Born in Los Angeles, CA. Graduated in Architecture from USC, followed by Art Center School in Los Angeles. Worked for well-known architect Kem Weber until he was hired by Selznick Studios in 1938. Worked as a sketch-artist on GONE WITH THE WIND (1939), and is credited in this regard in the book David O. Selznick's Hollywood. During the McCarthy Era in Hollywood he left the motion picture industry for about a year and did architectural delineation (renderings) for many notable architects in the LA area, many of whom had been class-mates of his at USC. Johnson's credits span art direction, visual effects, special effects and production design. Some of his unnominated films include JUNGLE BOOK (1942), THE PARADINE CASE (1947), ROAD TO BALI (1952), REAR WINDOW (1954), CONQUEST OF SPACE (1955), ANYTHING GOES (1956), OMAR KHAYYAM and THE TIN STAR (both 1957), DESIRE UNDER THE ELMS, KING CREOLE and MARACAIBO (all 1958), LI'L ABNER (1959), ONE-EYED JACKS (1961), BILLY ROSE'S JUMBO (1962), THE PRIZE (1963), ADVANCE TO THE REAR, THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, THE AMERICANIZATION OF EMILY and THE OUTRAGE (all 1964), MARLOWE (1969) and his last film, DIRTY DINGUS MAGEE (1970).  Special Effects 1948: PORTRAIT OF JENNIE - Visual (w. Paul Eagler, Russell Shearman & Clarence Slifer)  Nominated for Art Direction/Set Decoration (Color) 1955: TO CATCH A THIEF - Art Direction (w. Hal Pereira)  Nominated for Art Direction/Set Decoration (Black & White) 1960: THE FACTS OF LIFE - Art Direction (w. Kenneth A. Reid)  Nominated for Art Direction/Set Decoration (Color) 1962: MUTINY ON THE BOUNTY - Art Direction (w. George W. Davis)  Nominated for Special Visual Effects 1965: THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD  Nominated for Special Visual Effects 1968: ICE STATION ZEBRA (w. Hal Millar) 6 nominations, 1 Award