Beverly Johnson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Beverly Johnson
Johnson in 2007
Born	Beverly Ann Johnson (1952-10-13) October 13, 1952 (age 72) Buffalo, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	Northeastern University
Occupation	Model actress singer businesswoman
Years active	1970–present
Known for	First African-American model on Vogue cover, August 1974
Spouse(s)	Billy Potter ​ ​ (m. 1971; div. 1974)​ Danny Sims ​ ​ (m. 1977; div. 1979)​ Brian Maillian ​ (m. 2023)​
Partner(s)	Chris Noth (1990–1995)
Children	1
Modeling information
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Hair color	Dark brown
Eye color	Brown

Beverly Ann Johnson, born on October 13, 1952, is a famous American model, actress, singer, and businesswoman. She made history in August 1974 by becoming the first Black model on the cover of American Vogue magazine. This was a huge step forward in the fashion world! The New York Times even called her one of the most important fashion figures of the 20th century. In 2012, she starred in her own reality TV show, Beverly's Full House, on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

Early Life and Education

Beverly Johnson grew up in Buffalo, New York, in a middle-class family. When she was young, she was a fantastic swimmer. She even dreamed of becoming a lawyer! After finishing high school in 1969, she went to Northeastern University to study criminal justice.

A Trailblazing Career

While in college, Beverly decided to try modeling during a summer break in 1971. She quickly got a job with Glamour magazine and started working a lot. She went on to appear on more than 500 magazine covers! Her most famous cover was the August 1974 issue of Vogue. This made her the first African-American model to be on the cover of the US edition of Vogue.

Her appearance on the Vogue cover changed how beauty was seen in American fashion. By 1975, almost every big American fashion designer started using African-American models. This showed how much impact she had!

Besides modeling, Beverly Johnson has also written books. These include Beverly Johnson's Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty and True Beauty: Secrets of Radiant Beauty for Women of Every Age and Color.

Acting and Music

Beverly Johnson has also had a career in acting. She appeared in movies like Ashanti (1979), The Meteor Man (1993), and Crossroads (2002). She also made guest appearances on several TV shows. These include Martin, Law & Order, and 3rd Rock from the Sun.

From 2008 to 2010, she was a judge on the TV Land show She's Got the Look. This was a reality series where women over 35 competed for a modeling contract. Beverly also had a short singing career, releasing one album in 1979. She has also been a big influence in the hair and beauty industry for a long time.

Awards and Recent Work

In 2022, Beverly Johnson received the Model Pioneer Award from the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Organization. This award was given at the United Nations. It celebrated her as a leader and innovator in her field. The US Congress also recognized this important award. It highlights women who are entrepreneurs and making a big difference in the world.

In 2024, Beverly Johnson started a special one-woman show off-Broadway. It was called Beverly Johnson: In Vogue. In this show, she shared personal stories about her life in the exciting fashion and entertainment industries.

Personal Life

Beverly Johnson has been married three times. Her first marriage was to Billy Potter in 1971. They later divorced in 1974. In 1977, she married businessman and music producer Danny Sims. Their daughter, Anansa Sims, was born in New York City in December 1978. Beverly and Danny divorced in 1979.

She was also in a five-year relationship with actor Chris Noth until 1995.

On January 13, 2023, she married her longtime partner, Brian Maillian. He is a successful financier and the Chairman and CEO of Whitestone Global Partners LLC.

Film Roles

Television Appearances

Discography

Albums

• Don't Lose The Feeling (1979)

Singles

• "Don't Lose The Feeling" (1979)
• "Don't Run for a Cover" (1979)

See also

• Amekor
• Liberian Girl