johnson created the case-of-the-week series ‘Poker Face’, serving as showrunner and director for multiple episodes while collaborating again with his frequent cinematographer and composing partners. His production company, T-Street, develops features and series that pair distinctive scripts with strong character ensembles.

Robert Johnson

Robert Johnson is a foundational figure in American blues whose recordings—such as ‘Cross Road Blues’ and ‘Sweet Home Chicago’—influenced generations of rock and blues musicians. His complete body of studio work comprises fewer than three dozen tracks, yet those songs have been widely covered, studied, and reissued.

Stories surrounding Johnson’s short life became part of music folklore, while his guitar technique and songwriting have been cited by artists across genres. He was among the earliest inductees honored for shaping rock’s roots, and his catalog remains a core reference in music history courses and documentaries.

Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson is a singer-songwriter whose acoustic, surf-influenced albums—’Brushfire Fairytales’, ‘In Between Dreams’, and the ‘Curious George’ soundtrack—have sold millions worldwide and anchored headlining tours. His songwriting pairs laid-back arrangements with melodic hooks that became staples on adult-alternative radio and streaming playlists.

Beyond recording, Johnson co-founded Brushfire Records and supports environmental education through the Kokua Hawaii Foundation. His tours frequently implement sustainability initiatives, and he has produced concert events and compilations to benefit coastal conservation and classroom programs.

Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson was an American actor and champion rodeo cowboy who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in ‘The Last Picture Show’. Before that breakthrough, he worked as a stuntman and horse-wrangler, then built a filmography that included Western landmarks like ‘The Wild Bunch’ and ‘She Wore a Yellow Ribbon’.

Johnson’s authenticity on horseback translated into steady collaborations with directors who valued practical stunt work and classic Western storytelling. He continued acting across film and television for decades, becoming a go-to performer for productions seeking grounded portrayals of frontier characters.

Ashley Johnson

Ashley Johnson is an actress and voice performer best known in gaming for bringing Ellie to life in ‘The Last of Us’, a role that earned her multiple performance awards and industry recognition. She reprised the character across the franchise and later appeared in the HBO adaptation in a key guest role.

On television, Johnson starred in ‘Blindspot’ and earlier became known to family-audiences through ‘Growing Pains’. She is also a core cast member of the long-running actual-play series ‘Critical Role’, contributing to the mainstream crossover of tabletop role-playing content into streaming and podcast formats.

Amy Jo Johnson

Amy Jo Johnson became a pop-culture fixture as Kimberly Hart, the original Pink Ranger in ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’. She subsequently landed prominent roles in ‘Felicity’ and ‘Flashpoint’, expanding her résumé from action-adventure to character drama.

In addition to acting, Johnson is a singer-songwriter and a writer-director. Her feature ‘The Space Between’ and multiple short films showcase her shift behind the camera, and she has participated in franchise reunions, fan conventions, and director fellowships to develop future scripted projects.

Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson is a guitarist and composer celebrated for technical precision and melodic instrumental rock. His track ‘Cliffs of Dover’ earned a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance, and albums like ‘Ah Via Musicom’ became reference points for guitar tone and phrasing.

Johnson tours extensively, offers masterclasses, and releases performance-driven live recordings that spotlight his trio interplay. He has also collaborated with other virtuosos on stage and in studio sessions, contributing to tribute albums and cross-genre projects that emphasize musicianship.

Jimmie Johnson

Jimmie Johnson is a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, tying the all-time record, and a two-time Daytona 500 winner. Known for sustained excellence across different car generations and rule packages, he led Hendrick Motorsports through one of the sport’s most dominant stretches.

After stepping away from full-time Cup competition, Johnson pursued IndyCar starts and later returned to NASCAR as a co-owner and part-time driver with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. His career includes major sponsor partnerships, driver-development initiatives, and philanthropic work focused on education and athletics.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Lyndon B. Johnson served as the 36th President of the United States, overseeing landmark domestic legislation known as the Great Society. Key statutes enacted during his administration include the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Internationally, his presidency is closely associated with the escalation of the Vietnam War, which reshaped U.S. foreign policy and domestic debate. Johnson’s tenure is extensively covered in biographies, archival recordings, and documentary series that examine legislative strategy and executive decision-making.

Share which Johnsons you’d add to this list—and why—in the comments!