Victoria Lynn Johnson Interview on being Named Penthouse "Pet of the Year" (November 7, 1977)
Victoria Lynn Johnson
March 1, 1952 — March 13, 2019
“At the shrine of friendship never say die.
May the wine of friendship never run dry.”
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Those words, beautiful lyrics from the musical Les Miserables, are what Victoria Johnson requested be used to begin her obituary.
Victoria Lynn Johnson passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 after an incredibly miraculous fight against Stage IV breast cancer for over 20 years. Over the course of her battle with the disease, Victoria was never in remission and underwent treatment throughout. Her story is a miracle. She survived a death sentence of 18 months to live, overcoming every obstacle cancer threw at her. She baffled her doctors at MD Anderson time and time again by living long past the prognosis they delivered. For more than 2 decades. Victoria had a desire to live life to the fullest. She wanted to experience everything with zest. The good, as well as the bad. Against insurmountable odds, she kept up the fight and could honestly say that she experienced a life lived well.
Friendship kept Victoria alive.
Victoria leaves behind countless friends. Friends from every corner of the globe. She never met a stranger. Throughout the course of her life. From Atlanta, to New York City, to Los Angeles, throughout Europe, including many tiny principalities, to Aspen, and finally to Houston… as well as any place she found herself on holiday or otherwise. She made friends, whom she kept for life.
Victoria Lynn Johnson was born Vicki Lynn Johnson in Atlanta, GA on March 1, 1952.
Victoria had a vision from an early age. She enrolled herself in Len Chris Ann Charm School, as she was already eagerly anticipating a world beyond Georgia. – And no one was more prepared for the surprises of each day than Victoria.
At 17, Victoria met her best friend for life, her husband James Arnold. They were married in Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica. It was a perfect affair. All family attended. Jim then joined Victoria’s father, Carroll Johnson in business, and provided Vicki Lynn with an amazing home. His love and support for her never wavered. In his own words, “Not a moment goes by that I’m not thinking of her. For half a century we had the most unbelievable relationship. Before, after, and in-between ... everything.”
Victoria graduated from Bauder Fashion College in Miami, FL, but with her incredible beauty, charm and confidence, and of course THAT hair… and not to forget her keen sense of fashion, professional modeling was a natural step for Victoria. In no time, she was signed by two agencies in Atlanta. She booked a national commercial soon thereafter. Victoria began appearing on TV screens over and over and over again in the classic 1970’s Shake ‘n Bake commercial where she more than “helped.” Soon thereafter, The Zoli Modeling Agency in NYC decided to take a chance on the beautiful “short” girl. Victoria’s image soon graced the print campaigns of Charles of the Ritz, Konica Cameras, Avon Books, Sears, RJ Reynolds, Omni Hotels, Lip Quencher, Headstart Shampoo, Faded Glory Jeans, European Health Spas, Delta Airlines and Cosmopolitan Magazine. In print, Victoria simply rose above all the others. And most will recall the sassy satin cowgirl giving “that Jordache look” while riding a mechanical bull. That was Victoria. That one TV commercial became the talk of the town in New York, adding to Victoria’s celebrity status at the infamous Regine’s and Studio 54.
When Penthouse Magazine came calling, Victoria decided maybe her life needed a little shaking up. Victoria liked to break the mold. A short time later, her centerfold photo shoot was done by Vogue photographer Stan Malinowski. Her first cover, Pet of the Year Award and issue, and 6 more U.S. Covers, as well as 7 covers of other magazines that Penthouse owned and distributed worldwide. Totaling 15 covers! The newsstand loved Victoria as much as her Penthouse family did. Victoria was approached and asked to autograph her headshots at department stores, naval bases, nightclubs, Grand Central Station, Veteran’s hospitals, Grand Prix events, airport kiosks, world team tennis courts, electronics conventions, hockey rinks and photography trade shows. In Japan, she was adored by fans. That red hair. Victoria also dignified the cover of the NY Post with famed Television Producer, Norman Lear, who outbid everyone to gift a millionaire friend the top charity prize of dinner with Victoria. Penthouse wanted Victoria to later transfer to their corporate office. According to their corporate attorney… when present watching Victoria arrange a real estate sale… “I don’t know why I was there. Victoria needs to be working for Penthouse on the business end.” Next in line to make her a star, The William Morris Agency came calling. In the era of celebrity posters, Victoria’s sexy shot was outsold only by Farrah Fawcett’s infamous red swimsuit poster.
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