Former Growing Pains actress shares heartwarming memories of teenage Leonardo DiCaprio and lasting TV family bonds.
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Leonardo DiCaprio Memories
Ashley Johnson’s sitcom days with Leo left lasting impressions.
The adorable Chrissy Seaver actress recently spilled some tea about her Growing Pains experience.
She dropped by Pod Meets World for a chat that took fans back to those golden TV days.
The Sweet Teen Who Became a Hollywood Icon
“He was just so sweet to me,” Johnson gushed about young DiCaprio.
The future Oscar winner joined Growing Pains as homeless teen Luke Brower.
Even at 16, everyone on set could tell this kid had something special brewing.
His raw talent shined through before This Boy’s Life even hit theaters.
Finding Family on Set
“Every memory from the show is so good,” Ashley shared warmly.
She jumped into a tight-knit cast during season six, yet felt instantly welcomed.
Her character’s bizarre aging—born in season four, suddenly five years old by season six—never bothered the young actress who found her TV family so welcoming.
Remembering a TV Dad
Alan Thicke’s impact on Johnson remains powerful decades later. “He was the greatest,” she reminisced with genuine fondness.
The last time she saw the Growing Pains gang was sadly at Thicke’s funeral.
His warm hugs and fatherly presence made a lasting impression on the young actress during her formative years.
From Child Star to Voice Acting Queen
Ashley’s career journey took fascinating turns after her mop-topped days.
She’s built an impressive adult resume spanning The Killing, Blindspot, and major voice acting gigs.
Her work on The Last of Us proved so iconic that HBO’s adaptation included her in a special voice cameo—a perfect nod to hardcore fans.
When Young Stars Recognize Greatness
“Everyone was like, ‘This kid is so good,'” Johnson recalled about DiCaprio.
The entire cast recognized his raw talent immediately.
Though just teenagers working on a sitcom, their paths would diverge dramatically—with Leo becoming Hollywood royalty and Ashley finding her niche in both on-screen and voice acting worlds.
TV Magic and Unexpected Connections
Television creates bizarre family units that sometimes last a lifetime.
Johnson’s unexpected aging on the show—a TV logic miracle—became just a footnote in the real connections formed.
The bonds created during those formative acting years clearly meant the world to the young actress, who still treasures those memories.