Judge’s ruling on interest payment increases Don Johnson’s ‘Nash Bridges’ award to $51 million

Ruling doubles Don Johnson’s ‘Nash Bridges’ award

LOS ANGELES — A judge on Wednesday doubled Don Johnson’s jury award for profits from the TV series “Nash Bridges” to more than $51 million.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Stern ruled that the actor is due more than $28 million in interest from the show. The order came two months after a jury determined that Johnson, who owned half the copyright to the series, was owed $23.2 million in profits.

“Nash Bridges” aired for six seasons on CBS. Johnson sued three firms, including Rysher Entertainment, in February 2009 to recoup profits he claimed were withheld.

Rysher’s attorney, Bart H. Williams, did not immediately return a message seeking comment Wednesday. He has said the initial jury verdict would be appealed.

The company contended at trial that the series was costly to produce and that was why Johnson hadn’t been paid more.

“‘Nash Bridges’ was my project, and I poured my heart into it,” Johnson said in a statement. “I feel a sense of vindication and sincere gratitude that both the jury and Judge Stern continue to agree with me.”

Johnson, 60, could be entitled to more money in coming years, his attorney Mark Holscher said.

“Nash Bridges” remains in syndication in dozens of countries, and the actor is entitled to half of future earnings due to the jury verdict, Holscher said.