The Apple TV documentary series ‘They Call Me Magic’ promises to tell the story of NBA legend Magic Johnson from his early years to superstardom. While the average basketball fan of today is aware of his accomplishments, not many are aware of the stories behind his greatness. So the show has been a reminder for many fans around the world about the intriguing life of the Los Angeles Lakers icon. The show also covers very personal events in Magic’s life, including the rifts in his relationship with his wife Cookie Johnson.

The first episode of the show revolved around his days in Lansing, his college years, and his early years with the Los Angeles Lakers. It also disclosed some riveting details about his on-and-off relationship with wife Earlitha ‘Cookie’ Johnson at the time. The second episode narrates the rising popularity of Johnson and also his turbulent personal life.

Magic Johnson had a reality check regarding his relationship with wife Cookie

In the first episode, Cookie Johnson talked about the time when she and Magic Johnson were in college together. Even though the two were not together, she still tried to watch all his games. She was still in love with him and hoped he was not seeing anyone else. When she asked Magic about this, he denied seeing anyone else.

However, Cookie then saw Magic with another girl on TV during the NCAA Finals. In fact, his mother was at the game too sitting with the other girl. This was a hard pill to swallow for Cookie.

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In the second episode, Magic went through something similar when he realized his future wife could be in a relationship as well. Cookie talked about the incident on the show. She said, “I started dating a guy in Chicago. But then, Earvin was always on the back of my mind. We started talking a little bit more on the phone. One day he was calling and the guy was over.” 

Cookie told Johnson she couldn’t speak at the moment since she had company. Magic could not believe it. Soon reality hit him as he realized she might not just wait for him to come back. He later admitted, “It’s hard seeing somebody you love with somebody else.”

Magic and Cookie continued to have an on-and-off relationship for years. The Los Angeles Lakers legend even called off their wedding twice. However, Cookie stood with him through his ups and downs. The couple finally tied the knot in 1991.

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During the ‘They Call Me Magic’ premiere, Johnson talked about calling off their engagement. Magic said that he was glad he did that because he feels the marriage would not have lasted long had they married when he was playing in the NBA. The five-time champion added that he and Cookie are going as strong as ever in their relationship.