*As one of the most iconic supermodels in the fashion industry, Beverly Johnson has carved her own niche, breaking glass ceilings along the way.
Despite opening doors for black models by being the first African American to grace the cover of American Vogue in 1974, she was not immune to the low points that came with her profession.
Chatting with Page Six as reported by theJasmineBrand, Johnson touched on these low points, as she remembered the height of her fame during the 70’s and the hidden drama that came with it. To maintain her slim figure during that time, Johnson revealed her diet was very minimal.
“We were led to believe that cocaine was not addictive. We didn’t know cocaine was addictive. Everyone used drugs back in the day, but that particular drug for models was used because we did not eat,” Johnson shared with Page Six. “I remember eating two eggs and a bowl of brown rice a week. I would be shaking in a cab and say pull over because I have to get a bag of M&Ms.”
Unfortunately, Johnson’s food intake fell in line with the unrealistic and unacceptable norm for models back in the day. As she continued with her diet, the physical effect on her soon took over as she noticed the cost of going to extremes to be accepted in the fashion industry.
“I would just stop and get the shakes. We did not eat, and every time you came to work, they would say, ‘Yes! Chisel to the bone girl. Yes, I’d like to congratulate you. Nobody told you the truth,” Johnson continued.
After years of conforming to the dangerous standards of maintaining her modeling figure, Johnson changed her way of living. The former fashionista is currently sober and has been for 50 years. According to Johnson, the change came after her mother forced her to look at her nude body in a three-way mirror. At that point, Johnson knew it was the wake-up call she needed to get back on track with her life.
“It was the first time I saw my bones looking back at me. It was a major wake-up call for me,” she said about the moment.
Johnson’s revelation comes as she celebrates the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking Vogue cover. To commemorate the historic happening, Johnson is headlining a one-woman play, titled “Beverly Johnson: In Vogue.”
In the production the fashion legend reportedly discusses her modeling and acting careers as well as family, lovers, and what it was like growing up in Buffalo, New York. The Jasmine Brand notes that Johnson will pay homage to the legendary women who came before and after her.
“Beverly Johnson: In Vogue” is currently playing at the 59E59 Theatre in New York until Feb. 4.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Who Knew?! Beverly Johnson Reveals She Got Married in Secret Vegas Wedding | VIDEO
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
