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Don Johnson has opened up about some extraordinary experiences he had during his visits to the White House. The 75-year-old actor recounted a surprising incident where he allegedly smoked a joint within the prestigious walls of the presidential residence. He also recalled playing golf with former President George H.W. Bush, highlighting an unexpected twist during their match.
In a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Johnson shared a moment that many might find hard to believe. While on the show, host Jimmy Kimmel displayed a photograph from 1975, capturing Johnson alongside President Jimmy Carter, musicians Chuck Leavell, and Dickey Betts at an Allman Brothers concert.
Johnson commented on the snapshot, reflecting, “I don’t remember that photo, but we were all stoned,” indicating that substances were part of the atmosphere during that time.
However, he made it clear that he did not believe President Carter participated in any such activities. Johnson added, “Well, I don’t know about him. I don’t want to cast any aspersions on the former president. God rest his soul.” This respectful nod towards the former president highlights Johnson’s awareness of the sensitive nature of his comments.
Johnson’s invitation to the White House came after he collaborated with the Allman Brothers for a concert supporting Carter’s presidential campaign in 1976. He reminisced about that time, stating, “Then the fun began,” as he looked back at his youthful escapades in a different era.
The late-night host probed further into the nature of the fun Johnson described, quipping that nobody has fun at the White House. Kimmel also referenced Willie Nelson, suggesting the country music legend had his own share of fun at the residence.
With a hint of hesitation, Johnson responded to Kimmel’s inquiry about his experience at the White House, admitting, “I don’t know how to answer this. Well, yes… I guess I did.” His candidness sparked laughter from the audience, illustrating how unexpected revelations can still amuse fans today.
Johnson, known for his prominent role in Miami Vice, emphasized that he had visited the White House during every presidential administration since Carter’s time. His experiences didn’t end with Carter, as he shared some anecdotes from his later interactions, including one memorable round of golf with President Bush.
In describing their time on the green at Camp David, Johnson recounted, “He wanted to gamble when we played golf out at Camp David, and so I took his money,” prompting laughter and applause from the crowd. His charm and charisma in sharing these stories highlight his game’s competitive spirit.
When Kimmel inquired about the wager, Johnson clarified, “it wasn’t that much. Eighteen or 20 bucks,” but humorously added, “But that’s the best 18 or 20 bucks you’ll ever get.” Such anecdotes offer a fascinating glimpse into the lighter side of presidential interactions.
Johnson’s revelations are not an isolated phenomenon; he is among numerous celebrities who have shared quirky stories from their visits to the White House. Country legend Willie Nelson previously claimed to have smoked weed with an individual from Carter’s administration during his stay at the White House. However, following up on Nelson’s story, Carter later clarified that it was actually his son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III, who was present during that infamous encounter.
Reflecting on that moment, Carter stated in the 2020 documentary, Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President, “When Willie Nelson wrote his autobiography, he confessed that he smoked pot in the White House one night when he was spending the night with me. And he says that his companion that shared the pot with him was one of the servants in the White House. That is not exactly true — it actually was one of my sons, which he didn’t want to categorize as a pot-smoker like him.” This anecdote illustrates the myths that often surround the many stories of celebrity visits to the White House.
As public curiosity continues to thrive, Johnson’s humorous yet respectful storytelling reminds us that even the most esteemed venues can hold amusing tales and lighthearted encounters. His experiences at the White House, as shared on national television, contribute to a rich tapestry of historical celebrity moments that blur the lines between politics and popular culture.
With each story, the public gains deeper insights into the unique dynamics of celebrity interactions with the presidency. These anecdotes add dimension to our understanding of history, reminding us that, behind the formality of politics, there exists a realm of shared human experiences.
