Born and raised in North Carolina, Coco spent most of her childhood in foster homes, moving to an orphanage with two older brothers when she was age 12. After graduating from high school at age 17, Coco won a scholarship to study in Brazil as a foreign exchange student and returned speaking fluent Portuguese.
When she got back to the US, Coco opened the door to her current success by making the move to New York City. Not long after a model noticed Coco (her Native American - Blackfoot - African American, and Brazilian looks) on the subway and introduced her to an agent who sent her to South Africa, Sweden, Germany, and Norway to build up her modeling portfolio. Before long Coco was appearing in Coors Light, Diesel Jeans, Revlon, and Target campaigns in such magazine as Glamour, Essence, Cafe, and Swedish Elle. Her modeling career led to parts in music videos for Naughty by Nature, De Angelo, Monica, and Melissa Etheridge. She appeared with Jay-Z for the VH1 Awards shot by David La Chapelle. AFter on of the directors suggested that she pursue acting, she applied ans was accepted to the Lee Strasburg Theatre Institute in New York City.
Coco next moved to L.A. and in a matter of months landed a Miller Genuine Draft campaign that aired nationally. In no time at all she had a manager, a part in Steven Soderberghs Solaris with George Clooney, a supporting role in the features film Out for Blood with Kevin Dillon, and a guest spot on UPN's The Parkers. Coco has been a Playboy Cyber Girl of the Week. She co-hosted the Whole Nine Yards film premiere with Bruce Willis, Wild on Bikini Destinations Brazil, and had a recurring role on The Playboy Channel's 7 Lives Exposed. In addition, Coco appeared in Playboy's 50th Anniversary issue.
And if that's not enough, Coco produced her own sexy 2003, 2004, and 2005 swimsuit calendars, manages her own website and appears on collectible trading cards as a Bench Warmer Trading Card girl.
Coco is currently writing her memior titled "Frivolous" about her life story. She is currently developing a new clothing called "Coco Johnsen Couture" and will open the signature store in L.A. in fall 2006.
from CocoJohnsen.com
