About
Beverly Johnson is a name that made history in the world of fashion. She’s an American supermodel, actress, and businesswoman, best known for breaking barriers and opening doors for Black women in the modeling industry. In August 1974, she became the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of American Vogue, and that moment changed everything. Her appearance wasn’t just about beauty—it was a bold statement that helped reshape standards in fashion.
But Beverly’s talents don’t stop at modeling. Over the years, she’s worn many hats—acting in TV shows and films, writing books, and even launching her own beauty and lifestyle brands. She’s someone who used her platform not just for personal success but to inspire and create space for others.
Before Fame
Before the flashing cameras and magazine covers, Beverly Johnson lived a more low-key life in Buffalo, New York. Born on October 13, 1952, she was raised in a middle-class family and had a pretty regular childhood. Her father worked as an electrician and her mother was a nurse. Beverly was always driven and focused. Interestingly, her first passion wasn’t fashion—it was law.
She studied criminal justice at Northeastern University with the goal of becoming a lawyer. But life had different plans for her. During a summer break, she decided to try modeling and went to New York City. That’s when things began to shift. She landed her first job quickly, and soon, agencies took notice of her striking looks and confident presence.
From there, it didn’t take long for her to rise through the ranks in the fashion world.
Trivia
There are quite a few interesting things about Beverly Johnson that many people don’t know:
- Trailblazer in fashion: When she landed the Vogue cover in 1974, it wasn’t just a big deal—it was a turning point. After that issue, major fashion brands started hiring more models of color.
- Sports background: Beverly was once a competitive swimmer. In fact, she almost made the U.S. Olympic team! Her athleticism helped her stay in shape for the modeling world.
- Author and voice: Beverly wrote a memoir titled The Face That Changed It All, where she opened up about her career, personal struggles, and experiences in the fashion industry. The book gave readers an honest look at both the glamour and challenges behind the scenes.
- Business ventures: She’s launched a hair care line specifically designed for women of color, showing her commitment to representation even in the beauty world.
- Acting roles: Beyond modeling, Beverly appeared in popular TV shows like Law & Order, Martin, and The Parent ‘Hood. She also took on film roles, proving her talent extended far beyond the runway.
Family Life
Behind the glitz and glamour, Beverly Johnson has always remained close to her roots. She’s a mother to a daughter named Anansa Sims, who has followed in her footsteps and become a model herself. Their relationship is strong, and they’ve often supported each other publicly, especially during personal and professional challenges.
Beverly has also been open about some of the difficult times in her personal life, including relationships and the ups and downs of fame. But she’s always remained resilient, using her voice to advocate for women’s rights, especially around issues like abuse and discrimination in the industry.
Today, she’s not only a mother and mentor but also a grandmother—something she’s incredibly proud of.
Associated With
Beverly Johnson’s impact on the modeling world connected her with some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment. Over the years, she’s worked alongside Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, and Iman—women who have also become icons in their own right. Many of them have credited Beverly for breaking down doors that allowed others to walk through.
She’s also been featured in campaigns and photographed by some of the industry’s most legendary figures, including Francesco Scavullo and Richard Avedon. Her presence in both high fashion and mainstream media helped create a more inclusive and diverse world in beauty and modeling.
In recent years, Beverly has been connected with movements calling for change in the fashion industry. She’s used her voice to encourage brands to go beyond just surface-level diversity and instead make lasting changes in how they treat and represent people of color.
