Dakota Johnson, the actress who often occupies a significant space in our minds, presents a fascinating celebrity enigma. From her lighthearted “I love limes” saga (quickly followed by “I’m actually allergic to limes”) to that memorably awkward Ellen DeGeneres interview, and her intensely private relationship with Chris Martin of Coldplay, she consistently holds our attention.
And that’s before we even delve into her famous lineage (stepdad Antonio Banderas, anyone?), her iconic fringe, her distinctive fashion sense, or her intriguing friendship with the brilliant Olivia Colman. This last connection particularly piques interest, especially when tattoos enter the narrative.
Their bond solidified on the set of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s critically acclaimed film, The Lost Daughter. Playing co-stars Nina and Leda, Johnson and Colman joined a stellar cast including Paul Mescal. Filmed during the pandemic in 2020, the intense filming schedule coupled with a demanding press tour forged a deep connection. This connection then took an unexpected turn when Johnson, in a spontaneous moment, gave Colman her very first tattoo.
Colman recounted this unusual tale to Town & Country, confirming it was indeed her inaugural foray into the world of tattoos. The impromptu tattoo session occurred after a cast and crew celebration at the New York City hotspot, Café Altro Paradiso. Johnson explained the context of the evening, noting, “People are not behaving normally. If you go to a party, you f*cking rage.” And rage they did, fueled by a playlist curated by Johnson and fellow actor Peter Sarsgaard, featuring tunes from Talking Heads and The Cranberries.
The revelry stretched into the late hours, culminating in Dakota Johnson pulling out a stick-and-poke tattoo kit and inking Colman. Olivia Colman humorously reflected on the situation, “Maybe it was me being completely seduced by this gorgeous person and wanting her to think I was cool. Or maybe it was my midlife crisis.” Regardless of the exact motivation, the story leaves us wanting more details. Did the stick and poke hurt? How long did it take? And, crucially, what design did Dakota Johnson imprint onto Olivia Colman?
Dakota Johnson has openly expressed her affinity for tattoos. During an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, she acknowledged being a “big fan” and estimated having around 11 or 12 tattoos herself, including a self-administered “I love you” inscription. While James Corden playfully labeled her a “tattoo fiend,” Johnson countered that 11 is “conservative.” Whether you agree with Corden or Johnson, her collection of ink and the spontaneous act of tattooing Olivia Colman certainly adds another layer to the intriguing persona of Dakota Johnson.
