How Old Is Beverly Johnson?
Beverly Johnson, the trailblazing supermodel, has been a driving force in the world of fashion and beauty for decades. Born on October 13, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, Johnson has defied age and continued to inspire at the age of 71. With a career that spans modeling, acting, singing, and business, she has left an indelible legacy in the industry.
Johnson rose to fame in 1974 when she became the first Black model to grace the cover of American Vogue. This groundbreaking achievement not only solidified her status as a trailblazer but also shattered barriers and transformed the beauty ideal in the fashion industry. Since then, she has appeared on over 500 magazine covers, showcasing her undeniable talent and influence.
Recognized as one of the most influential people in fashion by The New York Times, Johnson’s impact on diversity and representation is immeasurable. Her journey has paved the way for future generations of African-American models, leaving an enduring mark on the industry.
Join us as we delve into the life, career, and remarkable achievements of Beverly Johnson, a true icon in the world of fashion and beauty.
Early Life and Career
Beverly Johnson, born into a middle-class family in Buffalo, New York, grew up under the loving guidance of her mother, Gloria Johnson. She attended Bennett High School and graduated in 1969.
Initially, Johnson had dreams of becoming a lawyer. However, her life took an unexpected turn during a summer break from college in 1971. It was during this time that she discovered her true passion for modeling.
Johnson quickly made her mark in the industry, securing her first modeling assignment with Glamour magazine. But it was in August 1974 that she achieved a monumental feat, forever changing the face of beauty in the US fashion industry. Beverly Johnson became the first African-American model to grace the cover of Vogue magazine’s US edition.
This groundbreaking moment shattered barriers and transformed the beauty ideal in American fashion. Following Johnson’s historic appearance on Vogue, major American fashion designers began embracing African-American models as part of their campaigns and runway shows.
From that point on, Beverly Johnson’s career soared to new heights of success. She went on to grace the covers of over 500 magazines, establishing herself as a trailblazer for diversity in the fashion industry.
Acting Career and Personal Life
In addition to her successful modeling career, Beverly Johnson has also made a name for herself in the entertainment industry. She has showcased her acting skills in several films, including Ashanti (1979), The Meteor Man (1993), and Crossroads (2002). On the small screen, Johnson has appeared in popular television shows like Martin, Law & Order, and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.
Aside from acting, Johnson also had a brief foray into the music industry, releasing an album in 1979. Her talent extended beyond the camera and the runway, allowing her to explore her passion for singing.
Furthermore, Johnson’s versatility led her to reality television, where she made appearances on shows like She’s Got the Look and Beverly’s Full House. These reality series allowed viewers to get a closer look at Johnson’s personal life and the many facets of her career.
Throughout her personal life, Johnson has experienced both joys and challenges. She has been married twice, first to real estate agent Billy Potter and later to businessman and music producer Danny Sims. From her marriage to Sims, Johnson has a daughter named Anansa Sims. Additionally, she was in a publicized relationship with actor Chris Noth, which unfortunately ended in allegations of abuse.
An influential figure in the fashion and entertainment industries, Johnson has shared her experiences and insights in her memoir, The Face That Changed It All. In this revealing book, she opens up about her life, career, and the highs and lows she has encountered along the way.
One significant event in Johnson’s life was her accusation against Bill Cosby, in which she claimed that he had drugged her in the 1980s. This highly publicized incident led to a defamation lawsuit filed by Cosby against Johnson. However, the lawsuit was later dropped by Cosby himself.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Beverly Johnson remains a resilient and influential figure, leaving her mark not only as a trailblazing model but also as an actress, singer, businesswoman, and memoirist.
