During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on June 4, 2025, 75-year-old actor Don Johnson shared insights into his interactions with former U.S. presidents, mentioning instances of smoking marijuana at the White House and gambling with a former president.

The discussion began when host Jimmy Kimmel displayed a 1975 photograph featuring Johnson alongside former President Jimmy Carter, Chuck Leavell, and Dickey Betts at an Allman Brothers concert. Johnson admitted he did not recall the photo but acknowledged that those present were using marijuana, clarifying he was not explicitly referring to Carter.

Johnson mentioned he formed a close connection with Carter after collaborating with the Allman Brothers on a concert during Carter’s 1976 presidential campaign, which led to an invitation to the White House, where he indicated that the real celebrations began.

Kimmel referenced Willie Nelson’s well-known marijuana use at the White House during the Carter administration, specifically on the building’s roof in the 1970s, and asked Johnson if he had similar experiences. Johnson seemed briefly flustered but confirmed, “I don’t know how to answer this. Well, yes … I guess I did.”

The actor noted he has visited the White House during every administration since Carter’s, demonstrating his ongoing involvement in high-level political circles.

Johnson also elaborated on his friendship with former President George H.W. Bush, particularly during the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France, where Johnson attended alongside Bush. He described Bush as a fantastic person.

Although Johnson stated Bush did not engage in marijuana use, he revealed that the former president had an interest in gambling. He recounted Bush’s desire to place bets during their golf games at Camp David, the presidential retreat in Maryland.

Johnson disclosed that he had won modest amounts, around $ 18 to $ 20, from Bush during their games, describing Bush as a “trash talker” who faced a competitive adversary in Johnson.

In a wide-ranging interview, Johnson also discussed attending New York Knicks games, meeting tennis player John McEnroe, and his recent Netflix project, Rebel Ridge. The conversation highlighted Johnson’s longstanding ties to political figures and his access to exclusive presidential circles.

Johnson’s admission regarding marijuana use connects to documented events from the Carter period, when musician Willie Nelson famously consumed marijuana at the White House. Nelson initially mentioned in his autobiography sharing marijuana with a White House employee. Carter later clarified in the 2020 documentary “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President” that Nelson’s companion was his son, James Earl “Chip” Carter III.

Johnson’s discussion of activities at the White House and gambling with a former president provides insight into the informal interactions between Hollywood figures and political leaders in the late 20th century.

Johnson’s appearance generated notable audience reactions, with viewers responding positively to his candid presidential anecdotes.