Early Life and Education of Magic Johnson: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Magic Johnson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. is a highly accomplished American businessman and retired professional basketball player, widely considered the greatest point guard ever. He played his entire NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to five NBA championships during the "Showtime" era after being drafted first overall in 1979 after winning a national championship with Michigan State. In 1991, he announced his HIV diagnosis and initially retired, returning for the 1992 All-Star Game (winning MVP) and briefly in 1996 before permanently retiring.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

August 14, 1959: Magic Johnson's Birth

On August 14, 1959, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. was born. He later became a professional basketball player and businessman.

1977: Selection to McDonald's All-American Team

In 1977, Magic Johnson was named to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team and played in the Capital Classic.

1978: Michigan State NCAA tournament Qualification

During the 1978-79 season, Michigan State qualified for the NCAA tournament.

1978: NCAA Tournament Berth and Elite Eight Appearance

In 1978, Magic Johnson, as a freshman, helped lead the Michigan State Spartans to a berth in the NCAA tournament where the Spartans reached the Elite Eight, narrowly losing to eventual national champion Kentucky.

1979: NBA Draft and National Championship

In 1979, Magic Johnson won a national championship with the Michigan State Spartans and was subsequently selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.

1979: NCAA Championship Victory

In 1979, Michigan State defeated Indiana State 75–64 in the NCAA championship game, and Magic Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.

1981: Birth of Son Andre

In 1981, Magic Johnson fathered a son, Andre Johnson, with Melissa Mitchell. Andre was raised by his mother but visited Johnson each summer.

1985: "A Midsummer Night's Magic" Created

In 1985, Johnson created "A Midsummer Night's Magic", a yearly charity event which included a celebrity basketball game and a black tie dinner. The proceeds went to the United Negro College Fund.

November 7, 1991: HIV Diagnosis and Retirement Announcement

On November 7, 1991, Johnson announced in a press conference that he had tested positive for HIV and would retire immediately. He also stated that his wife and unborn child did not have HIV.

November 1991: Announcement of HIV Infection

In November 1991, Magic Johnson announced he was infected with HIV, after which he created the Magic Johnson Foundation to combat the disease.

1991: Abrupt Retirement Announcement

In 1991, Magic Johnson abruptly retired from the NBA after announcing that he had contracted HIV.

1991: Magic Johnson Foundation Founded

In 1991, Magic Johnson founded the Magic Johnson Foundation. The Foundation includes Johnson's "A Midsummer Night's Magic" charity event.

1991: Married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly

In 1991, Magic Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly in a small wedding in Lansing with several prominent guests attending.

1992: "A Midsummer Night's Magic" Raised $1.3 Million

The 1992 "A Midsummer Night's Magic" event, raised over $1.3 million for the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

June 1994: Purchase of Lakers Share

In June 1994, after resigning as the Lakers coach, Johnson chose to purchase a 5% share of the team.

1994: Magic Johnson All-Stars Formed

In 1994, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team composed of former NBA and college players. The team played games in various locations around the world.

1994: Jud Heathcote Steps Down as Spartans Coach

Jud Heathcote stepped down as coach of the Spartans after the 1994–95 season.

1995: Intense Workouts

During his retirement in 1995, Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight against HIV, raising his bench press from 135 to 300 pounds, and increasing his weight to 255 pounds.

1995: Celebrity Game Appearance

In 1995, Johnson played in a celebrity game to honor coach Jud Heathcoate.

1995: Adopted Daughter Elisa

In 1995, Magic Johnson and his wife Cookie adopted a daughter, Elisa, expanding their family.

1996: Return to the Lakers

By the time Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers in 1996, the Magic Johnson All-Stars had amassed a record of 55-0, and Johnson was earning as much as $365,000 per game.

1999: UN World AIDS Day Conference Speaker

In 1999, Magic Johnson was the main speaker for the United Nations (UN) World AIDS Day Conference and served as a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

November 2001: Game Against Alma Mater

In November 2001, at the age of 42, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State. Johnson had a triple-double, but his all-star team lost to the Spartans by two points.

November 1, 2002: Exhibition Game Against Michigan State

On November 1, 2002, Johnson returned to play a second exhibition game against Michigan State. Playing with the Canberra Cannons of Australia's National Basketball League, Johnson's team defeated the Spartans 104-85.

2005: "A Midsummer Night's Magic" Ended

In 2005, Johnson ended his yearly charity event "A Midsummer Night's Magic" after holding it for twenty years.

2006: Endorsement of Phil Angelides

In 2006, Magic Johnson publicly endorsed Phil Angelides for Governor of California, showing support for the Democratic Party.

2008: Support for Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign

In 2008, Magic Johnson supported Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign, aligning with the Democratic Party.

2010: Endorsement of Barbara Boxer

In 2010, Magic Johnson endorsed Barbara Boxer in her race for re-election to the U.S. Senate, showcasing his support for Democratic candidates.

2011: Interview with Frontline

In a 2011 interview with Frontline, Magic Johnson recalled how AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser convinced him to go public about his HIV diagnosis, and he promised to become the face of the disease and help and educate people.