Director Stanley Donen signed her to appear as Michael Caine's love interest in the romantic comedy film Blame It on Rio. The movie was notable at the time for Johnson, who had several topless scenes and one full frontal nude scene showing her pubic hair.

Since the film's release, Johnson has had dozens of appearances as a supporting actress. She has appeared in films such as Far and Away, Gung Ho, Death Becomes Her, The Glimmer Man and Mickey. Many of her appearances were in television movies (mainly ones based on famous murder trials) and TV series (including a guest spot on Moonlighting and a recurring role on The Love Boat). In 2001, she tried her hand in production. She was the Art director in the independent film comedy Triangle Square.