Don Johnson, the iconic star of 'Miami Vice,' revealed in a recent interview that he spent 15 years living in poverty while struggling to break into Hollywood. Born in Flat Creek, Missouri, to young parents, Johnson's early life was marked by financial hardship, which he described as leaving a lasting impact on him. He credits his strong work ethic to his parents' struggles, despite his father's eventual success at Boeing. Johnson's big break came in 1983 when he auditioned for 'Miami Vice,' a role he felt was meant for him, after years of taking on forgettable roles and living below the national poverty level. His early life challenges, including his parents' divorce, fueled his creativity and resilience, ultimately leading to his successful career. Today, Johnson reflects on those years as foundational to his later success, stating that he managed his fears through meditation.