Don Johnson’s Heart Was ‘Doing Double Backflips’ When He Filmed with His Untrained Pet Alligator on “Miami Vice”

Don Johnson Reflects on Memories of Untrained Alligator Co-Star on ‘Miami Vice’

Don Johnson, the renowned actor, takes a trip down memory lane as he recalls his unusual co-star from the hit 1980s TV series ‘Miami Vice’. In a recent interview with Remind Magazine on February 5th, Johnson, now 75 years old, shared insights about one of the most peculiar aspects of the show – his pet alligator, Elvis. The actor portrayed Detective James “Sonny” Crockett, who resided on a sailboat alongside his unconventional companion, the alligator Elvis.

During the interview, Johnson fondly reminisced about the time when David Letterman questioned him about Elvis and his training. Johnson’s response was both humorous and insightful, stating, “When you’re a perfect machine, you don’t need any training. In fact, you cannot be trained. You’ve just evolved into perfection.” This sheds light on the unique bond between Johnson’s character and the untrained alligator.

Elvis, the alligator, became an integral part of Johnson’s character portrayal, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to the show. Johnson emphasized the need for caution and respect when working with such a wild animal, noting that alligators have remained unchanged for millions of years, dating back to the Mesozoic era.

Ensuring safety on set was paramount, and Johnson revealed that strict protocols were in place to prevent any mishaps. This included keeping Elvis’ mouth taped shut when not filming scenes together. Johnson described the tension of filming with the live alligator, mentioning how he had to maintain composure while inwardly grappling with the adrenaline rush of being in close proximity to a potentially dangerous creature.

‘Miami Vice’, which aired from 1984 to 1990, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with Johnson’s character, Sonny Crockett, and his partner, Detective Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs, played by Philip Michael Thomas, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. Johnson expressed his gratitude for the enduring popularity of the show, noting that even years later, the characters of Crockett and Tubbs are still fondly remembered.

Reflecting on his time on the show, Johnson revealed that he chose not to keep any mementos from his ‘Miami Vice’ days, apart from a Ferrari he received as a gift. The iconic pastel suits worn by his character may have become synonymous with the series, but Johnson admitted that the intense Florida heat made them far from desirable to keep.

In a more personal revelation, Johnson opened up about the challenges of fame, particularly during his peak as an ’80s heartthrob. He recounted moments of isolation and the constant spotlight that came with being a recognisable face in Hollywood. Despite the struggles, Johnson found a way to navigate his celebrity status and carve out a path beyond his iconic role as Sonny Crockett.

As Johnson continues to reminisce about his time on ‘Miami Vice’ and the unforgettable experiences with his on-screen alligator companion, Elvis, fans are granted a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes magic that brought this beloved series to life. The legacy of ‘Miami Vice’ and Don Johnson’s charismatic portrayal of Sonny Crockett continue to captivate audiences, proving that some on-screen partnerships truly stand the test of time.

By revisiting his past adventures in the neon-soaked streets of Miami, Don Johnson reminds us all that sometimes, the most memorable co-stars come in the most unexpected forms, even if they happen to be untrained alligators.