Beverly Johnson: Celebrity Profile

Job: Model/Businesswoman

Born: October 13, 1952, in Buffalo, NY

Personal: Twice-divorced; one daughter, Anansa

• She attended Northeastern University on a full academic scholarship before being discovered for modeling by Glamour magazine.
• The world's first black supermodel, Beverly broke the color barrier when, in 1974, she became the first African-American woman to grace the cover of Vogue magazine.
• She modeled for 22 years and has over 500 magazine covers, thousands of editorial pages, and hundreds of advertising campaigns to her credit.
• She appeared on the cover of Glamour's 50th Anniversary issue and was selected by the editor-in-chief to tour the U.S. in acceptance of the magazine's 50th anniversary award.
• Beverly was appointed by President Bill Clinton to be the Ambassador of Goodwill to the Fashion Industry, working to eliminate illegal sweatshops.
• Beverly has acted in several television shows and movies, including 1997's How to Be a Player, 1998's 54, and the 2002 Britney Spears vehicle, Crossroads.
• She is the author of two books, including True Beauty: Secrets of Radiant Beauty for Women of Every Age and Color.
• Retired from modeling, Beverly now runs a beauty empire, which includes her own lines of eyewear, hair care products, wigs, and jewelry.
• Beverly has said that she believes a woman's true beauty goals should be self-esteem, self-motivation, and well-being.
• She is involved with several charities, including the United Negro College Fund and AMFAR.

• Beverly's daughter, Anansa, has taken her mother's philosophy of beauty to heart. She is part of a group of young women who speak to schoolgirls about body image and self-esteem.
• Beverly's home in Bel Air, California, sits on a nature reserve.
• She has suffered from agoraphobia.