Victoria Lynn Johnson — Biography

When Victoria Lynn Johnson was approached by Penthouse Magazine, she sensed it was time for a change in her life. Known for her willingness to defy conventions, she quickly agreed to a centerfold photo shoot with acclaimed Vogue photographer Stan Malinowski. Victoria made a significant impact in the industry, becoming the Pet of the Year and gracing the covers of seven additional U.S. publications, along with seven covers of other magazines distributed by Penthouse globally, totaling an impressive fifteen covers. She gained immense popularity both at newsstands and among her Penthouse colleagues.

Victoria became a sought-after figure for autographs, making appearances at department stores, naval bases, nightclubs, Grand Central Station, veteran’s hospitals, Grand Prix events, airport kiosks, tennis courts, electronics conventions, hockey rinks, and photography trade shows. In Japan, she became a celebrated icon. Her striking red hair captured the hearts of many. Additionally, she was featured on the cover of the New York Post alongside famed television producer Norman Lear, who famously outbid others for a charity dinner with her.

One of Victoria's most notable film appearances was in Brian De Palma's Dressed to Kill. Her involvement might have gone unnoticed if not for lead actress Angie Dickinson, who publicly stated on The Tonight Show that she had no body double. In response to this claim, People Magazine highlighted Victoria's actual role as the body double on their cover, bringing her into the spotlight. This revelation even inspired a question in the Trivial Pursuit game for Baby Boomers about her part in the film.

Victoria Lynn Johnson was born on March 1, 1952, in Atlanta, Georgia. She pursued modeling from a young age, beginning her career as a bikini model at sixteen. Sometimes credited as Victoria Johnson, she was named Penthouse Pet of the Month in August 1976 and received the Pet of the Year title in 1977 at the age of 24. Her measurements were 35-23-35, complemented by captivating brown eyes and her signature red hair. In July 1998, Victoria received a diagnosis of Stage IV breast cancer, with a prognosis of less than two years. Remarkably, she battled the illness for two decades before passing away in 2019.

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