Beverly Johnson: The Iconic Model Who Changed the Face of Fashion

Biography Beverly Johnson:

Category	Details
Full Name	Frances Beverly Johnson
Date of Birth	October 13, 1952
Age	72 years old (as of 2025)
Place of Birth	Buffalo, New York, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	African-American
Religion	Christianity
Zodiac Sign	Libra
Profession	Supermodel, Actress, Author, Entrepreneur
Known For	First Black model on the cover of American Vogue (1974)
Nickname	“The Face That Changed It All”
Height	5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
Hair Color	Black
Eye Color	Dark Brown
Education	Northeastern University, Boston (Criminal Justice)
Modeling Agency	Ford Modeling Agency
Career Start	1971
Magazine Covers	500+
First Husband	Billy Potter (m. 1971 – div. 1973)
Second Husband	Danny Sims (m. 1977 – div. 1979)
Notable Relationship	Chris Noth (1990–1995)
Current Husband	Brian Maillian (m. October 2023)
Daughter	Anansa Sims (born 1978)
Net Worth	~$12 Million (estimated)
Books	Beverly Johnson’s Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty (1981); True Beauty (1994); The Face That Changed It All (2015)
Notable Films	Ashanti (1979), Crossroads (2002), Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds (2012)
TV Shows	She’s Got the Look, Beverly’s Full House, Martin, Law & Order
Business Ventures	Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand (hair & skincare), Wigs & Hair Extensions
Activism	The Beverly Johnson Rule, Global Down Syndrome Foundation Spokesperson
Awards & Honors	NY Times 100 Most Influential in Fashion; Model Pioneer Award at the UN (2022)
Portrait Gallery	National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.
Off-Broadway Show	Beverly Johnson: In Vogue (2024)
Upcoming Projects	Limited series by Warner Bros. TV & Apple TV+
Social Media	Active on Instagram & Twitter/X

Who Is Beverly Johnson?

When people talk about trailblazers in the fashion world, the name Beverly Johnson comes up almost immediately — and for very good reason. She is an American supermodel, actress, author, and businesswoman who spent decades not just walking runways but breaking down walls that had never been touched before. Known widely as “The Face That Changed It All,” Beverly Johnson is the kind of figure whose influence goes far beyond the glossy pages of a magazine. She reshaped what the fashion and entertainment industries looked like — literally and figuratively.

From Buffalo, New York, to the cover of American Vogue, her journey is one of grit, grace, and groundbreaking achievements. Whether you’re searching for Beverly Johnson the model, curious about her personal life, or wondering how old is Beverly Johnson today — this deep dive covers everything you need to know.

Early Life and Background

Beverly Johnson was born on October 13, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, into a middle-class family. Her father worked as an electrician and machine operator, while her mother was a surgical technician. It was a grounded, hardworking upbringing that clearly shaped the discipline and determination she carried throughout her career.

Long before Beverly Johnson became a household name in modeling, she was actually a competitive swimmer — and a very talented one at that. She came remarkably close to qualifying for the 1968 Olympic Games in the 100-meter freestyle event. That athletic drive and focus on excellence translated seamlessly into everything she pursued later in life.

After high school, she enrolled at Northeastern University in Boston on a full scholarship, studying criminal justice with serious ambitions of becoming a lawyer. But life, as it often does, had different plans. It was encouragement from college friends that nudged Beverly toward the world of modeling — a nudge that would go on to change the fashion industry forever.

Beverly Johnson’s Modeling Career

Early Breakthrough

The story of how Beverly Johnson model career began is one that speaks volumes about her persistence. In 1971, after being turned away by top modeling agencies, she walked directly into Glamour magazine — and was hired on the spot. It was a moment that announced her arrival in no uncertain terms.

She went on to sign with the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency, personally recruited by co-founder Eileen Ford. From there, things moved quickly. By 1973, Beverly was already walking the runway for the legendary Halston and soon after graced the catwalks of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta. In an era when Black models were still largely sidelined by mainstream fashion, her presence at those shows was nothing short of revolutionary.

Historic Milestones

August 1974 marked a moment that would be remembered for generations. Beverly Johnson appeared on the cover of American Vogue — becoming the first Black model ever to do so. That Beverly Johnson Vogue cover didn’t just sell magazines; it cracked open a ceiling that many thought was permanent. The following year, in 1975, she became the first Black model to front French Elle as well, cementing her status as a global fashion icon.

Over the course of her modeling career, Beverly Johnson appeared on more than 500 magazine covers and thousands of editorial pages well into the 1990s. That kind of consistency and longevity is rare in an industry notorious for short careers.

Beverly Johnson in the 70s and Beyond

The Beverly Johnson 70s era was arguably her most iconic period. Those photographs — bold, glamorous, and unapologetically ahead of their time — still feel current today. Her presence in that decade defined an aesthetic and a cultural shift that influenced generations of models and photographers who followed.

But what makes her story even more remarkable is that she never truly stepped away. Beverly Johnson continued to work the runway well into more recent years, walking for the Zendaya x Tommy Hilfiger collection in 2019, modeling for Sergio Hudson and Bibhu Mohapatra during the 2022 season, and even closing for Dennis Basso in 2023. That’s not nostalgia — that’s a career built to last.

Beverly Johnson’s Acting Career

Film Work

Modeling was just the beginning. Beverly Johnson made a natural transition into acting, landing her first leading film role alongside acclaimed actor Michael Caine in Ashanti in 1979. She brought the same commanding presence to the screen that she had on the runway.

Her film career spanned several decades and included roles in The Meteor Man (1993), National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon 1 (1993), How to Be a Player (1997), Crossroads (2002) alongside Britney Spears, and Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds (2012). Each role showcased her versatility as a performer.

Television Appearances

On the small screen, Beverly Johnson was equally active. She made memorable guest appearances on popular shows including Martin, Law & Order, Lois & Clark, The Parent ‘Hood, and even the Super Bowl episode of 3rd Rock from the Sun in 1998. She also served as a celebrity judge on the reality competition She’s Got the Look from 2008 to 2010, and executive produced and starred in the family reality show Beverly’s Full House on OWN in 2012.

Music Videos

Her crossover appeal extended into music as well. Beverly Johnson appeared in Michael Jackson’s iconic “Liberian Girl” and Bobby Brown’s “On Our Own” — both in 1989. Two massive names, one unforgettable collaborator.

Author and Memoirist

Beverly Johnson has always been someone who speaks her truth, and her writing reflects that fully. She authored Beverly Johnson’s Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty in 1981 and True Beauty: Secrets of Radiant Beauty for Women of Every Age and Color in 1994 — both of which were groundbreaking in their focus on beauty for women of color.

Her most personal work, however, came in 2015 with the release of her memoir The Face That Changed It All. The book was raw, honest, and deeply moving. She wrote candidly about her struggles with bulimia and anorexia, battles with uterine health issues, early menopause, and the racism she encountered throughout her career in an industry that often worked against her. The book became a New York Times bestseller — a recognition that felt entirely deserved.

Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures

Beverly Johnson has always been more than a model or actress — she is a full-fledged entrepreneur, often referred to as a “Modelpreneur.” In the 1990s, she partnered with Sears to market an eyewear line, then collaborated with Amekor Industries to create wigs and hair extensions specifically designed for Black women — a pioneering move in the beauty space.

The Beverly Johnson wigs and hair extension line filled a real gap in the market at a time when inclusive beauty products were hard to come by. In 2012, she launched the Beverly Johnson Luxurious Lifestyle Brand of hair and skin care products, which were sold at Target stores nationwide. Her business instincts have always been sharp, practical, and community-focused.

Activism and Advocacy

Beverly Johnson has used her platform consistently and purposefully. Following the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement, she launched “The Beverly Johnson Rule,” a formal initiative aimed at improving diversity within fashion, beauty, and media companies. It was a direct and actionable response to systemic inequality.

Beyond that, she has advocated for AIDS awareness, uterine fibroids education, women’s health, and the United Negro College Fund. She serves as an International Spokesperson for the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and is a regular keynote speaker on themes of women’s empowerment, inclusion, and diversity. For Beverly Johnson, giving back has never been optional — it’s been a core part of who she is.

Beverly Johnson’s Personal Life

Marriages and Relationships

Beverly Johnson’s personal life has seen its share of ups, downs, and fresh beginnings. Her first marriage was to real estate agent Billy Potter in 1971, which ended in divorce in 1973. She then married music producer Danny Sims in 1977. The couple welcomed Beverly Johnson’s daughter, Anansa Sims, in 1978, before divorcing in 1979.

Beverly Johnson’s daughter, Anansa Sims, has gone on to have a modeling career of her own — truly a case of talent running in the family.

Many fans are familiar with the relationship between Beverly Johnson and Chris Noth, the actor best known for Sex and the City. The two were in a relationship for approximately five years until 1995. The Chris noth Beverly Johnson pairing attracted considerable public attention during that time.

As for who is Beverly Johnson married to now — the answer is Brian Maillian, a financier and CEO. The two tied the knot in October 2023 after a long relationship. It was a joyful chapter for someone who has given so much to others.

How Old Is Beverly Johnson?

For those wondering how old is Beverly Johnson — she was born on October 13, 1952, making her 72 years old as of 2025. For someone who has been in the public eye since the early 1970s, she continues to look and carry herself with an elegance that defies time.

Beverly Johnson’s Net Worth

Beverly Johnson’s net worth is estimated at around $12 million, a figure that reflects over five decades of work across modeling, acting, entrepreneurship, and authorship. From her days as a young model in the 70s to her role as a businesswoman today, she has built a financial legacy that matches her cultural one.

Legacy and Recognition

The legacy of Beverly Johnson is immeasurable. The New York Times named her one of the “20th Century’s 100 Most Influential People in the Fashion Industry” — a distinction that few can claim. Her portrait is displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., placing her among the most significant figures in American cultural history.

In 2022, she received the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization’s Model Pioneer Award at the United Nations. In 2024, she embarked on a one-woman off-Broadway show titled Beverly Johnson: In Vogue, bringing her incredible life story to the stage. And with Warner Bros. TV and Apple TV+ reportedly developing a limited series based on her memoir, her story is poised to reach an entirely new generation of admirers.

Frances Beverly Johnson — the full name she carries — is not just a model. She is a symbol of what happens when talent meets courage, and when someone refuses to accept the limits that others try to place on them.

Final Thoughts

From Beverly Johnson, young and swimming competitively in Buffalo, to gracing the cover of Vogue, to producing television, launching beauty lines, including her famous Beverly Johnson braiding hair products, and marrying Brian Maillian — her life has been anything but ordinary.

She answered the question of “who is Beverly Johnson” not with words, but with action, decade after decade. She is a model, yes. But more than that, she is proof that one person’s courage can change an entire industry.

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