The Big Blond
John McMurray
November 2, 1946 - February 19, 1993
Johnny was the handsomest man in the world.
My Big Blond and I were an item for almost 17 years, and, while few understood why we took such unending, ineffable, and practically euphoric delight in each other's company, we knew from the first moment (We met in the gymnasium at The New York Athletic Club!) that there was a certain intangible, indescribable bond that tied us together so strongly that nothing short of out and out malice could destroy it.
Johnny was one of the most famous male models of his day. (I was told -- and not by Johnny -- that he was the first male fashion model to appear on the cover of ten different magazines in a single year.). He was to be seen in advertisements and editorial layouts everywhere in the world for more than a decade. After his ever worsening retinitis pigmentosa forced him to give up modeling, he built a new career in public relations and as a style editor.
On the following pages are some photos of my Big Blond. I begin with some of his own favorites: These are images that he chose to put on to the cards that he and the agencies that represented him sent to fashion designers, editors, and photographers.
Click on this headshot of 
to advance to his 1978 model card.
Click on this headshot of 
to advance to his 1980 model card.
Click on the 
to return to the Teri Noel Towe Welcome
Page.
Copyright, Teri Noel Towe, 1997
All Rights Reserved
