Basketball icon Earvin "Magic" Johnson built a legendary career on the hardwood, but off the court, his favorite title is "Pop Pop." While millions recognize him for his five NBA championships and fierce rivalries with the Boston Celtics, a quieter, more personal chapter unfolds around his growing family and his grandchildren. Long before social media feeds filled with highlight reels, his household expanded into the next generation, bringing a fresh wave of public fascination toward his family tree.
As the patriarch of a close-knit clan, Magic and his wife Cookie embrace their roles as grandparents with visible enthusiasm. The family includes three children—Andre, EJ, and Elisa—with the next generation currently represented by Andre's two children. This article breaks down who they are, how they fit into the broader Johnson legacy, and what life looks like for the youngest members of this famous family.
Meet the Grandkids: Gigi and Avery
Magic Johnson's grandchildren are Gigi and Avery, born to his eldest son, Andre Johnson, and his wife, Lisa. Unlike many celebrity children thrust into the spotlight from birth, Gigi and Avery maintain a relatively grounded upbringing, though they frequently pop up on their grandparents' social media channels during milestone birthdays, holidays, and annual family yacht vacations.
Gigi, the older of the two, was born in 2009, making her a teenager navigating high school years. Avery followed in 2011, bringing youthful energy to family gatherings. Magic regularly shares affectionate birthday tributes and school milestone photos, affectionately calling himself "Pop Pop" and highlighting how much joy the kids bring into his retirement.
Parenting Out of the Spotlight
The decision to keep Gigi and Avery grounded stems primarily from their father, Andre. Andre is Magic's eldest son, born to Melissa Mitchell prior to Magic's marriage to Cookie. While Andre works in executive business roles—including positions in virtual sports and tech ventures—he deliberately steers clear of the intense tabloid culture that often follows sports dynasties.
By shielding Gigi and Avery from constant media intrusion, Andre and Lisa give their children space to develop their own interests, hobbies, and friendships. They attend standard schools, participate in extracurricular activities, and enjoy a family dynamic that prioritizes privacy over publicity.
The Broader Johnson Family Tree
Understanding the grandchildren requires looking at the broader dynamics of Magic and Cookie Johnson's family. The couple married in 1991 and raised two children together: Earvin "EJ" Johnson III and Elisa Johnson.
EJ Johnson, born in 1992, charted a distinct path as a prominent television personality, socialite, and fashion commentator. Rising to fame on the reality series Rich Kids of Beverly Hills and his own spin-off EJNYC, EJ became a trailblazing voice for LGBTQ+ youth of color. Magic and Cookie have continuously shown public support for EJ, demonstrating a strong familial bond that weathered initial adjustments.
Elisa Johnson joined the family through adoption as an infant. She has since carved out a successful career path in the fashion industry, launching her own accessories and sunglasses lines while maintaining a strong presence alongside her parents and siblings.
According to an ESPN interview focusing on sports legacy and family values, the Johnsons prioritize regular gatherings, whether celebrating milestones at home or traveling internationally together. This tight network ensures Gigi and Avery grow up surrounded by aunts, uncles, and grandparents who champion their individual ambitions.
Values Passed Down Through Generations
Growing up with a legendary grandfather shapes more than just holiday photo albums. Magic often emphasizes the importance of community service, business acumen, and education to his children and grandchildren. Andre's career trajectory into executive leadership and tech mentorship mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit that Magic channeled into Magic Johnson Enterprises following his retirement from the NBA.
The family maintains strong ties to philanthropic initiatives, particularly programs that support inner-city youth, technology education, and health advocacy. Even as Gigi and Avery approach adulthood over the coming years, they inherit a blueprint focused on civic responsibility and economic empowerment.
Common Misconceptions About the Family
When readers search for details regarding Magic Johnson's family, several persistent confusions arise. Clearing these up provides an accurate view of the family structure:
- All children share the same mother: Many assume Cookie is the mother of all three siblings. In reality, Andre was born to Melissa Mitchell before Magic and Cookie married, though Cookie embraced Andre as her own.
- The grandkids seek fame: Unlike second-generation reality stars, Gigi and Avery maintain minimal public profiles, appearing online strictly through curated family snapshots shared by Magic or Cookie.
- The family is fractured: Tabloid rumors frequently mischaracterize celebrity families, but public appearances and social media dedications consistently show a deeply unified group that vacations and celebrates together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many grandchildren does Magic Johnson have?
Magic Johnson has two grandchildren, Gigi and Avery, born to his eldest son Andre and his wife Lisa.
Who are the parents of Magic Johnson's grandchildren?
The grandchildren are the children of Andre Johnson and Lisa (Meyers) Johnson. Andre is Magic's eldest son.
Do Magic Johnson's grandchildren have public social media accounts?
No. Their parents keep them out of the public eye. They only appear occasionally on Magic and Cookie Johnson's verified social media channels.
What are the ages of Gigi and Avery?
Gigi was born in 2009 and Avery was born in 2011, making them teenagers and pre-teens respectively.
Are EJ and Elisa Johnson parents?
No. EJ and Elisa do not have children, making Andre currently the sole parent among Magic's three children.
