Renowned supermodel and actress Beverly Johnson revealed a delightful surprise in a recent radio interview on Sirius XM’s “Sway in the Morning”—she secretly got married to her long-time partner, Brian Maillian, in October during a spontaneous Las Vegas ceremony.
The 71-year-old groundbreaking supermodel shared the details of their unexpected nuptials, which stemmed from a conversation about her birthday present. When asked by her husband-to-be, Brian Maillian, what she wanted for her birthday, Johnson playfully responded that she wanted to get married. Surprisingly, Maillian agreed, and two days later, the couple exchanged vows in a small, intimate ceremony in Las Vegas.
During the interview, Johnson recounted the amusing exchange with her husband, saying, “I said, ‘I know what I want for my birthday.’ He said, ‘What?’ I said, ‘I want to get married.’ He went, ‘OK.’ And I went, ‘Did he say OK?'” She punctuated the story with a lighthearted on-air expletive.
Maillian, a financier, initially envisioned a grand wedding with 1,500 guests, but Johnson preferred a more private setting. Despite the spontaneity, the couple’s connection and willingness to embrace each other’s wishes made the ceremony memorable.
Notably, this isn’t the first time Johnson and Maillian considered tying the knot. Years ago, Maillian proposed to Johnson on the set of her 2012 Oprah Winfrey Network series, “Beverly’s Full House,” which documented her family’s multigenerational life in Palm Springs. Reflecting on the initial proposal, Johnson mentioned, “I had just met him, and it was like some kind of setup. I was like, ‘Oh, you ain’t going to trick me into that.'”
Interestingly, Johnson’s preference for a piece of property over an engagement ring was evident during both proposals, emphasizing her desire for a meaningful and unique commitment. She explained that with an extensive collection of rings, she felt a piece of property would hold more sentimental value.
In addition to her personal celebrations, Johnson is marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Fifty years ago, in 1974, she made history as the first Black woman to grace the cover of Vogue Magazine. Over the years, Johnson has become an iconic figure, appearing on more than 500 magazine covers and establishing a successful career in acting on television and in theater.
Currently, Johnson is set to premiere her self-written play, “Beverly Johnson: In Vogue,” off-Broadway at the 59E59 Theaters in New York City. The play, running through February 4, delves into Johnson’s remarkable journey, from her groundbreaking role in the fashion industry to her involvement in the #MeToo Movement and her personal relationships.
As Beverly Johnson continues to make history and celebrate new beginnings, her recent secret wedding adds another heartwarming chapter to her extraordinary life.