Overview

Beverly Johnson is an American model, actress, singer, and businesswoman. Born on October 13, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, she rose to fame as the first African American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue in August 1974, breaking barriers in the fashion industry. She initially studied criminal justice at Northeastern University with aspirations of becoming a lawyer but her modeling career took off. Beyond modeling, Johnson has also ventured into acting with roles in films and television shows. She has authored books on beauty and health, and launched her own line of hair care products. She received the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Organization’s Model Pioneer Award at the United Nations in 2022. She continues to be an influential figure and advocate for diversity.

Beverly Johnson Enterprises

Founder

What Is Beverly Johnson’s Net Worth?

Beverly Johnson, an American model, singer, writer, and actress, has an estimated net worth of $5 million. This financial standing is a result of her diverse career spanning various entertainment sectors. Johnson’s career began in modeling, transitioning into acting, writing, music, and stage performances. Her pioneering achievement as the first African American model to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974 significantly boosted her profile and earnings.

Early Career and Modeling Success

Born on October 13, 1952, in Buffalo, New York, Beverly Johnson’s early life showed promise beyond entertainment. After graduating from Bennett High School in 1969, where she was an award-winning swimmer, she enrolled at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. She initially majored in criminal justice, aiming for a career as an attorney. However, her path shifted dramatically when she took a modeling job in 1971 during a break from her studies. This opportunity quickly turned into a full-fledged career as offers poured in from numerous magazines, including Glamour and Vogue. Her appearance on the cover of Vogue in the summer of 1974 marked a monumental moment, opening doors for other women of color in the industry. While specific financial details from her early modeling contracts are not publicly available, such a high-profile cover would have substantially increased her earning potential and solidified her status in the modeling world.

Ventures into Writing and Publishing

In addition to her modeling career, Beverly Johnson ventured into writing, publishing two books that likely contributed to her income. Her first book, “Beverly Johnson’s Guide to a Life of Health and Beauty,” was released in 1981. This book detailed her beauty and exercise secrets, providing a comprehensive guide to her personal wellness routine. It included her daily exercise plan, suggestions for herbal diet remedies, and approaches to skin and hair care using natural products. Her second book, “True Beauty: Secrets of Radiant Beauty for Women of Every Age and Color,” followed in 1994. This publication further explored her nutrition, exercise, and beauty secrets, along with a stress reduction program. Sales figures and royalties from these books, while not publicly documented in detail, would have added to her overall earnings. In 2015, she released her memoir “The Face That Changed It All.” While the exact sales figures and royalties from her memoir are not publicly available, such a publication would have provided another income stream, especially given her high profile and the significance of her story.

Acting Career in Film and Television

Beverly Johnson also built a diverse acting career, appearing in numerous films and television shows, which provided additional income streams. Her film debut was in the 1975 thriller “Deadly Hero,” followed by roles in “The Baron” (1977) and “Crisis in Sun Valley” (1978). She then secured a more significant role as Dr. Anansa Linderby in the 1979 film “Ashanti.” In the 1990s, she took on roles in films like “National Lampoon’s Loaded Weapon I” (1993), “The Meteor Man” (1993), “Crossworlds” (1996), and “Def Jam’s How to be a Player” (1997). Her later film appearances include “Crossroads” (2002), where she played the mother of a main character, and “Good Deeds” (2012). On television, Johnson appeared in various roles, including “Hunter” (1990), “Law & Order” (1992, 1993), “Martin” (1993), and “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (1994). She also made appearances on popular shows such as “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” (1997) and “3rd Rock from the Sun” (1998). From 2005 to 2012, she was a recurring guest on “America’s Next Top Model.” She also served as a judge on “She’s Got the Look” from 2008 to 2010. While specific contract details and per-episode earnings from these appearances are not public knowledge, her consistent presence in both film and television would have significantly contributed to her annual income and overall net worth.

Musical Endeavors and Stage Performances

Beverly Johnson’s career also includes musical endeavors and stage performances, adding another layer to her diverse income sources. In 1979, she released her funk/soul/country album “Don’t Lose the Feeling” on the Buddah label. The album featured tracks like “Don’t Run For Cover,” “Under My Thumb,” and “Gonna Tell Your Momma on You.” While the album’s sales figures and royalties are not publicly detailed, the release would have provided additional income. More recently, in 2024, Johnson performed in the one-woman off-Broadway show “Beverly Johnson: In Vogue.” This show allowed her to share her personal experiences in the fashion and entertainment industries, likely generating revenue through ticket sales and performance fees. The exact financial details of her off-Broadway show, such as ticket prices, audience attendance, and her personal compensation, are not publicly available. However, such a production, given her established name, would have provided a notable boost to her income for that period.

Accolades and Recognition

Beverly Johnson’s contributions to the fashion and entertainment industries have been recognized through various accolades, indirectly enhancing her brand and potential income. In 2022, on Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, she received the Model Pioneer Award for her impact on the world and for changing the face of modeling. This recognition underscores her lasting influence and pioneering role, which enhances her marketability for endorsements, public speaking engagements, and other opportunities. While the immediate financial impact of such an award may not be directly quantifiable, it strengthens her overall brand and potential for future earnings.

Personal Life and Relationships

Beverly Johnson’s personal life includes three marriages. She married real estate agent Billy Potter in 1971, divorcing in 1974. Her second marriage was to music producer Danny Sims in 1977, ending in divorce in 1979. Her third marriage was to Brian Maillian, CEO of Whitestone Global Partners LLC, on January 3, 2023. With Danny Sims, she has a daughter, Anansa, born in 1978. Details of any financial settlements or prenuptial agreements related to these marriages are not publicly available. These aspects of her personal life, while not directly contributing to her income, provide context to her overall life circumstances and financial planning.

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