EJ Johnson

EJ Johnson – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Learn the full story of EJ Johnson — from his early life as Magic Johnson’s son to rising as a TV personality, fashion icon, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Explore his biography, career journey, personal challenges, inspiring quotes, and lasting influence.

Introduction

Who is EJ Johnson? Born on June 4, 1992, Earvin “EJ” Johnson III is more than just the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson — he has carved out his own public identity as a television personality, fashion commentator, and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility. With a flair for style, a courageous spirit, and an ambition to elevate marginalized voices, EJ Johnson has become a modern celebrity whose life story resonates far beyond the glitz of reality TV.

Early Life and Family

EJ Johnson was born in Beverly Hills, California on June 4, 1992, to Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Earlitha “Cookie” Kelly.

He has two siblings: an older half-brother, Andre, from Magic’s prior relationship, and a younger sister, Elisa, adopted by Magic and Cookie. Pentecostal Christian faith and was active in the West Angeles Church of God in Christ, the same church his family attended.

Given his birth year, EJ came into the world not long after Magic Johnson had publicly disclosed his HIV status (1991). During that period, concerns over transmission to his then-unborn child were real. Thankfully, both Cookie and EJ tested negative.

From an early age, EJ observed fashion in his mother’s wardrobe and developed an interest in style, asking questions about labels and design. These early impressions would later guide his aesthetic voice.

Youth and Education

As a teenager, EJ Johnson already sensed differences in how he wanted to express himself. When he was 17, he confided in his parents that he was gay — a disclosure that, while courageous, would come with emotional complexity.

He went on to attend New York University (NYU), where he studied hospitality, with a particular focus on event planning and design.

His time in NYC was not just academic — it served as a transformational period during which he embraced more openly who he was, while refining his identity in public.

Career and Achievements

Reality TV & Media Breakthrough

EJ Johnson first drew broad public attention when he joined the cast of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills on the E! network. He started as a recurring member on Season 1 (2014) and then became a core cast member for subsequent seasons.

To further spotlight his life and journey, EJ starred in his own spin-off, EJNYC, which premiered in June 2016. The series chronicled his move to New York and explored the life of a young LGBTQ+ person of color navigating social life, friendships, and identity in a metropolitan setting.

Beyond reality shows, EJ served as a fashion correspondent and commentator for E! News, covering events like New York Fashion Week and contributing to programs such as Fashion Police. Hello Ross and Real Husbands of Hollywood.

Voice Acting & Media Roles

In May 2021, it was announced that EJ would lend his voice to the character Michael Collins in the rebooted animated series The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder. That role adds a new layer to his media repertoire — moving from reality and commentary into voice acting.

Additionally, EJ has participated in panels (e.g. BeautyCon, “The Gender Revolution”), moderated discussions, and engaged in public speaking on gender, identity, and representation.

Historical & Cultural Context

EJ Johnson’s rise to fame must be understood within a broader shift in media and social attitudes over the last decade:

• The 2010s saw growing visibility and acceptance for LGBTQ+ individuals in mainstream media. EJ’s public coming out played into this evolving moment, especially as a young Black queer man.

• Reality TV began to embrace more diverse narratives — and EJ’s presence helped push boundaries about who might serve as a central subject in unscripted programming.

• Fashion and beauty norms, especially for men, have been increasingly challenged in recent years. EJ’s gender-fluid style, use of makeup, and bold wardrobe choices have contributed to a larger cultural conversation about masculinity and self-expression.

• Representation matters: in a society where media often marginalizes LGBTQ+ voices (particularly among people of color), EJ’s visibility provides inspiration for younger people seeking role models.

Personality and Talents

EJ Johnson is known for:

• Bold, avant-garde fashion: He blends high glamour with street references, often wearing statement pieces, color, texture, and silhouettes that defy conventional gender norms.

• Authenticity & vulnerability: His public journey of coming out, navigating family acceptance, and embracing self is marked by honesty and emotional openness.

• Charisma and presence: On camera and, increasingly, behind the mic, EJ exudes confidence, wit, and magnetism.

• Advocacy & mentorship: He uses his platform to uplift LGBTQ+ issues, particularly highlighting the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality.

• Resilience: Managing media scrutiny, familial dynamics, and personal expectations is not easy — yet EJ has continuously evolved in the public eye.

In 2015, EJ underwent gastric sleeve surgery to address weight goals. Reports vary about the exact amount lost, but it remains part of his wellness journey.

He also left the church of his upbringing after coming out, citing conflicts between his identity and the church’s teachings on homosexuality.

Famous Quotes of EJ Johnson

Below are selected quotes that reflect his philosophy, courage, and perspective:

• “Be the bombest that you can be.”

• “We get only one life, and you need to just—give it your all. Don’t let anyone tell you no—don’t care about what anyone else thinks.”

• “If you see someone doing something you’ve never seen before, that shouldn’t be weird… It may not be for you, but don’t demonize it. Don’t diminish that shine.”

• “My sister and I used to have drawing sessions, and my stick figures always had, like, a Louis Vuitton bag.” (on an early memory of fashion)

• “I like things that are avant-garde, but at the same time I can also go downtown edgy.”

These sayings highlight his commitment to self-expression, fearlessness, and uplifting others.

Lessons from EJ Johnson

From EJ’s life and journey, we can draw several meaningful lessons:

1. Authenticity is power
   It takes courage to live openly and to let your truth guide your choices, especially under public scrutiny.

2. Identity evolves — ownership is key
   EJ’s decisions reflect that identity is not static; he has navigated personal reflections, family dynamics, and public opinion while actively choosing how to present himself.

3. Representation transforms lives
   For young LGBTQ+ people of color, seeing someone like EJ in mainstream media can provide visibility, validation, and hope.

4. Style as self-expression
   Clothing, design, and aesthetics can be profound tools for communicating identity beyond words.

5. Support systems matter
   While coming out was fraught, EJ’s relationship with his parents evolved over time, showing the possibility of growth, dialogue, and repair.

6. Expand your platform purposefully
   EJ has branched from reality TV into media commentary, voice work, and advocacy — demonstrating that one can evolve and broaden impact across domains.

Legacy and Influence

Though still in the earlier stages of his public life, EJ Johnson’s legacy is already being shaped:

• Cultural icon for gender-fluid fashion: His bold style choices influence designers, social media aesthetics, and fashion norms.

• Pioneer in queer visibility on reality TV: By centering his life in a mainstream format, EJ helped push the boundaries of what topics and identities appear on reality screens.

• Mentor for younger queer individuals: His openness and willingness to engage publicly with struggles and triumphs provides a template for young people navigating similar paths.

• Voice in media & entertainment diversification: As he moves into new roles (e.g. voice acting), EJ helps expand possibilities for queer representation beyond mere token roles.

Over time, his impact may be measured not only in television credits or stylistic influence but in lives touched — people who find courage, identity, or healing through seeing someone like EJ thrive.

Conclusion

EJ Johnson, born June 4, 1992, is not just “Magic Johnson’s son” — he is a dynamic, evolving public figure who refuses to be confined by labels, expectations, or norms. Through reality TV, fashion commentary, activism, and vocal authenticity, he has built a brand around being exactly who he is. His life teaches us about the power of owning one’s identity, using platform for good, and letting personal truth guide professional ambition.

If you’re inspired by EJ’s journey, I invite you to explore more of his interviews, style archives, and quotes — and to carry forward the message: bring yourself fully, unapologetically, to every stage you stand on.