Magic often posts about his wife and kids on social media, but heres a closer look at his relationship with EJ, and how he has been the catalyst that changed Magic for the better. Earvin EJ Johnson III is the son of NBA Hall of famer and Los Angeles Lakers legendary point guard, Earvin Magic Johnson, a five-time NBA Champion, entrepreneur and Earletha Cookie Johnson, a notable Hollywood actress and successful entrepreneur. Magic Johnson death news is trending on the Internet. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. Both she and EJ tested negative for HIV. New York, Andre doesn't post much about his professional life online, but according to what appears to be his LinkedIn page, he was the vice president of his dad's investment company, Magic Johnson Enterprises, from 2012 to 2014. Andre tends to remain out of the spotlight, but on Instagram, he frequently posts about his wife, Lisa Meyers Johnson, and kids, 12-year-old daughter Gigi Johnson and 9-year-old son Avery Johnson. reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. How has Magic Johnson survived with HIV? Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. We lost michael johnson today and were crushed. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. COMING OUT . } ); It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. Magics retirement is a true landmark in sports history. This past May, it was announced that EJ will be co-starring on the new Disney+ show The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. While Johnson can now attest to 30 years of life after being diagnosed with HIV, his journey living with the disease has been far from easy. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. Earvin Johnson III (born June 4, 1992) is an American television personality and socialite who is also the son of Magic Johnson.EJ JohnsonNationalityAmericanOccupationTelevision personality, socialite, fashion commentatorMagic Johnson (parent) Earlitha Kelly (mother)2 more rowsMagic Johnson Magic Johnson Kids Magic Johnson abruptly quit as the Los Angeles Lakers' president of basketball operations earlier this month, and now, according to reports, it's because management sent emails criticizing . TMZ Sportspublished the last known paparazzi photo of the pair in 2017 and called Alcaraz Elisa's "quasi-boyfriend." The origins of Magic Johnson's nickname date back well before Winning Time episode 1's story, as it began when he was in high school. Photo: Getty Images They were one of the greatest NBA teams to ever take the hardwood. "Magic got a jumpstart on experimental drugs before they were released to the general public," Lieb told Life's Little Mysteries, "but there were many people in clinical trials benefitting at the same time.". "Yeah, racism, not so much. AboutPressCopyrightContact. Former New York Yankees All Star Alex Rodriguez, CBS This Mornings Gayle King, NBA on TNTs Kenny The Jet Smith, ESPN First Takes Stephen A. Smith, NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas and former New York Knicks coach, Mike Woodson were some of the notables in attendance at the party. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. Like her mom and brother EJ, Elisa is interested in fashion, and launched her own sunglass line in 2021. "The key moment was when Cookie took the test and the results came back that her and the baby was fine [sic]," the retired NBA star told Gayle King. His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. The series lasted just six episodes. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." What's the real deal with EJ Johnson? 2022 Galvanized Media. According to E! EJ often will reflect on his childhood and his innate inclination toward fashion and design. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. ESPN's Chris Fowler spoke over a video montage . ESPN and Fox aired primetime tributes to Johnson's son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33 after a lifelong struggle with muscular dystrophy. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { "We were just so astonished at the things he was saying, and not just that he brought my dad into it, but the fact that he was being just blatantly racist. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. Surprisingly, Johnson has seen great success personally and professionally, in part by reflecting on the words of a childhood friend, Reggie Chastine, who died while they were in high school. "I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. (The series was canceled after the first season. Magic Johnson has remained a central part of the Lakers franchise in his life since, serving as a coach and executive, as well as a player when he came out of retirement for the 1996 season. An insider told ET,"The cast was upset because they wanted at least one more season to give closure to their storylines," but it sounds like EJ was ready to be done with all things E! As well as drugs to help manage HIV we now have drugs such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP, that can prevent transmission in the first place. As it turns out, EJ Johnson and his younger sister, Elisa Johnson, have the same type so much so that she started dating his pseudo-ex in 2016. Nevertheless, the media too often shows a lack of boundaries. Michael, who suffered . By Barbara Pavone / Updated: Aug. 3, 2021 7:23 pm EDT. However, it was not a shock to his parents. I could really feel the love. He became a household name when he appeared on Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, and got his spinoff show called EJNYC. Johnson confessed in an interview: I think it's all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. But I don't feel incomplete in that way. Magic Johnson, Cookie Johnson and EJ Johnson attend "To Kill A Mockingbird" Broadway Opening Night at Shubert Theatre on December 13, 2018 in New York City. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. He'd come up with stupid rules: 'No scarves in the house.' He is now flexing his acting chops in With Love and The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder revival. There's [sic] so many factors. EJ told the Times, The school called my mom and was like, We dont know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V., I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and hes a lot better., In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2016, EJs mother admitted that she struggled to come to terms with her son coming out. ", Related: Magic Johnson Supports His Gay Son One Million Percent, EJ identifies as gender-fluid and is an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. ", According to E! You are our foundation and the backbone," he wrote in the caption. Separately, Magic posted a photo of Cookie, in honor of the occasion. News and hosting other shows. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. Here's what you didn't know about EJ Johnson. "I'll Deal With It: HIV Has Forced Me To Retire, But I'll Still Enjoy Life As I Speak Out About Safe Sex," by Magic Johnson, "Magic Johnson opens up about his health, career 30 years after HIV diagnosis: 'You just sit there and say, what does this mean? "It helped people who were living with not just HIV and AIDS, but with any disease, that you can live on, you can be live a productive life.". Hydeia Broadbent remains AIDS activist 20 years after TV special with Magic Johnson. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. His style is androgynous, from ankle boots, sheer tops, diamond chokers, and furs to feminine with dresses with thigh-high slits. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. The 62-year-old was first drafted on the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 and continued to play for them for 13 seasons.. } I think its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. ", "It's a totally new mindset," EJ told Page Sixthat September. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. In scientific terms, this mode of replication classifies HIV as a retrovirus, hence "antiretroviral" drugs. According to research and estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in new tab), as of 2019 about 1.18 million Americans have HIV, and 13 percent of them are undiagnosed. Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content. Were getting a closer look into the life and career of NBA legend Magic Johnson with They Call Me Magic streaming on Apple TV+. Johnson attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles. After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. In June, Andre posted a photo of his familystep mom Cookie includedat Gigi's sixth-grade graduation. "We appreciate the love and kindness you shower us with daily.". The key with Johnson and others has been preventing their incurable disease from progressing into AIDS. In 2015, Caitlyn Jenner infamously debuted her transition on the cover of Vanity Fair. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! Magic Johnson, byname of Earvin Johnson, Jr., (born August 14, 1959, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.), American basketball player who led the National Basketball Association (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. navigator.sendBeacon('https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', payload); And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . "It wasn't how he got it that was important to me. I had to accept who he was and who he wanted to be. xhr.send(payload); EJ Johnson has shown the world that he is an unstoppable force. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. "Even in the summer, you had you He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. Its given me a whole new view on life. EJ turned 30 on Saturday and marked the occasion with a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain theme park . And we love him. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. On its website, the company says that the eyewear was designed by the youngest Johnsonand every pair "reflects Elisa's style." Heres how it works. xhr.open('POST', 'https://www.google-analytics.com/collect', true); Johnson says meeting her as a girl changed his life. His star hasnt dimmed as he has become a celebrity in his own right over the past few years, and sharing his own story about coming out to his parents as a gay Black man. Cookie said, Look in the mirror. I said, Youre right. Because Im proud of who I am. But Magic knew that for E.J., coming out to his parents, which happened years ago,. EJ launched a now-defunctfashion blog in 2014. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. scientific studies and medical journals. I never really thought it was under investigation. Our deepest condolences are with Cheryl, Ernie and their family, friends and loved ones as we mourn with them, the statement read. #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! EJ Johnson was one of the stars of the reality series Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, but he's probably best known for being the son of basketball superstar Magi. Sure, Johnsons Twitter account has become a practical parody because of the Maddenesque analysis he provides, but his genuine care for the players and the game in general is still inherently clear. EJ Johnson's fans aren't the only ones who speculated about his gender identity, however. Cookie revealed that she noticed her son was different since he was a little boy, however, she thought he would grow out of it, but it happened the opposite. Im just very comfortable in my own skin. This was the first time he was out in public as gay. He is known to have owned 105 Starbucks outlets and a 4.5% stake in . When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. And I will," Johnson wrote. Brown championship trophy after winning the NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti. Johnson retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. "It's almost like they're attacking me for being me and so to that I can only say, 'Well, I can only be myself, so I don't know really what you want me to do,'" he said. RELATED:See Charles Barkley's Only Daughter All Grown Up. Find out why exercise can be important to mental health too. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. We're gonna be fine. I love everything about it." He was cast in the first season of E! Taking a look at his Instagram we can see how clothes are one of his biggest passions. EJ Johnson once told BETthat racism hasn't been a significant problem in his life. He is hardly known by his birth name, Earvin Johnson III. He is a television personality, socialite and actor. It's just business as usual and that business is his family. It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. Miller is an English model . Magic Johnson held a press conference to formally announce the retirement, an occasion so monumental that former NBA Commissioner David Stern would be seen sitting just to Johnsons left. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic Johnson discussed living with HIV three decades after he was initially diagnosed with the virus prior to the 1991-92 NBA season. Crediting dad Magic Johnson for giving him the following advice, EJ recalled, "Make sure you check your surroundings and be you, do you, but make sure you're not putting yourself in dangerous situations where you could get hurt.". Here is what you need to know about EJ Johnson: A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Jun 5, 2018 at 2:48pm PDT, EJs mother was two months pregnant with her son when Magic Johnson revealed to the world that he had tested positive for HIV in November 1991. In honor of Father's Day last year, he posted a photo of Magic, Cookie, Gigi, and Andre, along with a heartfelt tribute. Johnson began to speak out and he has never retreated. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. As fashionable and fashion-forward as he is, Johnson does not have a fashion line. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Is this something that I would do?' He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. Currently, EJ is reportedly single. In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend. Heavy.com's Brandon 'Scoop B' Robinson details 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know about EJ Johnson, son of NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" Johnson. Both were recently reunited for debut of . I dont feel the need to transition. After Magic Johnson's scuffle with Ron Boone in Episode 4 of 'Winning Time', you might be wondering what happened in the Lakers' locker room. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Im very happy with myself. The first enzyme, called reverse transcriptase, turns the virus' genetic instructions encoded in a single RNA strand into double-stranded DNA. Mar 3, 2013 - 5:20 am. ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! After four seasons, he'd also appeared on "Fashion Police" and worked as a red-carpet special correspondent, and the network gave EJ his own spin-off called "EJNYC" in 2016. He also shared some insight into his diet and exercise routine. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. var payload = 'v=1&tid=UA-72659260-1&cid=3f04818d-0c52-47fe-9dbf-229a559738e6&t=event&ec=clone&ea=hostname&el=domain&aip=1&ds=web&z=8719156970272511032'.replace( 'domain', location.hostname ); In 2017, rumors began to circulate about a possible romantic relationship between EJ and Christopher Milan, a former Love & Hip Hop Hollywood star. appreciated. He is an openly gay man who champions the rights and freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. News, EJ Johnson once weighed about 360 pounds but underwent gastric sleeve surgery in early 2015. A video surfaced on Twitter of Lopez and EJ Johnson getting their dance on to Teena Maries Square Biz while at his Magic Johnsons 60th Birthday party in Saint Tropez. Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot in 1991, one year before the Los Angeles Lakers player retired. I really think its important that you not listen to so many fads; you really need to find what works for you, EJ told Page Six in September 2015. But then, I moved to New York to go to college and when he came back to visit, he picked me up for dinner and he hugged me so hard, he almost broke my back, and then at that point, I was like, 'We're gonna be okay.' He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. Nov 6, 2021. EJ Johnson, Magic Johnsons Son: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know, Please review our privacy policy here: https://heavy.com/privacy-policy/, Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Magic Johnson and EJ have a great relationship, but theyre also open about the work it took to get there when EJ first came out. Magic Johnson has been living with HIV for nearly 0 years and thanks to advances in medical science the disease is now more manageable than it was when he first revealed his diagnosis. Maybe you've heard about him on the internet or in a tabloid headline. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". He was 33. News, The "#RichKids of Beverly Hills" alum opens up about the type of men he's attracted to, his father Magic Johnson and his late friend Lyric McHenry. Theres so many people who try to discriminate against them. He said on an interview: I guess youre just floating in the spectrum, youre not really defined by any gender confines if you will, Im just EJ.. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. Magic Johnson was invited to participate as a member of the Western Conference during the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the MVP after scoring 25 points and adding nine assists in a feel-good. Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. Sunday marks the 30th anniversary of Magic Johnson's decision to retire from basketball upon learning he had been diagnosed with HIVone of the biggest, most impactful moments for . EJ said, I like myself the way that I am. After celebrating his 28th birthday, EJ took to Instagram once more to post a series of pictures on his stories. His father took a while to come around to the news. Apple today unveiled the teaser trailer for "They Call Me Magic," premiering April 22 on Apple TV+. However, despite the frenzied headlines and strained family dynamic, EJ was not even aware of his father's illness until he learned about it by accident after stumbling upon a reference to his dad while researching a book report in elementary school. I love the attention. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. 10 amazing health stories you may have missed in 2021, How mental health affects physical health, "They told me that the three-drug combination was going to save my life, and they were right," Johnson told The Guardian (opens in new tab) in 2021. Because he was so proud. Johnson was pivotal in helping to lessen that stigma, as he not only managed to find a way forward and live with the disease, but also returned to playing basketball. But perhaps the most resonating phrase from Johnson that day is this: Im going to go on, Im going to beat it, and and Im going to have fun.. Already a trailblazer who's been challenging long-standing gender stereotypes when it comes to his attire, EJ was considering launching his own fashion collection back in 2017, according to The New York Times. ", EJ Johnson is aware that as a public figure who is a member of two marginalized groups, he has a responsibility to be a role model. ", EJ concluded, "I don't feel the need to transition. Theres so many factors. In response to the headlines, Magic said, Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. "It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Magic Johnson said. On the red carpet, the Johnsons also ran into Samuel L. Jackson, and posed for photos with the Academy Award-winning actor.. After the show, both Magic and his wife raved about the Broadway show . Researchers continue to study long-term nonprogressors to get insights on HIV resistance that could help the 37.7 million people battling the virus, the current estimate of UNAIDS according to HIV.gov (opens in new tab). Magic had been married to his wife, Cookie, not more than two months before he made his announcement, and questions surrounded Johnsons sexuality as a result. spinoff, EJNYC, which followed his life as he moved to New York City. Where is Magic Johnson from? "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". And that trumped everything," Cookie Johnson said. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. "I like myself the way that I am. At 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, Johnson was a mountain of a man, the biggest, most powerful point guard anyone had ever seen. HIV is now considered a chronic health condition that can be managed with the right drugs and a healthy lifestyle. I enjoyed the Trump presidency more than I should have but sense that I'll be paying the bill by having to explain to the kiddos what really happened. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | His brother, Andre Johnson has a different mother. "As we talk today, right now, I'm thinking, 'Wow' its been 30 years and I'm still here, healthy. The Hall of Fame point guard also insisted he would become a spokesman for HIV. Oh, snap. 6-keys: media/spln/nba/reg/free/stories, at EJ Johnson Sets the Record Straight on Transitioning | Just The Sip | E!