5 Surprising Ways Beverly Johnson Built Her $5 Million Net Worth

Beverly Johnson is a name synonymous with breaking barriers and pioneering a new era in the fashion industry. As of today, December 12, 2025, the fashion icon's estimated net worth stands at a solid $5 million, a figure that reflects a decades-long career spanning modeling, acting, singing, and successful entrepreneurship. Her financial success is not just a testament to her stunning presence but also to her resilience and business acumen in navigating an ever-changing industry.

Her journey from a promising law student to the world's first Black supermodel on the cover of American Vogue is a compelling story of ambition and impact. This article delves into the five primary sources of wealth that contribute to the current Beverly Johnson net worth, highlighting her groundbreaking achievements and her ongoing influence in fashion and business.

Beverly Johnson: A Trailblazer's Biography and Career Timeline

Beverly Ann Johnson was born on October 13, 1952, in Buffalo, New York. Her career trajectory is a remarkable series of firsts and major accomplishments that cemented her legacy as a global icon.

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• Full Name: Beverly Ann Johnson
• Date of Birth: October 13, 1952
• Age (as of 2025): 73
• Place of Birth: Buffalo, New York, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Education: Northeastern University (studied Criminal Justice)
• Occupation: Model, Actress, Singer, Businesswoman, Writer
• Marital Status: Engaged (to Brian Maillian); Previously married to Billy Potter (1971–1974) and Danny Sims (1975–1979)
• Children: Anansa Sims (daughter, born 1978)
• Career Debut: Early 1970s
• Groundbreaking Achievement: First Black woman on the cover of American Vogue (August 1974)
• Major Publications: Appeared on over 500 magazine covers throughout her career.
• Notable Businesses: Beverly Johnson Hair Collection, Beverly Johnson Cosmetics.
• Recent Projects: Continued work with her non-profit foundation and advocacy for models' rights.

The Five Pillars of Beverly Johnson's Financial Success

The estimated $5 million net worth of Beverly Johnson is a mosaic built from diverse income streams across several decades. Her ability to pivot from modeling to other lucrative fields—often breaking new ground—is the key to her financial stability.

1. Groundbreaking Supermodel Career (The Foundation)

Johnson's initial and most significant source of wealth came from her revolutionary modeling career. In 1974, she shattered one of the most visible racial barriers in the fashion world by becoming the first African American woman to grace the cover of American Vogue. A year later, she achieved the same feat for French Elle.

This unprecedented success led to a high-demand career where she appeared on more than 500 magazine covers globally. Her earnings from high-profile runway shows, major advertising campaigns, and lucrative contracts with top fashion houses provided the substantial financial foundation for her later ventures. She was one of the highest-paid models of her era, commanding premium rates for her iconic status.

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2. Entrepreneurial Ventures: The Beverly Johnson Hair Collection

Recognizing the power of her brand, Beverly Johnson successfully transitioned into a businesswoman. One of her most notable ventures is the Beverly Johnson Hair Collection. This line of hair care products and wigs was specifically designed for women of color, an underserved market at the time, showcasing her foresight in business.

The success of the hair collection demonstrated her ability to monetize her image and expertise beyond the runway, establishing a recurring passive income stream that significantly contributed to her overall wealth. This move solidified her status not just as a model, but as a serious entrepreneur.

3. Acting and Entertainment Income

Beverly Johnson leveraged her fame into a successful career in film and television. Her acting roles in movies and TV shows added another layer to her financial portfolio. She appeared in films such as Ashanti (1979), Meteor Man (1993), and Crossroads (2002), among others.

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Furthermore, she made appearances in various television shows and reality TV, including her own reality series, Beverly's Full House, which aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Her presence in Michael Jackson’s iconic “Liberian Girl” music video also added to her celebrity profile and earning potential. These entertainment ventures provided substantial income outside of the fashion world.

4. Cosmetic and Beauty Brand Licensing

Following the success of her hair line, Johnson also launched a line of cosmetics for women of color, further tapping into the beauty industry. The beauty and cosmetics market is highly profitable, and licensing her name and image for these products provided a strong revenue source. As a respected figure in beauty, her endorsements and product lines carry significant weight and sales potential.

5. Authorship and Public Speaking

Beverly Johnson is also a published author, which contributes to her net worth through book sales, advances, and related speaking engagements. She released her memoir, Beverly Johnson: The Face That Changed America, detailing her life, career, and struggles. Her willingness to share her experiences, including her advocacy for models' rights and her personal battles, has led to a demand for her as a motivational and keynote speaker at corporate and public events.

Beverly Johnson's Ongoing Influence and Recent Activities

While her peak modeling years are behind her, Beverly Johnson remains highly active and influential, ensuring her financial relevance continues in the present day. Her current activities focus on advocacy, philanthropy, and maintaining her business interests.

Johnson is a prominent voice in the fashion industry, advocating for diversity, models' rights, and fair treatment. Her work in this space, often involving public appearances and media interviews, keeps her brand visible and relevant. She uses her platform to discuss issues of race, ageism, and ethics in the modeling world, adding depth to her legacy beyond her beauty.

Furthermore, the Beverly J Johnson Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports various charitable causes. While a foundation is not a source of personal income, its existence demonstrates her commitment to giving back and enhances her public image, which indirectly supports her brand value and business ventures.

In 2020, she announced her engagement to financier Brian Maillian, adding a new chapter to her personal life. Her continued public presence, combined with her established business income from the hair and cosmetics lines, ensures that the Beverly Johnson net worth remains a steady reflection of a successful and multifaceted career.