'Family Matters' Actress Books New Path in Life

[Brian Damage]

The book, "Around the World Twice," covers ground familiar to Johnson, telling the story of two best friends, one a movie star and the other an unhappy housewife. Johnson said the theme of friendship is a great unifier.

"Friendship is something everyone can relate to no matter what your background is. That is what life is all about.

"I am comfortable being a friend. My career has given me the opportunity to grow up in millions of households, and I like to think of those who support me and follow my career as friends."

Those friends have shown their support by making the book the readers' choice winner for the 2011 African Americans on the Move Book Club. The award came as a surprise to Johnson, who didn't even know she was nominated.

"I was so honored, honestly. I was up against writers I really admire. I never expected to win! When I did, it was one of the best gifts I have every received."

Although Johnson has been acting since she was 9, she got a much earlier start at writing.

"I have been writing since I could hold a pen. I wrote my first song at 4 years old, and I made a book for my mom's birthday when I was 5 years old.

"It's always been easier for me to express my feelings on paper rather than speak them."

Johnson, who also lists film producer among her credits, said it's important to become multifaceted in the entertainment industry to make the projects you're interested in happen.

"I have been in the business for 30 years. Everyone still looks at me and expects me to be 15 years old, not a day older. If I ever want to grow up and keep my career progressing, I realized instead of waiting for someone to give me a job, I have to create one."

It's quite a role she's carved for herself: producer of eight films, including "I Do ... I Did," which she wrote; editor at large for monthly periodical Success News and columnist for Glam Couture Magazine; and co-host of a sports radio show with Penny Hardaway and Charles Oakley on thebottomlinesportsshow.com. That's in addition to acting (she leaves Sunday to film a new movie in North Carolina) and writing (her new book, "Peaches & Cream," should be out by the end of the year.

Johnson said she finds tapping her creativity in a variety of mediums to be extremely fulfilling.

"Acting is my passion like my husband, producing is my challenge like my Mister (men have mistresses) and writing is my therapy! My therapy and my Mister makes my 'marriage' relationship stronger. All of them complete me."

With such a full slate, there's no doubt Johnson has plenty of material to write about. While it's not confirmed how much reality influenced the fictional and sometimes racy adventures in "World," Johnson said she does take inspiration from her life.

"I can only write about what I know. I poured my heart and soul into every page of this book, even shared stories that I have been through. Of course with a little added imagination to keep it fun."

http://www.bakersfield.com/entertain...books-new-path

[catlover79]

Oh, Cherie Johnson...Maxine!!! This should be an interesting book.

[ThomasE]

I can see her and Punky Brewster posing for Maxim. Henry Warnamonte and Mrs. Johnson would have a cow! LOL.