Magic Johnson
Biography
Earvin Magic Johnson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. Known as a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, he played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association, including 32 games for the Lakers, and is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. Johnson was first dubbed Magic at age 15 during his sophomore year at Everett after recording a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. He retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing he had contracted HIV, returned to win the All-Star MVP Award in the 1992 All-Star Game, and later retired for the third and final time. In 1991, he also established the Magic Johnson Foundation to raise funds and awareness for HIV and AIDS.
Career overview
Earvin Magic Johnson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player and a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer who is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. Born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan, he was first dubbed Magic at age 15 when he recorded a triple-double of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists as a sophomore at Everett. Throughout his career, Johnson played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association for the Lakers. He retired abruptly in 1991 after announcing that he had contracted HIV, but he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, where he won the All-Star MVP Award. Following protests from fellow players, he retired again for four years before returning in 1996 at age 36 to play 32 games for the Lakers before retiring for the third and final time.
In addition to his playing career, Johnson is known for his work in media and acting credits. He established the Magic Johnson Foundation in March 1991 with the purpose of raising funds for the fight against HIV and AIDS and to raise public awareness regarding care and prevention. Within the database records, he is credited with 92 known acting credits and is listed under alternate names including Earvin Johnson and Earvin Magic Johnson.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
93 titles- Jerry West: The Logo (2026) as Self
- Utah in the ’70s (2026) as Himself (archival footage)
- We Beat the Dream Team (2025) as Self
- Bill Russell: Legend (2023) as Self - Basketball Hall of Fame
- Commitment to Life (2023) as Self (archive)
- The Iceman (2023) as Self
- Iceman: A George Gervin Story (2023) as Self
- The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022) as Self - Guest
- They Call Me Magic (2022) as Self
- Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers (2022) as Self
- Joe Montana: Cool Under Pressure (2022) as Self
- The Redeem Team (2022) as Self (archive footage)
- Dickie V (2022) as Self
- Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (2021) as Magic Johnson
- Ready or Not: The 96 NBA Draft (2021)
- The Last Dance (2020) as Self
- Basketball: A Love Story (2018) as Self
- Shut Up and Dribble (2018) as Self (archive footage)
- Steve (2017) as Self
- OBJECTified (2017) as Self
- Let It Fall: Los Angeles 1982-1992 (2017) as Himself (archive footage)
- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (2015) as Self
- Empire (2015) as Earvin 'Magic' Johnson
- Kareem: Minority of One (2015) as Self
- Kobe Bryant's Muse (2015) as Self (archive footage)
- black-ish (2014) as Magic Johnson
- Bad Boys (2014) as Self (archive footage)
- The Arsenio Hall Show (2013) as Self
- NB90s (2013)
- The Doctor (2013) as Self (archive footage)
- Unstoppable: The Bernard King Story (2013) as Self
- The Dream Team (2012) as Self
- The Announcement (2012) as Self
- NB80s (2011) as Self (archive footage)
- Conan (2010) as Self
- Magic & Bird: A Courtship of Rivals (2010) as Self
- The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien (2009) as Self - Guest
- Obsessed (2009) Executive Producer
- Dreams Come True: A Celebration of Disney Animation (2009)
- Do You Believe in Magic? (2008)
- Are We Done Yet? (2007) as Self
- Dead Tone (2007) Executive Producer
- Los Angeles Lakers: 1984-1985 NBA Champions Return To Glory (2007) as Himself
- Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Carlos Manuel Baldomir (2006) as Self
- Deal or No Deal (2005) as Self
- It's the Shoes (2005) as Self
- The Olympic Series: Golden Moments 1920 - 2002 (2004) as Self
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self
- Jimmy Kimmel Live! (2003) as Self - Guest
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show (2003) as Self
- Punk'd (2003) as Self
- 101 Most Shocking Moments in Entertainment (2003) as Self (archive footage)
- Destiny's Child (2003) Producer
- Brown Sugar (2002) Executive Producer
- Hard Knocks (2001)
- Inside Schwartz (2001) as Magic Johnson
- Ultimate Jordan (2001) as Self
- Malcolm in the Middle (2000) as Ringer Hockey Player
- The Parkers (1999)
- Michael Jordan: His Airness (1999) as Self
- Passing Glory (1999) Executive Producer
- The Magic Hour (1998) as Self - Host
- The Magic Hour (1998) Executive Producer
- The View (1997) as Self - Guest
- The Chris Rock Show (1997)
- WNBA: The Birth of a League (1997) as Self
- Arli$$ (1996) as Magic Johnson
- De pé a pá (1996) as Self
- Michael Jordan: Above and Beyond (1996) as Self
- Below the Rim (1995)
- Late Night with Conan O'Brien (1993) as Self - Guest
- Michael Jackson: Dangerous - The Short Films (1993) as Servant (uncredited)
- Michael Jordan: Air Time (1993) as Self
- NBA Dream Team (1993) as Self
- The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992) as Self
- Malcolm X (1992) as Self (uncredited)
- Michael Jackson: Remember The Time (1992) as Herald (uncredited)
- Time Out: The Truth About HIV, AIDS and You (1992) as Self - Host
- Untouchabulls - The Chicago Bulls' Second Championship Season (1992) as Himself (Archive Footage)
- Voices That Care (1991) as Self
- Magic Johnson: Always Showtime (1991) as Himself
- The Earth Day Special (1990) as Self
- All New Dazzling Dunks and Basketball Bloopers (1990) as Self (archive footage)
- The Simpsons (1989) as Magic Johnson (voice)
- The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! (1989)
- Detroit Pistons: 1988-1989 NBA Champions - Motor City Madness (1989) as Self - Los Angeles Lakers
- She's Having a Baby (1988) as Magic Johnson (uncredited)
- Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (1988) as Self
- Superstars and their Moms (1987) as Self
- Uptown Comedy Express (1987)
- Los Angeles Lakers: '87 The Drive For Five (1987) as Himself
- Magic vs. Bird: The 1979 NCAA Championship Game (1979) as Michigan State Player
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Magic Johnson best known for?
Magic Johnson is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Jennifer Hudson Show (2022), Doogie Kamealoha, M.D. (2021), The Last Dance (2020), Basketball: A Love Story (2018).
When and where was Magic Johnson born?
Magic Johnson was born on August 14, 1959 in Lansing, Michigan, USA.
How many credits does Magic Johnson have?
Magic Johnson has accumulated over 93 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1962 to 2026.
What is Magic Johnson's background in cinema and television?
Earvin Magic Johnson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. Known as a two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, he played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association, including 32 games for the Lakers, and is often regarded as the greate...