Julia Louis-Dreyfus chats with Beverly Johnson, the first Black woman on the cover of American Vogue, about 1970s modeling, self confidence, and menopause. They also discuss the challenges faced by black models, advocate for women's health, and share childhood memories.
Beverly Johnson broke barriers as the first Black woman on American Vogue, paving the way for diversity in modeling.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Beverly Johnson emphasize confidence and empowerment in navigating the entertainment industry.
Beverly Johnson's advocacy for survivors and candid discussion on menopause highlight the importance of women's health awareness.
Deep dives
Beverly Johnson's Modeling Career and Impact on Representation
Beverly Johnson's journey as a supermodel in the 1970s marked a turning point in the fashion industry. She became the first black model on the cover of Vogue, paving the way for diversity and representation. Her success resulted in over 500 magazine covers and recognition as one of the most influential people in fashion. Johnson's career extended beyond modeling, showcasing her as a symbol of empowerment and activism.
Beating Challenges and Handling Success
Despite facing discomfort with her appearance, Julia Louis-Dreyfus reflects on the challenges of image-focused environments like red carpets. She admires individuals like Lady Gaga for their confidence and presence in front of the camera. Johnson's resilience in standing up to industry leaders like Eileen Ford demonstrates her drive and courage. Both women highlight the importance of owning one's space and talents confidently.
Personal Growth and Aging in the Industry
Johnson's candid discussion on beauty standards and aging in the modeling industry reveals her proactive approach towards self-care. She embraces plastic surgery and evolving beauty standards as part of her business. Louis-Dreyfus shares her perspective on aging in the entertainment industry, emphasizing the pride in experience and confidence. Both women navigate the complexities of maintaining confidence and relevance in their respective fields as they age.
Standing up against Bill Cosby and advocating for women's voices
The episode highlights Beverly Johnson's brave decision to come forward about her experience with Bill Cosby in 2014 to support other women who had spoken out about him. Despite the difficulties she faced and the backlash she anticipated due to Cosby's reputation, Johnson felt compelled to use her voice because she knew the truth of the stories being shared by other women. Her advocacy for survivors and the power of women speaking out against sexual harassment is a significant theme throughout the episode.
Championing women's health and sharing personal experiences with menopause
Beverly Johnson also opens up about her personal health journey, particularly her near-death experience during menopause which led to a hysterectomy at the age of 47. She candidly discusses the lack of information and support for women going through menopause, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences and advocating for women's health. Johnson's story sheds light on the challenges women face regarding menopause and the need for open conversations to break taboos surrounding women's health issues.
This week on Wiser Than Me, Julia spends time with 71-year-old supermodel and trailblazer Beverly Johnson. Julia and Beverly dive into modeling in the 1970s, including what it was like for Beverly to find out she would be the first Black woman on the cover of American Vogue. Julia and Beverly discuss self confidence, and the two open up about their experiences with menopause. Plus, Julia follows up with her mom, Judy, about being in front of the camera.