Beverly Johnson is recognized for being an actress, producer, iconic model, and Anansa Sims’ mother.
Advertisement
Beverly is acclaimed for her roles in movies like “Loaded Weapon 1” (1993), “Martin” (1992), and “Crossroads” (2002).
However, her journey to stardom began long before her acting career. Beverly was born on October 13, 1952, in Buffalo, New York.
In 1974, she made history by becoming the first African-American model to grace the cover of VOGUE magazine.
This groundbreaking achievement shattered barriers and opened doors for countless others in the fashion industry.

Photo Credit: Today Show
Her face on the cover of such a prestigious publication marked a turning point in the fashion world’s perception of beauty and diversity.
Advertisement
Beverly was previously married to Danny Sims and Billy Potter. Notably, she shared a long-term relationship with actor Chris Noth, known for his roles in popular TV shows like “Sex and the City.”
Beverly is not just an icon in the fashion and entertainment industry; she’s also a courageous advocate for justice.
In 2018, she was one of the 35 women who came forward to share their harrowing experiences of sexual harassment in “New York” magazine.
This collective effort played a pivotal role in the trial of Bill Cosby, ultimately leading to his guilty verdict.
Beverly Johnson’s story is one of tenacity and determination. Her initial model agent, Eileen Ford, infamously told her, “You’ll never be on the cover of Vogue.” Rather than accepting defeat, Beverly made a bold move by quitting the agency and joining the rival agency Wilhelmina.
This decision not only validated her self-belief but also set the stage for her historic VOGUE cover and the iconic career that followed.


Leave a Reply