Beverly Johnson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Beverly Johnson
|
|
|---|---|
Johnson in 2007
|
|
| Born |
Beverly Ann Johnson
October 13, 1952 Buffalo, New York, U.S.
|
| Alma mater | Northeastern University |
| Occupation |
|
| 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 October 13, 1952) is an American model, actress, singer, and businesswoman. She became famous as a trailblazing model. In August 1974, she was the first Black model to be on the cover of the American magazine Vogue.
Her historic cover appearance helped change ideas about beauty in fashion. The New York Times later named her one of the most influential people in fashion of the 20th century. Johnson also starred in her own reality TV show, Beverly's Full House, in 2012.
Contents
Early Life and School
Beverly Johnson was born in Buffalo, New York. Growing up, she was a talented swimmer. She was so good that she almost qualified for the 1968 Olympic Games in the 100-yard freestyle race.
In high school, Johnson was a strong student and dreamed of becoming a lawyer. After graduating in 1969, she went to Northeastern University on a full scholarship to study criminal justice.
A Groundbreaking Career in Fashion
Becoming a Top Model
While in college, Johnson decided to try modeling during a summer break in 1971. She was quickly hired for a photoshoot with Glamour magazine. Her career took off from there.
She appeared on more than 500 magazine covers. Her most famous cover was for the August 1974 issue of Vogue. This made her the first African-American model on the cover of the American edition of the magazine. This was a major moment in fashion history.
After her Vogue cover, the fashion world began to change. By 1975, almost every major American fashion designer started hiring Black models for their shows and ads. Johnson also became the first Black woman to be on the cover of the French magazine Elle.
Work Beyond the Runway
Besides modeling, Johnson is also an actress and an author. She has appeared in movies like The Meteor Man (1993) and Crossroads (2002). She also had guest roles in popular TV shows like Martin and Law & Order.
She wrote books to share her tips on health and beauty. For two seasons, she was a judge on the TV show She's Got the Look, a modeling competition for women over 35. On the show, she spoke about the importance of being healthy in the modeling industry.
In 2024, Johnson starred in a one-woman show about her life called Beverly Johnson: In Vogue. In the show, she shared stories from her amazing career in fashion and entertainment.
Writing and Speaking Out
In 2015, Johnson released a book about her life called The Face That Changed It All. In her book, she shared many personal stories, including some difficult experiences she faced during her career.
She wrote about a negative encounter with the comedian Bill Cosby from the 1980s. Johnson said she told her story to help other people feel brave enough to speak out if they have been treated badly.
Personal Life
Beverly Johnson has been married three times and has one daughter, Anansa Sims, who was born in 1978. In 2023, Johnson married financier Brian Maillian.
In 2025, Johnson became an honorary member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, a well-known community service organization.
See also
- Amekor
- Liberian Girl
