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 celebrated American businessman and former basketball player, widely considered the greatest point guard ever. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979 after a national championship with Michigan State, he led the Lakers to five NBA championships during the "Showtime" era. In 1991, Johnson announced his HIV diagnosis and initially retired, though he made a celebrated return at the 1992 All-Star Game. After further controversy, he retired again before briefly returning to the Lakers in 1996, marking his final stint in the NBA.

Sections (6)

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

August 14, 1959: Birth of Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr.

On August 14, 1959, Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr. was born. He would become a professional basketball player.

1977: McDonald's All-American team selection

In 1977, Magic Johnson was named to the inaugural McDonald's All-American team, and he 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

In 1978, Magic Johnson, playing with Greg Kelser, Jay Vincent, and Mike Brkovich, led the Michigan State Spartans to a 25-5 record, the Big Ten Conference title, and a berth in the NCAA tournament, where they reached the Elite Eight.

1979: NCAA Championship Win

In 1979, Michigan State, led by Magic Johnson, defeated Indiana State, led by Larry Bird, in the NCAA championship game. Johnson was voted Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and was selected to the All-American team.

1979: NBA Draft

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

1981: Birth of Son Andre Johnson

In 1981, Magic Johnson became a father for the first time when Andre Johnson was born to Melissa Mitchell. Andre was raised by his mother but visited Johnson each summer.

1985: Creation of A Midsummer Night's Magic

In 1985, Magic Johnson created "A Midsummer Night's Magic", an annual charity event including a celebrity basketball game and a black tie dinner, benefiting the United Negro College Fund.

November 7, 1991: Johnson announces HIV diagnosis and retirement

On November 7, 1991, Magic Johnson announced he had tested positive for HIV and would retire immediately, dedicating his life to battling the disease.

November 1991: Announcement of HIV Infection and Creation of Magic Johnson Foundation

In November 1991, after announcing his HIV infection, Magic Johnson created the Magic Johnson Foundation to help combat HIV.

1991: Buss Supports Johnson After HIV Diagnosis

In 1991, Jerry Buss supported Magic Johnson after he revealed his HIV diagnosis, ensuring that Johnson remained close to the Lakers organization.

1991: Marriage to Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly

In 1991, Magic Johnson married Earlitha "Cookie" Kelly in a small wedding in Lansing with guests including Thomas, Aguirre, and Herb Williams.

1991: Magic Johnson Foundation Founded

In 1991, the Magic Johnson Foundation was founded. "A Midsummer Night's Magic" eventually came under the umbrella of the foundation.

1992: Johnson announces NBA comeback, then retires again

Before the 1992–93 NBA season, Johnson announced his intention to stage an NBA comeback, but retired again before the start of the regular season, citing controversy over his return.

1992: Joined National Commission on AIDS

In 1992, Magic Johnson joined the National Commission on AIDS, a committee appointed by members of Congress and the Bush Administration.

1992: Publication of Autobiography

In 1992, Magic Johnson's autobiography, "Magic Johnson: My Life", was published by Random House.

My Life

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1992: Johnson plays in NBA All-Star Game

In 1992, despite his retirement, Magic Johnson was voted as a starter for the NBA All-Star Game. He led the West to victory and was named All-Star MVP, scoring 25 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds.

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

In 1992, the "A Midsummer Night's Magic" event raised over $1.3 million for UNCF after Johnson's appearance in the 1992 Olympics. Johnson and O'Neal led the blue team to victory over the white team.

June 1994: Johnson Purchases Share of the Lakers

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

1994: Johnson forms the Magic Johnson All-Stars

In 1994, determined to continue playing basketball despite being out of the NBA, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a team composed of former NBA and college players that toured internationally.

June 8, 1995: Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game

On June 8, 1995, Magic Johnson returned to the Breslin Center to play in the Jud Heathcote All-Star Tribute Game, leading all scorers with 39 points.

1995: Johnson Prepares for NBA Comeback

During his retirement in 1995, Magic Johnson began intense workouts to help his fight against HIV, raising his bench press and increasing his weight in preparation for another comeback as a player.

1995: Adoption of Daughter Elisa

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

1995: Johnson plays in Jud Heathcoate celebrity game

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

January 29, 1996: Johnson Rejoins the Lakers

On January 29, 1996, at the age of 36, Magic Johnson officially returned to the Lakers during the 1995–96 NBA season, marking another comeback in his career.

1996: Johnson Returns to the Lakers After Playing with the All-Stars

By the time Magic Johnson returned to the Lakers in 1996, the Magic Johnson All-Stars had amassed a record of 55–0, showcasing Johnson's continued involvement in competitive basketball.

1999: Main Speaker for UN World AIDS Day Conference

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

November 2001: Johnson plays against Michigan State

In November 2001, at the age of 42, Johnson played with the All-Stars against his alma mater, Michigan State, marking his first meaningful game in his hometown of Lansing in 22 years.

November 1, 2002: Johnson plays second exhibition game against Michigan State

On November 1, 2002, Johnson returned to play a second exhibition game against Michigan State with the Canberra Cannons, defeating the Spartans.

2005: End of 'A Midsummer Night's Magic'

In 2005, Johnson's yearly charity event, "A Midsummer Night's Magic," which included a celebrity basketball game and a black tie dinner, came to an end after being held for twenty years.

2006: Endorsed Phil Angelides for Governor of California

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

2008: Supported Hillary Clinton Presidential Campaign

In 2008, Magic Johnson supported Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign, advocating for her political aspirations.

2010: Endorsed Barbara Boxer for U.S. Senate

In 2010, Magic Johnson endorsed Barbara Boxer in her race for re-election to the U.S. Senate, furthering his involvement in political endorsements.

2010: Basketball Game with President Obama and NBA Players

In 2010, Magic Johnson, along with current and former NBA players such as LeBron James and Bill Russell, played a basketball game with President Barack Obama as an exhibition for injured military troops at Fort McNair.

August 2011: Johnson reflects on early retirement

In August 2011, Johnson stated in an interview that he wished he had not retired after being diagnosed with HIV, revealing the regrets he had about his decision.

2011: Frontline Interview Recalling Promise to Elizabeth Glaser

In a 2011 interview with Frontline, Magic Johnson recalled his promise to AIDS activist Elizabeth Glaser to become the face of the disease and educate people about it.

2012: Endorsed Barack Obama for President

In 2012, Magic Johnson endorsed Barack Obama for president, publicly supporting his re-election campaign.

2013: Endorsed Wendy Greuel for Los Angeles Mayor

In 2013, Magic Johnson endorsed and appeared in campaign ads for Wendy Greuel, an unsuccessful candidate for Los Angeles mayor.

2013: Death of Jerry Buss

In 2013, Magic Johnson's mentor and friend, Lakers owner Jerry Buss, passed away from cancer. Johnson was deeply emotional, calling Buss his "second father".