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{{short description|American actor}}
'''Kenneth Johnson''' (b. 1977) is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Curtis "Lemonhead" Lemanski on the American drama [[The Shield]], which airs on [[FX Networks|FX]].
{{Other people}}
{{use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Kenny Johnson
| image = Kennyjohnson.jpg
| caption = Johnson in 2007
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1963|7|13}}
| birth_name =
| birth_place = [[New Haven, Connecticut]], U.S.
| alma_mater = {{nowrap|[[Central Connecticut State University]]}}
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1990–present
| spouse = {{marriage|Cathleen Oveson|2005}}
| children = 1
}}


'''Kenny Johnson''' (born July 13, 1963)<ref>{{cite news |agency=[[Associated Press]] |date=July 13, 2021 |title=On This Date: Birthdays |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-sun-birthdays/129401662/ |work=[[The Herald-Sun (Durham, North Carolina)|The Herald-Sun]] |location= Durham, NC |page=A2 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Detective [[Curtis Lemansky]] in ''[[The Shield]]'', Butch "Burner" Barnes in ''[[Pensacola: Wings of Gold]]'', Detective Ham Dewey in ''[[Saving Grace (TV series)|Saving Grace]]'', Herman Kozik in ''[[Sons of Anarchy]]'', Matt Webb in ''[[Prime Suspect (U.S. TV series)|Prime Suspect]]'', Caleb Calhoun in ''[[Bates Motel (TV series)|Bates Motel]]'', Dominique Luca in the CBS drama series ''[[S.W.A.T. (2017 TV series)|S.W.A.T.]]'', and Tommy Welch on ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]'' (2014–2015).
Raised in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermont Vermont], Johnson got his start in television commercials. In fact, he appeared in one of the very first ads for L.A. Gear. A former champion arm wrestler, he appeared as a bit character in various television programs before landing the role of Lem on The Shield. He originally auditioned for the role of ill-fated Terry Crowley, which ultimately went to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reed_Diamond Reed Diamond]. Fortunately for Johnson, series creator [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shawn_Ryan Shawn Ryan] was so impressed with his audition that the role of Lem was created especially for him.

==Early life==
Johnson was born in [[New Haven, Connecticut]], and was raised on a 30-acre farm in [[Weathersfield, Vermont]].<ref name="Fielding">{{cite web|url=http://fieldingonfilm.com/wp/prime-suspects-kenny-johnson/#respond|title=Kenny Johnson|website=Fielding on Film|first=Julien R.|last=Fielding|date=October 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160219212927/http://fieldingonfilm.com/wp/prime-suspects-kenny-johnson/ |archive-date=2016-02-19}}</ref> For his college education, he attended [[Central Connecticut State University]], where he played football and basketball.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.milwaukeemag.com/2012/01/12/KennyJohnson/|title=Kenny Johnson – Actor.|website=[[Milwaukee Magazine]]|first=Rex|last=Sikes|date=January 12, 2012}}</ref>

Prior to starting his acting career, Johnson spent approximately four years modelling for agencies including [[Wilhelmina Models|Wilhelmina]] and [[Ford Models]].<ref name="Fielding"/> This path led to him living for a year in [[Boston]], [[Massachusetts]], before finally settling in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], where he eventually found acting.<ref name="Fielding"/>

==Career==
{{BLP sources section|date=June 2023}}
Johnson got his start in [[television commercial]]s, including one of the first ads for [[LA Gear]]. A former champion [[arm wrestling|arm wrestler]], he appeared as bit characters in various television programs, such as ''[[Family Matters]]'', ''[[Grace Under Fire]]'', ''[[Caroline in the City]]'', ''[[Pensacola: Wings of Gold]]'', ''[[Sliders (TV series)|Sliders]]'', ''[[18 Wheels of Justice]]'', ''[[Just Shoot Me!]]'', ''[[NCIS: Los Angeles]]'', ''[[Lie to Me]]'', ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' and ''[[The Protector (American TV series)|The Protector]]''.

In 1998, he appeared in the first several minutes of the first ''[[Blade (1998 film)|Blade]]'', as Heatseeking Dennis, who was saved from a vampire played by [[Traci Lords]]. In October 2005, he appeared in the ''[[Smallville]]'' season 5 episode "[[Smallville (season 5)|Mortal]]" as metahuman Tommy Lee. He also appeared in the 2006 [[Hallmark Channel]] original film ''[[Desolation Canyon (film)|Desolation Canyon]]'', with [[Stacy Keach]] and [[Patrick Duffy]]. Johnson then starred in the 2005 film ''[[Zzyzx (film)|Zzyzx]]'', a thriller about two friends who take a detour on their way to Las Vegas.

Johnson originally auditioned for the role of ill-fated [[List of The Shield characters#Terry Crowley|Terry Crowley]] in ''[[The Shield (TV series)|The Shield]]'', which ultimately went to [[Reed Diamond]]. Casting directors were so impressed with his audition that they asked Johnson to come in for the role of Curtis Lemansky. He was unsure of how to go about the character, as the role was not very developed at that point. During the audition, Johnson made some choices for the character that he initially thought ruined his chances of winning the role. However, the audition turned out to be successful and he was cast. Lemansky quickly became a major player in the first season because of the chemistry Johnson shared with his castmates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rex-sikes/2010/03/12/rex-sikes-movie-beat-chats-with-actor-kenny-johnso|title=Rex Sikes' Movie Beat chats with actor Kenny Johnson of The Shield & Saving Grace|website=Blog Talk Radio}}</ref>

After ''[[The Shield]]'', Johnson had recurring roles in ''[[Cold Case]]'', first as a supposed murder victim, and later as a love interest for Lilly Rush. He was later cast in the TNT series ''[[Saving Grace (TV series)|Saving Grace]]'', as Detective Hamilton "Ham" Dewey. Johnson also appeared during the second, third and fourth seasons of ''[[Sons of Anarchy]]'' as Sgt. At Arms and biker Herman Kozik. He also directed and starred in the short film ''I Heard the Mermaids Singing''.

In August 2010, Johnson appeared in the Fox series ''[[Lie to Me]]'', along with several fellow cast members from ''The Shield''. In 2011, Johnson appeared in Lifetime's series ''[[The Protector (American TV series)|The Protector]]'', with fellow ''Sons of Anarchy'' co-star [[Ally Walker]]. Johnson also appeared as a regular in NBC's crime drama series ''[[Prime Suspect (U.S. TV series)|Prime Suspect]]'', playing the contractor boyfriend of the lead character, Detective Jane Timoney ([[Maria Bello]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/prime-suspect-casts-shields-kenny-214087|title='Prime Suspect' Casts 'The Shield's' Kenny Johnson|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|first=Lacey|last=Rose|date=July 21, 2011}}</ref> Also in 2011, Johnson starred as Frank Connor, a convicted drug smuggler who leaves prison after 22 years for one youthful mistake, in ''[[Few Options]]''. In 2012, he guest starred as Tyler Gray in the sixth season of ''[[Burn Notice]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/burn-notice-kenny-johnson-the-shield-354532|title='Burn Notice' Recruits 'Shield' Star for Season 6 (Exclusive)|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|first=Philiana|last=Ng|date=July 25, 2012}}</ref> and as Greg Marshall in the fourth season of ''[[The Mentalist]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2012/04/12/mentalist-kenny-johnson-fox-renews-hells-kitchen/|title=TVLine Items: Shield Vet Tapped as Mentalist Ex, Fox Doubles Up on Hell's Kitchen and More!|website=[[TVLine]]|first=Vlada|last=Gelman|date=April 12, 2012}}</ref> That following year, Johnson portrayed U.S. Marshal Max Clayton in the eighth and final season of ''[[Dexter (TV series)|Dexter]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2013/05/11/dexter-season-8-cast-kenny-johnson/|title=Dexter Exclusive: The Shield's Kenny Johnson Imposes Marshall Law on Season 8|website=[[TVLine]]|first=Michael|last=Ausiello|date=May 11, 2013}}</ref>

Johnson appeared as Caleb Calhoun, the estranged brother of [[Norma Bates (Psycho)|Norma Bates]] ([[Vera Farmiga]]), in the A&E drama-thriller series ''[[Bates Motel (TV series)|Bates Motel]]''. He recurred in the second season, became a main cast member for the third season, and guest starred in the fourth and fifth seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2014/07/bates-motel-kenny-johnson-series-regular-nicola-peltz-returns-810053/|title=Comic-Con: Kenny Johnson Upped to Series Regular & Nicola Peltz Returns To 'Bates Motel'|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Anthony|last=D'Alessandro|date=25 July 2014 |access-date=July 25, 2014}}</ref> He was then a recurring cast member in the fifth season of ''[[Covert Affairs]]'', playing former CIA paramilitary operative James Decker.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/covert-affairs-kenny-johnson-joins-726363|title='Covert Affairs' Recruits 'The Shield' Star for Season 5 (Exclusive)|website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|first=Philiana|last=Ng|date=August 19, 2014}}</ref> Johnson co-starred in the 2015 thriller film ''[[Solace (2014 film)|Solace]]''. In August 2015, it was reported that Johnson would be part of the main cast for the second season of ABC's anthology series ''[[Secrets and Lies (U.S. TV series)|Secrets and Lies]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2015/08/06/secrets-and-lies-season-2-spoilers-kenny-johnson-series-regular/|title=Secrets and Lies Taps Shield Vet as Season 2 Murder Suspect|website=[[TVLine]]|first=Rebecca|last=Iannucci|date=August 6, 2015}}</ref>

As of autumn 2017, Johnson portrays Officer Dominique Luca in the CBS drama series ''[[S.W.A.T. (2017 TV series)|S.W.A.T.]]'', based on the 2003 [[S.W.A.T. (2003 film)|film of the same name]], but the series also closely follows the original 1975-76 [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] series, also of the same name.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/03/s-w-a-t-lina-esco-kenny-johnson-cbs-drama-pilot-inspired-by-movie-1202033367/|title='S.W.A.T.': Lina Esco & Kenny Johnson Join CBS Drama Pilot Inspired By Movie|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=March 1, 2017}}</ref>

As of Season 8, Johnson got written out of [[S.W.A.T. (2017 TV series)|S.W.A.T]]., and is now looking on further opportunities for different movies and shows.

==Personal life==
He married his long-term girlfriend, Cathleen Oveson on December 21, 2005. They have one child, Angelica Scarlet (born 7 May 2009).<ref>{{cite web |title=Somebody turns 12 years old on May 7th. Happy Birthday Miss Jelli !!! Amazing Daughter !! Just is !! |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/COj97_shfVn/ |website=Kenny Johnson on Instagram (@thekennethjohnson) |publisher=Instagram |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref> Angelica is also an actress, most notably in a recurring role on ''[[S.W.A.T. (2017 TV series)|S.W.A.T.]]'' as Kelly, where the character played by the elder Johnson, Dominique Luca, becomes her mentor.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Philiana |title='S.W.A.T.'s' Kenny Johnson Shares the Screen With Real-Life Daughter -- Watch the Cute Moment! (Exclusive) |url=https://www.etonline.com/swats-kenny-johnson-shares-the-screen-with-real-life-daughter-watch-the-cute-moment-exclusive |website=ET Online |publisher=Entertainment Tonight |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref>

On July 18, 2018, Johnson suffered unspecified injuries while filming the premiere episode of the second season. The scene involved Johnson simulating Luca hanging from the landing gear of a helicopter while the helicopter flies away.<ref>{{cite web |title='S.W.A.T.' Actor Sues Sony Over Injuries Received on Set |date=14 July 2020 |url=https://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2020/07/14/s-w-a-t-actor-sues-sony-over-injuries-received-on-set/ |publisher=MyNewLA |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref> Johnson later sued the production company, [[Sony Pictures Television Studios|Sony]], over the incident.<ref>{{cite web |title=Actor Injured During Series Scene Shooting Settles Suit Against Sony |date=14 July 2020 |url=https://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2020/07/14/s-w-a-t-actor-sues-sony-over-injuries-received-on-set/ |publisher=MyNewLA |access-date=18 July 2022}}</ref> The case was settled in February 2023 - the terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.<ref>{{cite web |title='S.W.A.T.' Actor Sues Sony Over Injuries Received on Set |date=17 February 2023 |url=https://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2023/02/17/actor-injured-during-series-scene-shooting-settles-suit-against-sony/ |publisher=MyNewLA |access-date=30 May 2023}}</ref>

Johnson has dyslexia and has spoken publicly about it to raise awareness and to combat stigma.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDE8FZ_W3lw |title=Thriving with Dyslexia: Actor Kenny Johnson |date=2016-07-22 |last=Understood |access-date=2024-06-16 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

==Filmography==

===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable"| Notes
|-
| 1990 || ''[[The Forbidden Dance]]'' || Dave ||
|-
| 1990 || ''Mirage'' || Greg ||
|-
| 1995 || ''[[Bushwhacked (film)|Bushwhacked]]'' || State Patrolman ||
|-
| 1998 || ''[[Major League: Back to the Minors]]'' || Lance Pere ||
|-
| 1998 || ''[[Blade (1998 film)|Blade]]'' || Heatseeking Dennis ||
|-
| 2001 || ''[[Under Heavy Fire]]'' || Jimmy Joe ||
|-
| 2006 || '' [[Desolation Canyon (film)|Desolation Canyon]]'' || Reynolds ||
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Zzyzx (film)|Zzyzx]]'' || Lou ||
|-
| 2007 || ''The Ungodly'' || Officer Murphy ||
|-
| 2008 || ''I Heard the Mermaids Singing'' || Al || Short film; also director
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Few Options]]'' || Frank Connor || Also co-producer
|-
| 2013 || ''Timmy Muldoon and the Search for the Shadoweyes Bandit'' || Shotgun Lenny || Video short
|-
| 2015 || ''[[Solace (2015 film)|Solace]]'' || David Raymond ||
|-
| 2015 || ''Blue'' || David Murphy ||
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Run the Tide]]'' || Bo ||
|-
| 2017 || ''Check Point'' || Roy Boyle || Also producer
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year !! Title !! Role !! class="unsortable"| Notes
|-
| 1992 || ''[[Red Shoe Diaries]]'' || Tracer || 2 episodes
|-
| 1993 || ''[[The Webbers]]'' || Chuck || Television film
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Family Matters]]'' || Gorgeous Waiter || Episode: "Walk on the Wild Side"
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Grace Under Fire]]'' || Skip || Episode: "June 15, 1997"
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Something Wilder]]'' || Chad || Episode: "Love Native American Style"
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Pacific Blue (TV series)|Pacific Blue]]'' || Deke || Episode: "Over the Edge"
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Caroline in the City]]'' || Blair || Episode: "Caroline and the Ex-Wife"
|-
| 1996 || ''[[The Big Easy (TV series)|The Big Easy]]'' || George Stodermayer || Episode: "Stodermayer"
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Sliders (TV series)|Sliders]]'' || Slain Skater || Episode: "The Dream Masters"
|-
| 1996 || ''[[The Burning Zone]]'' || Dr. Jake Lietman || Episode: "Blood Covenant"
|-
| 1997 || ''Sins of the Mind'' || Anders || Pilot episode
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Just Shoot Me]]'' || Brian McDonald || Episode: "The Odd Couple (Part 2)"
|-
| 1999 || ''[[Ryan Caulfield: Year One]]'' || Detective Billy Zabo || Episode: "A Night at the Gashole"
|-
| 1998–2000 || ''[[Pensacola: Wings of Gold]]'' || Butch "Burner" Barnes || Main cast (season 2), 27 episodes
|-
| 2001 || ''[[The Huntress (TV series)|The Huntress]]'' || Kevin Styles || 2 episodes
|-
| 2001 || ''[[18 Wheels of Justice]]'' || Sonny || Episode: "Crossing the Line"
|-
| 2002–2006 || ''[[The Shield]]'' || Detective Curtis Lemansky || Main cast, 66 episodes
|-
| 2002 || ''[[One on One (American TV series)|One on One]]'' || Brandon || Episode: "The Way You Make Me Feel"
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Boomtown (2002 TV series)|Boomtown]]'' || Robert "Bobby" Cherry || Episode: "Haystack"
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Smallville]]'' || Tommy Lee || Episode: "Mortal"
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Desolation Canyon (film)|Desolation Canyon]]'' || Press Reynolds || Television film
|-
| 2006 || ''[[CSI: Crime Scene Investigation]]'' || Randy Bolen || Episode: "Time of Your Death"
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Aquaman (TV pilot)|Aquaman]]'' || Sheriff || Unsold pilot
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Cold Case]]'' || Joseph Shaw || 5 episodes
|-
| 2007–2010 || ''[[Saving Grace (TV series)|Saving Grace]]'' || Detective Ham Dewey || Main cast, 46 episodes
|-
| 2009–2011 || ''[[Sons of Anarchy]]'' || Herman Kozik || 12 episodes
|-
| 2010 || ''[[NCIS: Los Angeles]]'' || Tommy Boyd || Episode: "Past Lives"
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Lie to Me]]'' || Malcolm Hessler || Episode: "Pied Piper"
|-
| 2011–2012 || ''[[Prime Suspect (American TV series)|Prime Suspect]]'' || Matt Webb || Main cast, 13 episodes
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' || Detective Sean Riggs || Episode: "Dirty"
|-
| 2011 || ''[[The Protector (American TV series)|The Protector]]'' || Detective Cummings || Episode: "Help"
|-
| 2012 || ''[[The Mentalist]]'' || Greg Tayback || Episode: "So Long, and Thanks for All the Red Snapper"
|-
| 2012 || ''[[Burn Notice]]'' || Tyler Gray || 3 episodes
|-
| 2013 || ''[[Dexter (TV series)|Dexter]]'' || U.S. Marshal Max Clayton || 3 episodes
|-
| 2014–2017 || ''[[Bates Motel (TV series)|Bates Motel]]'' || Caleb Calhoun || Main role (season 3), 10 episodes <br> Guest cast, 8 episodes
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Castle (TV series)|Castle]]'' || Mr. Harden || Episode: "In the Belly of the Beast"
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Motive (TV series)|Motive]]'' || Doug Slater || Episode: "For You I Die"
|-
| 2014–2015 || ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]'' || Tommy Welch || 7 episodes
|-
| 2014 || ''[[Covert Affairs]]'' || James Decker || 3 episodes
|-
| 2016 || ''[[Secrets and Lies (American TV series)|Secrets and Lies]]'' || Danny Voss || Main cast (season 2), 10 episodes
|-
| 2017–2024 || ''[[S.W.A.T. (2017 TV series)|S.W.A.T.]]'' || Dominique Luca || Main cast, season 1–6<br> Guest cast, season 7 (130 episodes)
|-
| 2023–2024 || ''[[Mayor of Kingstown]]'' || Charlie Pickens || 6 episodes
|}

==References==
{{Reflist}}
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140107083146/http://raffertymillsconnection.podbean.com/2010/03/20/interview-kenny-johnson/ Audio Interview (2010) with 'The Rafferty/Mills Connection' podcast]
*[http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rex-sikes/2010/03/12/rex-sikes-movie-beat-chats-with-actor-kenny-johnso/ Audio Interview (2010) with 'Rex Sikes/Movie Beat' podcast]
*[http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rex-sikes/2011/01/27/rex-sikes-movie-beat-chats-with-actor-kenny-johnson-pt-2-of-the-shield-saving-grace/ Audio Interview (2011) with 'Rex Sikes/Movie Beat Pt2' podcast]


{{categorize}}
==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons}}
*{{imdb name|id=0425543|name=Kenny Johnson}}
* {{Official website|http://www.kennyjohnson.com}}{{dead link|date=September 2024}}
* {{Facebook|KennyJohnsonOfficial}}
* {{Twitter|thekennyjohnson}}
* {{Instagram|thekennethjohnson}}
* {{IMDb name|0425543}}


{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Living people|Johnson, Kenny]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Johnson, Kenny}}
[[Category:1977 births|Johnson, Kenny]]
[[Category:1963 births]]
[[Category:20th-century American male actors]]
[[Category:21st-century American male actors]]
[[Category:American male film actors]]
[[Category:American male television actors]]
[[Category:Central Connecticut State University alumni]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Male actors from New Haven, Connecticut]]
[[Category:Male actors from Vermont]]
[[Category:Male models from Connecticut]]
[[Category:People from Weathersfield, Vermont]]
[[Category:Film producers from Connecticut]]
[[Category:Actors with dyslexia]]

Latest revision as of 22:11, 23 November 2024

For other people named Kenny Johnson, see Kenny Johnson (disambiguation).

Kenny Johnson
Johnson in 2007
Born (1963-07-13) July 13, 1963 (age 61)
New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
Alma materCentral Connecticut State University
OccupationActor
Years active1990–present
Spouse
Cathleen Oveson
​
(m. 2005)​
Children1

Kenny Johnson (born July 13, 1963)[1] is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Detective Curtis Lemansky in The Shield, Butch "Burner" Barnes in Pensacola: Wings of Gold, Detective Ham Dewey in Saving Grace, Herman Kozik in Sons of Anarchy, Matt Webb in Prime Suspect, Caleb Calhoun in Bates Motel, Dominique Luca in the CBS drama series S.W.A.T., and Tommy Welch on Chicago Fire (2014–2015).

Early life

[edit]

Johnson was born in New Haven, Connecticut, and was raised on a 30-acre farm in Weathersfield, Vermont.[2] For his college education, he attended Central Connecticut State University, where he played football and basketball.[3]

Prior to starting his acting career, Johnson spent approximately four years modelling for agencies including Wilhelmina and Ford Models.[2] This path led to him living for a year in Boston, Massachusetts, before finally settling in Los Angeles, California, where he eventually found acting.[2]

Career

[edit]

Johnson got his start in television commercials, including one of the first ads for LA Gear. A former champion arm wrestler, he appeared as bit characters in various television programs, such as Family Matters, Grace Under Fire, Caroline in the City, Pensacola: Wings of Gold, Sliders, 18 Wheels of Justice, Just Shoot Me!, NCIS: Los Angeles, Lie to Me, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and The Protector.

In 1998, he appeared in the first several minutes of the first Blade, as Heatseeking Dennis, who was saved from a vampire played by Traci Lords. In October 2005, he appeared in the Smallville season 5 episode "Mortal" as metahuman Tommy Lee. He also appeared in the 2006 Hallmark Channel original film Desolation Canyon, with Stacy Keach and Patrick Duffy. Johnson then starred in the 2005 film Zzyzx, a thriller about two friends who take a detour on their way to Las Vegas.

Johnson originally auditioned for the role of ill-fated Terry Crowley in The Shield, which ultimately went to Reed Diamond. Casting directors were so impressed with his audition that they asked Johnson to come in for the role of Curtis Lemansky. He was unsure of how to go about the character, as the role was not very developed at that point. During the audition, Johnson made some choices for the character that he initially thought ruined his chances of winning the role. However, the audition turned out to be successful and he was cast. Lemansky quickly became a major player in the first season because of the chemistry Johnson shared with his castmates.[4]

After The Shield, Johnson had recurring roles in Cold Case, first as a supposed murder victim, and later as a love interest for Lilly Rush. He was later cast in the TNT series Saving Grace, as Detective Hamilton "Ham" Dewey. Johnson also appeared during the second, third and fourth seasons of Sons of Anarchy as Sgt. At Arms and biker Herman Kozik. He also directed and starred in the short film I Heard the Mermaids Singing.

In August 2010, Johnson appeared in the Fox series Lie to Me, along with several fellow cast members from The Shield. In 2011, Johnson appeared in Lifetime's series The Protector, with fellow Sons of Anarchy co-star Ally Walker. Johnson also appeared as a regular in NBC's crime drama series Prime Suspect, playing the contractor boyfriend of the lead character, Detective Jane Timoney (Maria Bello).[5] Also in 2011, Johnson starred as Frank Connor, a convicted drug smuggler who leaves prison after 22 years for one youthful mistake, in Few Options. In 2012, he guest starred as Tyler Gray in the sixth season of Burn Notice,[6] and as Greg Marshall in the fourth season of The Mentalist.[7] That following year, Johnson portrayed U.S. Marshal Max Clayton in the eighth and final season of Dexter.[8]

Johnson appeared as Caleb Calhoun, the estranged brother of Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga), in the A&E drama-thriller series Bates Motel. He recurred in the second season, became a main cast member for the third season, and guest starred in the fourth and fifth seasons.[9] He was then a recurring cast member in the fifth season of Covert Affairs, playing former CIA paramilitary operative James Decker.[10] Johnson co-starred in the 2015 thriller film Solace. In August 2015, it was reported that Johnson would be part of the main cast for the second season of ABC's anthology series Secrets and Lies.[11]

As of autumn 2017, Johnson portrays Officer Dominique Luca in the CBS drama series S.W.A.T., based on the 2003 film of the same name, but the series also closely follows the original 1975-76 ABC series, also of the same name.[12]

As of Season 8, Johnson got written out of S.W.A.T., and is now looking on further opportunities for different movies and shows.

Personal life

[edit]

He married his long-term girlfriend, Cathleen Oveson on December 21, 2005. They have one child, Angelica Scarlet (born 7 May 2009).[13] Angelica is also an actress, most notably in a recurring role on S.W.A.T. as Kelly, where the character played by the elder Johnson, Dominique Luca, becomes her mentor.[14]

On July 18, 2018, Johnson suffered unspecified injuries while filming the premiere episode of the second season. The scene involved Johnson simulating Luca hanging from the landing gear of a helicopter while the helicopter flies away.[15] Johnson later sued the production company, Sony, over the incident.[16] The case was settled in February 2023 - the terms of the settlement have not been disclosed.[17]

Johnson has dyslexia and has spoken publicly about it to raise awareness and to combat stigma.[18]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1990 The Forbidden Dance Dave
1990 Mirage Greg
1995 Bushwhacked State Patrolman
1998 Major League: Back to the Minors Lance Pere
1998 Blade Heatseeking Dennis
2001 Under Heavy Fire Jimmy Joe
2006 Desolation Canyon Reynolds
2006 Zzyzx Lou
2007 The Ungodly Officer Murphy
2008 I Heard the Mermaids Singing Al Short film; also director
2011 Few Options Frank Connor Also co-producer
2013 Timmy Muldoon and the Search for the Shadoweyes Bandit Shotgun Lenny Video short
2015 Solace David Raymond
2015 Blue David Murphy
2016 Run the Tide Bo
2017 Check Point Roy Boyle Also producer

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1992 Red Shoe Diaries Tracer 2 episodes
1993 The Webbers Chuck Television film
1993 Family Matters Gorgeous Waiter Episode: "Walk on the Wild Side"
1994 Grace Under Fire Skip Episode: "June 15, 1997"
1994 Something Wilder Chad Episode: "Love Native American Style"
1996 Pacific Blue Deke Episode: "Over the Edge"
1996 Caroline in the City Blair Episode: "Caroline and the Ex-Wife"
1996 The Big Easy George Stodermayer Episode: "Stodermayer"
1996 Sliders Slain Skater Episode: "The Dream Masters"
1996 The Burning Zone Dr. Jake Lietman Episode: "Blood Covenant"
1997 Sins of the Mind Anders Pilot episode
1999 Just Shoot Me Brian McDonald Episode: "The Odd Couple (Part 2)"
1999 Ryan Caulfield: Year One Detective Billy Zabo Episode: "A Night at the Gashole"
1998–2000 Pensacola: Wings of Gold Butch "Burner" Barnes Main cast (season 2), 27 episodes
2001 The Huntress Kevin Styles 2 episodes
2001 18 Wheels of Justice Sonny Episode: "Crossing the Line"
2002–2006 The Shield Detective Curtis Lemansky Main cast, 66 episodes
2002 One on One Brandon Episode: "The Way You Make Me Feel"
2003 Boomtown Robert "Bobby" Cherry Episode: "Haystack"
2005 Smallville Tommy Lee Episode: "Mortal"
2006 Desolation Canyon Press Reynolds Television film
2006 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Randy Bolen Episode: "Time of Your Death"
2006 Aquaman Sheriff Unsold pilot
2006 Cold Case Joseph Shaw 5 episodes
2007–2010 Saving Grace Detective Ham Dewey Main cast, 46 episodes
2009–2011 Sons of Anarchy Herman Kozik 12 episodes
2010 NCIS: Los Angeles Tommy Boyd Episode: "Past Lives"
2010 Lie to Me Malcolm Hessler Episode: "Pied Piper"
2011–2012 Prime Suspect Matt Webb Main cast, 13 episodes
2011 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Detective Sean Riggs Episode: "Dirty"
2011 The Protector Detective Cummings Episode: "Help"
2012 The Mentalist Greg Tayback Episode: "So Long, and Thanks for All the Red Snapper"
2012 Burn Notice Tyler Gray 3 episodes
2013 Dexter U.S. Marshal Max Clayton 3 episodes
2014–2017 Bates Motel Caleb Calhoun Main role (season 3), 10 episodes
Guest cast, 8 episodes
2014 Castle Mr. Harden Episode: "In the Belly of the Beast"
2014 Motive Doug Slater Episode: "For You I Die"
2014–2015 Chicago Fire Tommy Welch 7 episodes
2014 Covert Affairs James Decker 3 episodes
2016 Secrets and Lies Danny Voss Main cast (season 2), 10 episodes
2017–2024 S.W.A.T. Dominique Luca Main cast, season 1–6
Guest cast, season 7 (130 episodes)
2023–2024 Mayor of Kingstown Charlie Pickens 6 episodes

References

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  1. ^ "On This Date: Birthdays". The Herald-Sun. Durham, NC. Associated Press. July 13, 2021. p. A2 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ a b c Fielding, Julien R. (October 27, 2011). "Kenny Johnson". Fielding on Film. Archived from the original on February 19, 2016.
  3. ^ Sikes, Rex (January 12, 2012). "Kenny Johnson – Actor". Milwaukee Magazine.
  4. ^ "Rex Sikes' Movie Beat chats with actor Kenny Johnson of The Shield & Saving Grace". Blog Talk Radio.
  5. ^ Rose, Lacey (July 21, 2011). "'Prime Suspect' Casts 'The Shield's' Kenny Johnson". The Hollywood Reporter.
  6. ^ Ng, Philiana (July 25, 2012). "'Burn Notice' Recruits 'Shield' Star for Season 6 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  7. ^ Gelman, Vlada (April 12, 2012). "TVLine Items: Shield Vet Tapped as Mentalist Ex, Fox Doubles Up on Hell's Kitchen and More!". TVLine.
  8. ^ Ausiello, Michael (May 11, 2013). "Dexter Exclusive: The Shield's Kenny Johnson Imposes Marshall Law on Season 8". TVLine.
  9. ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 25, 2014). "Comic-Con: Kenny Johnson Upped to Series Regular & Nicola Peltz Returns To 'Bates Motel'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 25, 2014.
  10. ^ Ng, Philiana (August 19, 2014). "'Covert Affairs' Recruits 'The Shield' Star for Season 5 (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter.
  11. ^ Iannucci, Rebecca (August 6, 2015). "Secrets and Lies Taps Shield Vet as Season 2 Murder Suspect". TVLine.
  12. ^ Petski, Denise (March 1, 2017). "'S.W.A.T.': Lina Esco & Kenny Johnson Join CBS Drama Pilot Inspired By Movie". Deadline Hollywood.
  13. ^ "Somebody turns 12 years old on May 7th. Happy Birthday Miss Jelli !!! Amazing Daughter !! Just is !!". Kenny Johnson on Instagram (@thekennethjohnson). Instagram. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  14. ^ Ng, Philiana. "'S.W.A.T.'s' Kenny Johnson Shares the Screen With Real-Life Daughter -- Watch the Cute Moment! (Exclusive)". ET Online. Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  15. ^ "'S.W.A.T.' Actor Sues Sony Over Injuries Received on Set". MyNewLA. July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  16. ^ "Actor Injured During Series Scene Shooting Settles Suit Against Sony". MyNewLA. July 14, 2020. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  17. ^ "'S.W.A.T.' Actor Sues Sony Over Injuries Received on Set". MyNewLA. February 17, 2023. Retrieved May 30, 2023.
  18. ^ Understood (July 22, 2016). Thriving with Dyslexia: Actor Kenny Johnson. Retrieved June 16, 2024 – via YouTube.
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