Beverly Johnson is a pioneering American model, actress, and businesswoman who made history in 1974 as the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of Vogue magazine. Her appearance marked a major turning point in the fashion industry, challenging long-standing standards of beauty and helping to pave the way for greater diversity in modeling and media.
Born 1952 in Buffalo, New York, Johnson originally studied criminal justice at Northeastern University before turning to modeling. She quickly rose to prominence in the 1970s, appearing on more than 500 magazine covers throughout her career, including Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Essence.
Johnson became more than just a model—she became a cultural icon. Her influence extended beyond fashion as she ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows such as Ashanti, Martin, Law & Order, and The Love Boat. She also authored books, including her memoir The Face That Changed It All, which provides a candid look into her life, career, and the challenges she faced in the industry.
In addition to her work in entertainment and publishing, Johnson has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in fashion, as well as a businesswoman with ventures in beauty and lifestyle products. Take a look at these glamorous photos to see portraits of a young Beverly Johnson as a model in the 1970s.
Beverly Johnson, photo by Rico Puhlmann, Glamour, 1972
Beverly Johnson in this laid-back shirtdress, drink and all, photo by Patrick Demarchelier, Glamour, April 1973
Beverly Johnson shown full length modeling Halston long dress made of pastel vertical pieces of flowing material, probably chiffon which has neckline which plunges in V to waist, photo by Dirck Halstead, circa 1973
Beverly Johnson with Saints Mark and Matthew, photo by Kourken Pakchanian, Brazil, Vogue 1973
Beverly Johnson, photo by Irving Penn for Vogue, February 1973
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