ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie "E.J." Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. Johnson has been starting his mornings off right ever since he lost more than 100 lbs.! "I walk in the office and he started talking about the test," Johnson says. Miller is an English model . Magic had been married to his wife, Cookie, not more than two months before he made his announcement, and questions surrounded Johnsons sexuality as a result. In addition to EJ, the Johnsons adopted Elisa Johnson when she was three days old in 1995. 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. We send our heartfelt condolences to Ernie, Cheryl and their family during this difficult time.. "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. EJ Johnson publicly came out as gay in 2013 but only after TMZ essentially outed him, per TheThings. The 29-year-old reality TV personality came out to the basketball great, 62, in 2010, and at first, the latter wasn't too. 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. (Photo: Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) "It. It was kind of like an 'aha moment,' the realization that people like that still exist," EJ told The Daily Beastthat same year, adding, "He's a walking joke. Now, Johnson has never been shy about his gender-defying sense of fashion. In 2015, EJ lost over 100 pounds and had surgery to remove excess weight. It happened," he said (via theDaily Mail). Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get 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. But while Johnson and many others are able to manage their condition, many others are not as fortunate. I think you have to have a certain type of confidence level. Photo: Getty Images They were one of the greatest NBA teams to ever take the hardwood. "I'm completely dedicated to living a new, healthy lifestyle." Continue to change and educate the world! Im just very comfortable in my own skin. About a year later, EJ had a similar heart-to-heart chat with his father. And that trumped everything," Cookie Johnson said. I mean, I looked good, but that was just me doing me." Although Johnson reacted at first, he talked to his son the next day and at that moment, they knew everything was going to be fine between them. I dont feel the need to transition. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. A New York Times review of the show referred to EJ as the most likeable character on the show. News), EJ said, "Whether it's the African-American community, or in my case, the gay community, it's important to make sure that we represent those communities in a positive way. It cant be wrong. Reality TV star E.J. Michael Johnson, son of TNT sportscaster Ernie E.J. Johnson, has died, his father said on social media Friday night. "I thought about it, for sure," he said (via Us Weekly). Medication can disrupt these processes, and to that end, Johnson is currently taking reverse transcriptase inhibitor and protease inhibitor drugs, which are contained in the pharmaceuticals Trizivir and Kaletra, respectively, according to the Daily Beast. First of all, the celebrity thingwho are you here for? 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. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". EJs real name is Earvin Johnson III, named after his father. He played on the 1992 NBA All-Star Team as well as the "Dream Team" at the Olympics. 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. 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. Shortly thereafter, EJ did his first coming out interview on Gwissues with Howard Bragman. A five-time world champion, three-time league and Finals MVP and a man who played in the Finals nine of his 12 professional seasons, or for 75 percent of his career. According to Magic's comments at that press conference, Cookie threatened to leave him if he tried to return for more than one season. His two kids with Cookie, EJ Johnson and Elisa Johnson, are now in their 20s and are making names for themselves in two very different careers, and Magic's oldest child, 40-year-old Andre Johnson, from his relationship with Melissa Mitchell, is now a dad of his own. sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices. Go do my, Magic Johnson Discusses His Son's Coming Out. Remember, HIV-AIDS were still primarily labeled gay diseasesback then. In fact, Magic said that he has to bribe his wife to even get her to approve of him returning for one season. "Feeling all the elation feels today," EJ wrote on Instagram, sharing the news that he'd voice Michael Collins. The NBA regular season had just started, with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls looking to defend their championship. EJ ultimately decided to come out before beginning college at New York University (NYU). Milan is currently in a relationship withtrans reality star and beauty influencer Lauryn England. To see what Magic Johnson's three children are up to and to learn more about the tight-knit Johnson family, read on. BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: (L-R) EJ Johnson and Lea Michele speak onstage during the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Los Angeles at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 28, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. An epidemiologist explains how Magic Johnson has survived HIV. EJ Johnson's sexuality might've surprised the media, but it didn't surprise his parents. The retired point guard welcomed his first child, son Andre, 42, with ex-girlfriend . The Rolling Stones frontman has a huge family. 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 "I always wanted to come into the spotlight," EJ told the YouTube talk show "Gwissues" shortly after (via ESPN). 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. I love the attention. 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. Although the unfortunate response to Johnsons condition will forever be somewhat of a black mark on the NBAgranted, HIV was a mostly unknown diseaseit is interesting to look back at some of the phrases and words Johnson used during his first retirement press conference in 1991. In 1991, the 13-season Los Angeles Lakers star married his wife, Cookie, who gave birth to their son EJ Johnson soon after. When you're close with your siblings, you don't ever really consider that one day you might be competing for boyfriends. He is Cookie Johnsons oldest child but Magic Johnsons middle child. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. The average period between infection with the human immunodeficiency virus and diagnosis of [] AIDS is now ten years, according to experts.. Andre, Magic's son from a previous relationship with Melissa Mitchell, was born in 1981. Am I gonna die? spinoff, EJNYC, which followed his life as he moved to New York City. EJ Johnson was born to his famous parents on June 4, 1992, in Beverly Hills, California. I like my body., A post shared by EJ Johnson (@ejjohnson_) on Sep 3, 2019 at 9:42am PDT. Since EJ came out in 2013 he has set his own path in the transgender pop-culture. EJ dropped the bombshell during an episode of "EJNYC," where he claimed that Elisa's then-boyfriend, French model Anthony Alcaraz, was the same guy he had previously kissed in a club. According to a 2021 profile of Magic, his mother, a devout Christian, felt the nickname was "blasphemous.". "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? "And he just could not stand it. The star had some questions of his own especially surrounding Caitlyn Jenner's abovementioned Vanity Fair cover. Yet through all the ups and downs, he remains the same bubbly person he has always been. He'd come up with stupid rules: 'No scarves in the house.' He also hosts his own podcast, Please Elaborate, where he talks about current events, entertainment, sports and gaming with his friend Mike Dupree. That pretty much says all we really need to know. ', It all goes down Tomorrow night ! He also appeared on Real Husbands of Hollywood with Kevin Hart. EJ's mom said that her husband was worried about his son living . The actor's personal life has made headlines as well. Awood "Mr. Magic" Johnson, a rapper best known for his work in the 90's on the No Limit Records label, has died. Magic Johnson held a press conference to formally announce the retirement, an occasion so monumental that former NBA Commissioner David Stern would be seen sitting just to Johnsons left. During his time on the show, EJ could be seen yachting, shopping at Chanels flagship store in Manhattan and driving in the $120,000 Mercedes his parents bought him for this 21st birthday. 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 performance. But it's really not about scarves; it's really about him seeing you be you. 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. Magic Johnson might be a legendary basketball player, but to his three kids, his most important role is dad. EJ was born June 4, 1992, during a turbulent time in Magic's life. Sometimes it's hard being in the middle, kind of in the gray area in my own lane." But we also know well see him againand that sustains us, Johnson, a father of six, wrote. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, On "Oprah's Next Chapter," Cookie and Magic open up about how they learned their son was gay and why their love is unconditional. "We were just so astonished at the things he was saying, and not just that he brought my dad into it, but the fact that he was being just blatantly racist. It was, 'You're possibly going to die.' Magic and Cookie Johnson may have one of the longest-lasting relationships in Hollywood. '", "Why Language Matters: Facing HIV Stigma in Our Own Words". Its all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do, Magic once said on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. 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. Later, the couple also adopted a daughter, Elisa, in 1995, bringing Magic Johnson's kids total to two. } else { Magic Johnson, byname of Earvin Johnson, Jr., (born August 14, 1959, Lansing, Michigan, U.S.), American basketball player who led the National Basketball Association (NBA) Los Angeles Lakers to five championships. According to research and estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (opens in new tab), as of 2019 about 1.18 million Americans have HIV, and 13 percent of them are undiagnosed. 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. The name stuck despite Magic's mother's distaste for it. After Magic Johnson's scuffle with Ron Boone in Episode 4 of 'Winning Time', you might be wondering what happened in the Lakers' locker room. That was a very, very hard thing for me. New York, Sorry tabloids: EJ is just busy being himself. He previously served as the Executive Vice President of his dads company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. Live Science is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. I don't feel that I'm in the wrong body. 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. section: | slug: magic-johnson-opens-up-on-living-with-hiv-30-years-after-his-diagnosis | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | https://t.co/RQM9OCSd77. 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.. ", Earlier this month on EJ's 29th birthday, his dad posted on Instagram: "To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!! Magic even posted on social media how proud he was of EJs new role. Magic actually launched a comeback attempt prior to the 1992-93 season, but fears resurfaced when he took the floor. 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. Andre also shows a lot of love for his dad on social media, as well. Im almost 100 percent positive I wont. 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. In 2013, Johnson came out as gay to his family at the age of 17 after a TMZ report published pictures of him holding hands with a male friend. All Rights Reserved. During the life cycle of the virus, HIV integrates into the host DNA. 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. Johnson was pivotal in helping to lessen that stigma, as he not only managed to find a way forward and live with the disease, but also returned to playing basketball. 2023 Cable News Network. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. As it turns out, he was planning on publicly revealing his sexuality anyway. He has six siblings and three half-siblings, all of whose names are unknown. While Magics decision to retire was clear enough, the implications were still rather unknown. It was seemingly just like any other in basketball circles. Needless to say, basketball legends Isiah Thomas and Magic Johnson ceased being true friends a long time ago. He is responsible for directing the statewide Florida HIV/AIDS Research Consortium, whose HIV researchers have been responsible for more than 400 scientific studies. This also resulted in a good deal of skepticism from some of Johnsons peers. 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! 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. He actually helped me get there. RELATED:See LeBron James' 16-Year-Old Son, Who's Already a Basketball Star. Magic Johnson: 20 years on from an All-Star game that changed basketball Read more He is less coy, though, when describing the reason he sought wealth, and was not content with the riches of. ", A few years later, EJ finally put the public speculation to rest. The rising reality star is the son of NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson and his wife, Earlitha "Cookie" Johnson. Magic was born on 14 August 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, U.S.He is the son of Earvin Sr., who was a General Motors assembly worker, and Christine Johnson, who was a school janitor.. } The singer's two younger daughters are his little lookalikes. Watch! A subset of integrated HIV provirus remains transcriptionally silent, producing neither viral proteins nor viral progeny, until reactivation by various physiologic stimuli. Ive never done anything on television that is this honest and real, he shared in an Instagram post promoting the segment. Hopefully this answers your question about why Magic Johnson retired. These "long-term nonprogressors" or "elite controllers," estimated at as few as one in 500, have lived for decades with HIV, despite not being on antiretroviral therapy. It is a "myth," said Lieb, that Johnson, who is wealthy, is buying himself special treatments. 2:38 PM EDT, Sat October 30, 2021. She's following in her mother's footsteps in more ways than one. During the NBA icon's first visit to Ellen's show, he opened up about his son, and shared his advice for other parents. RELATED: See Shaquille O'Neal's Daughter Amirah, Who's an NCAA Basketball Star. Former basketball star Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie Johnson tied the knot back in 1991, one year before the longtime Los Angeles Lakers player retired from the NBA. "As we talk today, right now, I'm thinking, 'Wow' its been 30 years and I'm still here, healthy. "This character is witty fabulous glamorous and a force to be reckoned as well as unapologetically themselves.". "I feel like I wasn't cut out for it," she told SSENSE Magazine in April 2017. In 1995, the Johnson family adopted Elisa Johnson when she was a baby. From massive pop hits to classic R&B ballads, you can count on these numerical tracks. Hopefully, Magic Johnson and his son will continue to put the work in and have a positive relationship. On Mother's Day this year, he shared a photo on Instagram of his entire family celebrating, including his three kids and grandkids. Johnson says he was sitting in a hotel in Utah, getting ready for an exhibition game when he got the call.