Date of Birth: February 11, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: July 24, 2013
Biography
Virginia E. Johnson, born Mary Virginia Eshelman on February 11, 1925, was an American psychologist renowned for her pioneering work in the field of human sexuality. Alongside her partner William H. Masters, she conducted groundbreaking research that revolutionized the understanding of sexual response and dysfunction. Their collaborative work led to the publication of several influential books, including “Human Sexual Response” and “Human Sexual Inadequacy,” which played a significant role in establishing sex therapy as a legitimate field of study. Johnson’s career began in a more traditional role as a country singer and a writer, but her path changed dramatically when she joined Washington University in St. Louis as a research assistant in 1957. There, she met Masters, and together they embarked on a series of studies that involved direct observation and measurement of sexual arousal and orgasm. Their work was revolutionary, not just for its scientific rigor, but also for its unflinching approach to a subject that was, at the time, largely taboo. Throughout her career, Johnson was an advocate for sexual health and education. She and Masters co-founded the Masters & Johnson Institute, where they offered therapy and conducted further research. Their work has been credited with helping to remove the stigma around discussions of sexual health and has paved the way for future research in the field. Virginia Johnson passed away on July 24, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of scientific innovation and societal impact.
5 Interesting Facts about Virginia Johnson
1. Virginia Johnson initially pursued a career as a country singer before moving into psychology.
2. She never completed a formal degree in psychology; her expertise was developed through hands-on research and collaboration with William Masters.
3. Johnson and Masters’ research included observing and recording the physiological responses of volunteers during sexual activity, a method that was controversial but groundbreaking.
4. Virginia Johnson was instrumental in developing sex therapy techniques that are still in use today.
5. The TV series “Masters of Sex” was based on the lives and work of Masters and Johnson, bringing their story to a broader audience.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Virginia Johnson
1. “We were dealing with a subject that was very much in the closet at the time.”
2. “Understanding human sexuality is a fundamental aspect of understanding human behavior.”
3. “Our goal was to demystify sex, to make it a subject that could be discussed openly and honestly.”
4. “The work we did wasn’t just about sex; it was about human relationships and how they function.”
5. “I believe that our research has helped many people lead healthier, happier lives.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of her career, Virginia Johnson’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Virginia Johnson had two children from her first marriage: Scott Forstall and Lisa Evans.
Relevant Links
1. [Virginia Johnson – Biography](https://www.biography.com/scientist/virginia-johnson
2. [Masters and Johnson’s Research](https://www.history.com/topics/inventions/masters-and-johnson
3. [The Masters & Johnson Institute](https://www.mastersandjohnsoninstitute.com
5. [Masters of Sex – TV Series](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2137109/
