Magic Johnson played in five of Los Angeles eight preseason games that year, but he officially called it quits on Nov. 3, 1992 after an outpouring of criticism and concern from players and executives around the league. EJ is 62, just seven inches shorter than his father Magic. Magic posts about his wife and kids often on social media. After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. All Rights Reserved. "I like myself the way that I am. He pressed a finger to a small, pinkish hole on his thigh that was developing into a scab. Turner sports broadcaster Ernie Johnson shared photo of son Michael, who died Friday at the age of 33. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. When talking about his positionas the Celebrity Grand Marshall of the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade in 2014 (via E! 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.. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call. 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This past May, Magic shared photos of his family celebrating the launch of Elisa's brand. Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, EJNYC, Real Husbands of Hollywood, and most recently The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder are just a few of the TV programs in which EJ has made appearances. ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . And last week, the travails of the 1980s Lakersincluding Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and coach Pat . "I really think it's important that you not listen to so many fads; you really need to find what works for you," the "EJNYC" star explained, going on to note, "But that doesn't mean you're done after that because you don't like what's hot. The NBA tweeted that the league mourns the passing of Michael Johnson., Michael was admired by so many around the league for his remarkable courage and perseverance. Magic Johnson quickly issued a statement, saying, "Cookie and I love EJ and support him in every way. As I grew older, as my wife talked to me, I couldnt [judge EJ]. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. In 2016, he starred on his own short-lived E! Did you encounter any technical issues? Would love your thoughts, please comment. Since his fathers relationship with HIV, as a spokesperson and being positive himself, EJ was introduced to gay culture from a very early age, so he has longtime been related to the activism and discrimination that surrounds it. In. HIV and AIDS are not the only conditions we're still looking to cure. Photo: Getty Images They were one of the greatest NBA teams to ever take the hardwood. I always say that if you feel like youre not in the right body, then by all means get to where you want to be I dont feel that Im in the wrong body. In the photos, EJ Johnson looks confident in an outfit that captures his fashion-forward personality. Andre Johnson is a businessman, podcaster, and proud father of two. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. What Happened To Magic Johnson's Son Johnson's son, EJ III, born Earvin Johnson III was born on June 4th 1992 in Beverly Hills, California. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, addressed his gender identity Wednesday during an interview on E!News' Just the Sip. "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.". After Johnson's departure, the Lakers announced they would not fill the position that Johnson left. When the TMZ story broke, EJ's parents rallied around their son. 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.". That pretty much says all we really need to know. Mental health continues to be a field that we hope to understand and appreciate more. ': What Happened to the Stars of the Iconic Series through the Years, Dwyane Wade's Trans Daughter Knew Her Gender Identity at 3 & Revealed Her Boyfriend at 14 Inside Zaya's Life, Millionaire's Son Kicks Wife and Baby Out into the Cold, Loses His Inheritance the Next Day Story of the Day, Twins Send Dad to Nursing Home, Learn He Left Inheritance to Janitor Who Is Their Carbon Copy Story of the Day. 12:30 Lyric McHenry #EJJohnson #JustTheSip #JustinSylvester #transitioning #LyricMcHenry #MagicJohnson #comingforpeople #hoephase, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills,. Magic Johnson is one proud father to his son Earvin "EJ" Johnson. But some small number remain, and over time, those HIV cells replicate, attacking the immune system in seven stages, according to the National Institute of Health (opens in new tab)'s HIV info page. He also takes great pride in his skills and talents as a make-up artist. 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. Magic Johnson is not only a legendary basketball player but a father of three. It's just business as usual and that business is his family. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. I'm just very comfortable in my own skin. The youngest of the group, Elisa, was adopted by the Johnsons in 1995 when she was just three days old. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. Before this, he worked as a senior epidemiologist with the Bureau of HIV/AIDS at the Florida Department of Health. 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. The tabloid posted a video of the star holding hands with a man named Alessandro Monetti.. READ ALSO: Emily Faye Miller's bio: life before and after Too Hot To Handle. Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. In the photos, he is elegantly posing next to a pool wearing a blue mini-dress that fits him just right. He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. Here [in the United States] I do not experience that much racism, I feel like that's probably more prevalent before I was born.". She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. EJ said, Its always been a struggle. The gender-fluid fashionista is always flaunting his amazing wardrobe. In 1977, he met Earlitha . "Thank you for teaching us how to be people of action, not words, and to always be a blessing to those around you," Andre wrote in the caption. "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). When he spoke to The New York Times about the incident in 2017, he noted that TMZ reached out to his father for a comment on the photos of his son holding hands with another young man. I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. Were very proud of him. But behind closed doors, things looked a little different, because Magic had a hard time accepting that his son is gay. "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? Furthermore, a low viral load severely reduces the risk of transmitting the virus to others. When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. Johnson insisted, even then, that he would be around the league and the Lakers. In the series, his relationship with his youngest son, EJ, is explored. The date was November 7, 1991. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. 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 Everyone expected his life to suffer after his diagnosis. "I always say that if you feel like you're not in the right body, then by all means get to where you want to be. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. The star revealed he was "almost 100 percent positive" that a transition was out of the cards. When he was younger, he would love to play with dolls. EJ told the New York Times in 2017 that he learned about his fathers diagnosis while doing a book report and finding a book about his father in the library while in elementary school. Magic Johnson Investments He has had partnerships previously with Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, T.G.I Fridays, and AMC Theatres. When asked about the fashion industry's embrace of more androgynous styles and expression, EJ said, "I don't think the fashion world has made any type of major huge strides, where we need to start commending anybody yet. His role as an influencer is a staple in his work that is grounded in gender-flouting. ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! Magic Johnson dominated the court as one of professional basketball's best players for 13 years. 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. Not only has Magic Johnson carried on the way he likely envisioned prior to a premature retirement, but also he remains one of the games best ambassadors. I love everything about it." It is a day in history when people too young to remember will inevitably ask their elders why Magic Johnson retired. RELATED:See Michael Jordan's Three Oldest Kids All Grown Up. Magic Johnson was on hand to celebrate his son EJ Johnson's milestone birthday over the weekend. According to Too Fab, the discussion on Smiths talk show revealed that Magics initial reaction didnt have quite the same tone and message. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. who hasnt thought about it.. The reality TV Star was born on June 2, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California, the United States. Cookie Johnson, Magic's wife, and EJ talked about the experience during an episode of Facebook's Red Table Talk show. In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. Magic recalls their first meeting some 20 years ago as a moment that further focused his commitment to HIV/AIDS awareness : "Hydeia means the world to me," Johnson said. Johnson attended New York University where he studied hospitality with a focus on event planning and design, according to various different profiles. Related: Winning Time: Why Magic Johnson Is At The Doctor's In 1991 & What Happened. Magic Johnson death news is trending on the Internet. And now, she is the owner of her own self-titled sunglasses company, Elisa Johnson. 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. 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. Please disable your ad blocker to view the video content. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. Jonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. Im very happy with myself. at that point. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. var xhr = new XMLHttpRequest(); Walton was fired and the team eventually hired former Pacers and Magic coach Frank Vogel to . Related:Meet Quincy Isaiah, the Michigan Man Playing Magic Johnson in HBO Maxs Winning Time. You have to be prepared for people to say certain things about you, and it just wasn't for me. But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. Speaking withThe New York Times, EJ shed light on what went wrong. ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. "I love you and enjoy your day to rest.". Today, two of the six original Magic Johnson-branded theaters remain open, in Harlem in New York City and suburban Washington, D.C., though he doesn't own either of them. Johnson has been starting his mornings off right ever since he lost more than 100 lbs.! The longtime Inside the NBA host said via Twitter, We are grieving and at the same time so grateful for having been witnesses to a miraculous 33 years with michael., A post shared by Ernie Johnson (@ernie.johnson). In the past, EJ has consistently nabbed headlines for his unapologetic sense of fashion and candid attitude, whether he's speaking about the realities of LGBTQ+ adults or sparring with his sister, Elisa Johnson, on screen. Yet even without modern drugs, in rare instances a person living with HIV can manage on their own to keep AIDS at bay. Milan is currently in a relationship withtrans reality star and beauty influencer Lauryn England. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. 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. So if you dont support them, whos going to support them and love them?, Despite being openly interested in gender-fluid fashion, EJ told E! When did Magic Johnson have his son? #EJNYC premieres tomorrow night at 11 only on E! ?Brandon Scoop B Robinson (@ScoopB) September 4, 2019. 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. 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. If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing We collect and tell stories of people from all around the world. This latency of HIV allows some infected cells to escape immune detection and elimination, and these latently infected cells constitute the viral reservoir," wrote Nathan W. Cummins, MD and Andrew D. Badley, MD for Mayo Clinic Proceedings (opens in new tab) in 2015. For more entertainment and celebrity news sent to you directly, sign up for our daily newsletter. She studied at FIT and launched her own label, Elisa Johnson Co. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Theres so many factors. Maybe you've seen him on his E! It was a total bombshell and one that inadvertently triggered an onslaught of rumors about EJ Johnson. This is something that transcends judgment and ignorance and should be seen as a vehicle to educate and inform people about gender fluidity. But Magic knew that for E.J., coming out to his parents, which happened years ago,. Public and private medical insurance, as well as various assistance programs, make the medicines more affordable and available to the vast majority of patients in the United States and other parts of the world. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. Youve got to support your child. He revealed on the season finale of "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" that he'd lost about 180 pounds since the procedure. I'm very happy with myself," he said during an appearance on E! Andre is married to Lisa Meyers Johnson, and has two kids, Gigi and Avery. Since Dec. 2018, he's been the vice president of business development at a computer gaming company called Mythical Games. 2023 Cable News Network. E.J. Am I gonna die? I'm so blessed to help continue the conversation about our community and what it means to truly live your truth. EJ doesnt plan to transition either. During an appearance on CBS Mornings, Magic. 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. The fact that the gay man is the son of legendary NBA player, Magic Johnson . EJ added, "I'm fortunate that I'm in a world where I can do what I want to do and walk down the street in whatever I want to wear and break those walls down. It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. However, much like Earvin Johnson Jr. goes by Magic, his son is called EJ. There was one drug then, now we have 30-something drugs.". "It wasn't how he got it that was important to me. During the conversation, EJ, who came out as gay in . Johnson announced his retirement from the NBA and made his diagnosis public very quickly and then opened up about his experience. Johnson remembered the devastation of his diagnosis, and said that the most difficult part was having to tell his wife Cookie -- who he had just married, and whom had just become pregnant with their child. It is not known if Johnson is among this "scarce breed," as Lieb called them, but more than likely "without medications, he'd be progressing.". Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. His full name is Earvin Johnson III, but he goes by EJ professionally. Miller is an English model . The Hall of Fame point guard also insisted he would become a spokesman for HIV. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. Magic was diagnosed with HIV 45 days after Cookie and Magic married, and their lives were permanently transformed. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. 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.". They claimed the pair were an official item. First of all, the celebrity thing who are you here for, are you dating me or are you trying to date my dad?, In August 2018, EJ lost his best friend, Lyric McHenry, to a drug overdose. Today. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. ", EJ also gave advice to closeted young people who might be looking to his lifestyle as a road map for their own. During a period when Magic and Cookie had broken up, he dated a woman named Melissa Mitchell, with whom he had a son, Andre, on Feb. 20, 1981. As of this writing in 2022, EJ has not launched his own fashion line, but we're certainly keeping an eye out for it. Randy Chrisley Is Todd Chrisley's Brother Who Was Diagnosed with Cancer in 2014, Johnny Depp's Weight Gain & Changes in Appearance over the Years, 'Whos the Boss? Since nobody in the Johnson family had ever addressed EJ's sexual preference at that time, TMZ published the photo like it was a scoop. 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 . All Rights Reserved. "It proved to be the right decision," Magic Johnson said. EJshort for Earvin Johnson III, named after his fathermade his debut as a reality TV star on the E! It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do.. The next day, he apologized to his son as he emotionally told him they would get through this. 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. When TMZ featured EJ Johnsons boyfriend, some were surprised to learn that he is gay. 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. Early Childhood and Education. Johnson is the greatest point guard to ever walk the planet. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. His son EJ was born shortly, making headlines before he was even born. (Image credit: Science Photo Library - SCIEPRO via Getty Images). 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. 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 | Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. Related: Try Dopamine Dressing With 20 New Looks. EJ singled out the show's producers, claiming, "Everyone was just worried about me being 'relatable,' and even that word made me want to gag.". However, it was not a shock to his parents. Though his first reaction may not have been perfect, he definitely seems to be in a better place now. "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). One of Johnson's doctors who helped pioneer the treatment placed him on the then-experimental drug cocktail in 1994, about a year and a half before it came into widespread use in 1996, according to the Daily Beast (opens in new tab). 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. By taking the right regimen every day, most people living with HIV can see the number of virus particles in a sample of their blood, or viral load, become undetectably low. I also said I was going to beat the disease. The second enzyme, known as protease, creates new, functional HIV particles by cutting up the proteins produced by our hijacked cellular machinery. 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. EJ recalled, "[Magic] just was like, we're gonna get through this, I just need time and we both just started crying a little bit. "Very European," says EJ Johnson, the son of Magic Johnson, as he recalls when he came out as gay to his father. He lived up to that promise by making regular appearances, giving interviews and being an activist for HIV and AIDS organisations. During the NBA icon's first visit to Ellen's show, he opened up about his son, and shared his advice for other parents. "You are the best thing that has ever happened to me and our family. 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.. How Magic Johnson Messed Up When His Son Came Out In 2013, a TMZ photographer captured a photo of EJ Johnson walking on the Sunset Strip while holding hands with his boyfriend at the time. "The surgery was definitely the best thing that ever happened to me," the star said. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. The story of how the Lakers won a title in his first season and went on to win many more over the next decade is chronicled in HBO's latest series, 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty.' But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. This is a gradual process known as the HIV life cycle and it is by blocking the virus at each stage of this process that it can be prevented from advancing to AIDS. ", 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. Magic added that he just needed more time. Jennifer Lopez, Magic Johnsons Son Rump Shake in San Tropez https://t.co/ZAaXbYEnks pic.twitter.com/djPolv14Wz, ? EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. While appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in April 2017, the host talked to Magic about what kind of advice he would give to a parent whose child comes out. America's Favorite Gay Newsman: Openly Gay Anderson Cooper Split With Restauranter Partner; Boyfriend Still Family.

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