Director Stanley Donen signed her, as a 17-year-old, to appear as Michael Caine's love interest in the romantic comedy film Blame It on Rio. The movie was notable as Johnson's first starring role and for her many topless scenes and one full-frontal nude scene.
Johnson appeared in a number of roles over the next fifteen years. She appeared in theatrical films, television movies and television series (including a recurring role for one season of The Love Boat).
Johnson made no movie nor television a