Beverly Johnson
Beverly Ann Johnson (born October 13, 1952) is an American model, actress, singer, and businesswoman.
- born
- October 13, 1952
- field
- Model, actress, singer, businesswoman
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- First Black model on the cover of American Vogue (August 1974)
Lore & Background
Raised in a middle-class family, she was a champion swimmer in her youth and nearly qualified for the 1968 Olympics in the 100-yard freestyle event. While in college, she began modeling during summer break in 1971, quickly landing an assignment with Glamour. She went on to appear on more than 500 magazine covers, including the August 1974 issue of Vogue, becoming the magazine's first African-American cover model for the US edition. Her appearance on the cover changed the beauty ideal in US fashion, and by 1975, every major American fashion designer had begun using African-American models. She appeared on the cover of Vogue again in June 1975 for their 'American Woman' issue and became a runway model for designer Halston. By 1977, she had appeared on about 25 magazine covers, including 14 for Glamour, and was the first Black woman to appear solo on the cover of Elle.
Reader's Guide
She also served as a celebrity judge on the reality series She's Got the Look and released an album in 1979. Cosby filed a defamation lawsuit against her but dropped it in February 2016. In 2024, she performed a one-woman off-Broadway show, Beverly Johnson: In Vogue.
Did You Know?
- Beverly Johnson was the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in August 1974.
- She was close to qualifying for the 1968 Olympics in the 100-yard freestyle event.
- In 2014, she accused Bill Cosby of drugging her in the 1980s; Cosby dropped his defamation lawsuit against her in February 2016.
- She was inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority on July 13, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Beverly Johnson?
Beverly Ann Johnson is an American creative professional born in 1952 who has built a career spanning modeling, acting, singing, and business. She is best remembered for shattering a major racial barrier in the world of high fashion.
What is Beverly Johnson most famous for?
In August 1974, she became the first woman of color to appear on the cover of American Vogue, a landmark moment that redefined the beauty standard in U.S. fashion.
What fields has Beverly Johnson worked in?
Beyond her iconic modeling career, she has also pursued work as an actress, a singer, and a businesswoman over the decades.
Why is Beverly Johnson considered a pioneer?
Her 1974 Vogue cover broke an unspoken racial boundary in American high fashion and paved the way for generations of Black models who followed.
When was Beverly Johnson born?
She was born on October 13, 1952, in the United States.
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