It was a little tough, said Cookie during the interview. "We love him and EJ is amazing, so you gotta support your child. News and hosting other shows. 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. Cookie Johnson was worried about Magic, but supportive. "You mean he just let his son in law run everything Dad?" "Yes because he was Jewish." "Are Jews magic Dad?" "Sure are," I say. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { ), EJ has since gone from reality television to acting. He also questioned if EJ was sure he knew what he was saying. (Image credit: YakubovAlim via Getty Images). 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. Approximately 36,000 people are diagnosed with HIV each year, and more than 15,000 die annually, although these deaths can be from any cause, not necessarily from an AIDS-related illness. After protests from his fellow players, he retired again for four years, but returned in 1996, at age 36, to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time. Magic & Cookie Johnson's Relationship Timeline Spans Over 40 Years - Bustle Magic Johnson Says He's 'So Proud' of Son EJ: 'He's Saving a Lot of reality series, "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" and its spin-off "EJNYC." However, a 2017 article in Urbo states that Johnson graduated from the prestigious school with a degree in event management and design with an interest in fashion, journalism, and media. Johnson attended New York University, studying hospitality with a focus on event planning and design. He is a television personality, socialite and actor. Andre, EJ, and Elisa have taken on very different career paths. At the time of Magic Johnson's diagnosis, there was a strong stigma around HIV and AIDS. Magic Johnson's net worth is currently estimated to be about $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. 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. When the former Rich Kids of Beverly Hills cast member came out to his father, the longtime NBA legend did not take it so well. Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. I enjoyed the Trump presidency more than I should have but sense that I'll be paying the bill by having to explain to the kiddos what really happened. In 2013, TMZ published a story with photos of EJ holding hands with his then-boyfriend. Discovery Company. As it turns out, EJ Johnson and his younger sister, Elisa Johnson, have the same type so much so that she started dating his pseudo-ex in 2016. EJ Johnson, the son of basketball legend Magic Johnson, spoke about what it was like coming out as gay to his father. E.J. However, thanks to advancements in antiretroviral drugs and management of the condition, the 63-year-old continues to thrive in his roles as a sports analyst, businessman and HIV activist more than 30 years later. I like my body. I tried everything, but finally I just said to myself, This child is innocent. Magic Johnson - Son, Stats & Wife - Biography "It helped people who were living with not just HIV and AIDS, but with any disease, that you can live on, you can be live a productive life.". Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnsons kids total to two. When it was time to come out, I was, obviously, scared as most people are. He previously served as the Executive Vice President of his dads company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. Powered by. I dont feel the need to transition. The reality series followed the eponymous star, sister Elisa Johnson, and their high-class crew living their best lives in the Big Apple. "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.". if( 'moc.enilnoefiltseb' !== location.hostname.split('').reverse().join('') ) { Johnson Reveals 100+ Weight Loss on Good Day NY! After I got all the love and support from my family then I knew I could go out and conquer the world, I guess.". Despite new advances in medical science HIV remains incurable thanks to "the presence of a latent viral reservoir. The death fake caused the Twittersphere to go crazy, as usual. xhr.send(payload); An insider told ET,"The cast was upset because they wanted at least one more season to give closure to their storylines," but it sounds like EJ was ready to be done with all things E! It was, like, this is supposed to be my show and my moment, and it wasn't what I wanted at all. Its all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become, Magic Johnson told Ellen DeGeneres on the Ellen Show. One of the most important contributions Johnson has made to people with HIV is making people more aware and understanding of the virus. Magic often posts about his wife and kids on social media, but heres a closer look at his relationship with EJ, and how he has been the catalyst that changed Magic for the better. "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." Today. On this Nov. 7, legendary Lakers point guard Earvin Magic Johnson stunned the entire world when he announced that he had contracted the HIV virus, and would be retiring from NBA immediately. This seemed all the more evident during the 1992 Olympics, when Johnson joined Team USA as a member of the famed Dream Team in Barcelona. Magic Johnson went from an unequivocal role in the NBA to a businessman and a legend in his own right. What happened to Cleveland's Magic Johnson Theatre seen on Apple TV's } In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. 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.. Turner Sports, in a statement posted on social media, said: We are heartbroken over the passing of Cheryl and Ernies beloved son, Michael, a true hero who uplifted and brought joy to everyone he touched. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . "I said that because I had tested HIV-positive, I was retiring from the NBA. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. Inside The Lives Of Magic Johnson's Children - NickiSwift.com I'm very happy with myself," he said during an appearance on E! Magic Johnson Retirement: Why Did Magic Johnson Retire - ClutchPoints "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. Why Magic Johnson's Wife Threatened To Leave Him Despite Sticking By "I was just like, 'Well, do I want to transition? EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. The virus was a lot scarier at the time. Magic added that he just needed more time. At the time, HIV/AIDS was widely associated with death at a young age, so for many people this outcome might have seemed impossible. Sure, Johnsons Twitter account has become a practical parody because of the Maddenesque analysis he provides, but his genuine care for the players and the game in general is still inherently clear. According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. In 2017, EJ Johnson got candid with The New York Times about his sports star father's very public journey with HIV, which began when EJ's mother was two months pregnant with him. Magic Johnson explains his abrupt resignation from Lakers Johnson has been starting his mornings off right ever since he lost more than 100 lbs.! When did Magic Johnson have his son? But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. It is precisely these kinds of drugs that have helped Magic Johnson manage the disease and have made HIV a chronic health condition rather than a fatal disease. EJ told the Times, The school called my mom and was like, We dont know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V., I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and hes a lot better., In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2016, EJs mother admitted that she struggled to come to terms with her son coming out. Magic has three kids, but he and Cookie have two children together. The star initially came out to his mother when he was a teenager. "It was hard because I loved her so much and I hated to hurt her," Magic Johnson said. EJ Johnson Sports 180-Pound Weight Loss in a Sheer Shirt - E! Online Theres so many factors. However, it was not a shock to his parents. In 2014, he joined the Rich Kids of Beverly Hills, a reality series following lives of some of the richest kids. When the former professional basketball player was diagnosed with human immunodeficiency virus (opens in new tab) in 1991, a lack of understanding and stigmatization surrounding the virus (opens in new tab) led to questions being raised over his future life prospects. The most common drugs in the ART regimen target two of the enzymes that HIV uses to replicate itself. "As we talk today, right now, I'm thinking, 'Wow' its been 30 years and I'm still here, healthy. I like my body.. Magic Johnson was invited to participate as a member of the Western Conference during the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the MVP after scoring 25 points and adding nine assists in a feel-good. Magic Johnson's Parents Actually Hated His Nickname - Bustle "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). After receiving criticism for not publicly mourning his friend on social media. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Johnson was first called "Magic" when he was a star at Everett High School. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. "The school called my mom and was like, 'We don't know if you want him to do the book report, because it talks about the H.I.V.,'" EJ said, adding, "I think it was at that point that they told me that he had been sick and he's a lot better.". EJ Johnson is a media personality and socialite best known as Magic Johnson's son. Former New York Yankees All Star Alex Rodriguez, CBS This Mornings Gayle King, NBA on TNTs Kenny The Jet Smith, ESPN First Takes Stephen A. Smith, NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit Pistons point guard Isiah Thomas and former New York Knicks coach, Mike Woodson were some of the notables in attendance at the party. But while Jordan and the Bulls began the year healthy and optimistic, the Los Angeles Lakerswho were the Western Conference representatives in the 1991 NBA Finalswere about to be blindsided. When and How Did Magic Johnson Get HIV? - The Cinemaholic 's "Rich Kids of Beverly Hills" during his junior year. EJ was a guest host on Fashion Police and has filledin on E! On its website, the company says that the eyewear was designed by the youngest Johnsonand every pair "reflects Elisa's style." Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved.