Johnny was born in New York, but raised in California and has lived in London since 1970. He was a professional crooner working with jazz bands, including the 14 piece 'Midnite Follies Orchestra', when he was spotted singing at the Pizza Express by American comedy writer Dick Vosburgh, who invited him to audition for the West End musical 'Windy City'. He got the job and followed it up with a role in the National Theatre’s big budget musical 'Jean Seberg', directed by Peter Hall with music by Marvin Hamlisch. He proceeded then to work full time as an actor.