STRAIGHT TALK
By Jeffrey Zaslow
Issue date:
June 12-14, 1998
Magic Johnson:Good cheer can carry you through life, says the former NBA great and a brand-new TV talk-show host. "To make people smile ... I believe that's what I'm here for."
 hen Earvin "Magic" Johnson debuted on his late-night talk show Monday, he knew he wouldn't be as smooth as Johnny Carson or as wisecracking as Jay Leno. But he was confident his million-dollar smile would serve him well, as always.Magic's good humor has lit up NBA arenas, helped close business deals,
and made him one of America's most approachable, beloved athletes. So
what does he have to smile about since being diagnosed in 1991 as
HIV-positive? He's buoyed by tests showing the virus is no longer in his
blood, calling his health "super great" thanks to a drug-and-exercise
regimen, a diet heavy on grains and fruits -- and that positive
attitude. As nightly host of The Magic Hour, Johnson, 38, will turn on the
charm to put viewers at ease and catch guests off guard. "When you
smile, people get comfortable. People always say, 'Earvin, it's like I
knew you before I met you.' ... They'll tell me everything!" Even in his brilliant 13-year NBA career, Johnson wasn't the type to
scowl or play mean for effect. He wishes more NBA players made an effort
to look as if they're enjoying themselves. "I don't see the fun. [Fans]
like to see that." He also scolds today's players for slacking off
off-season. "These young guys don't want to work out in the summer.
Michael Jordan couldn't shoot well from the outside. In the summer, he
developed his outside game. Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, me -- we always
worked in the summer." Hard work and a cool manner give you theedge, Johnson says. He recalls
at age 15 beating a rival to the basket. The frustrated teen spat on
him. Johnson disarmed him with grace. "He didn't know what to do," he
says. "I didn't respond the way he thought I would, by hitting him or
spitting. Then I retaliated by winning the game."
Photo Credit: MICHAEL GRECCO FOR USA WEEKEND
MAGIC'S ADVICE The rich should share their wealth:
As a
businessman, Johnson has built movie theaters and shopping centers in
urban communities. "I want other entertainers, especially African
Americans, to do the same thing. I preach it every day: 'You're making
all this money. Invest in your own community. ... Provide jobs. It gives
kids hope.' "
To Michael Jordan: "The advice I've given him is: 'Don't retire
too early, like I did. You'll kick yourself.' In his heart, he doesn't
want to retire. He's still on top of his game."
If you're HIV-positive, keep exercising:
"It can ease the
stresses that might turn HIV into AIDS."
Jay Leno's formula:
"He told me, 'If you're having a good
time, the audience will have a good time, too.' "
ASK MAGIC FOR ADVICE: Magic Johnson will write or call a reader who seeks advice. By June 21, write to "Straight Talk," P.O. Box 3455, Chicago, Ill. 60654 (fax: 312-661-0375; e-mail:
talk@usaweekend.com).
Zaslow is an advice columnist
for the Chicago Sun-Times.
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