Johnny was an electrician and grip, and though he worked on several films, was mainly employed making television commercials from the 1970s through 1990s. Prior to this, he was a professional bodybuilder. He won N.A.B.B.A. Mr. Universe short class in both 1953 and 1958, and was featured on several magazine covers during that era. During the height of his bodybuilding days, he stood 5’6½, but weighed in at 175 lbs. His sister Mareon married successful bodybuilder-turned-actor Reg Park.