Show Stopper Marjorie Johnson Makes Her Way Through St. Michael

Ask about anyone, and to know Marjorie Johnson is to love her. 

The most unlikely of superstars, the former stay-at-home mom and blue-ribbon baker is now an international phenom, hailing from right here in the Twin Cities.

Johnson, who appears on everything from the "Twin Cities Live" program on her hometown's ABC affiliate to a gig as a corresepondant for the "Tonight Show With Jay Leno," won't reveal her exact age. But she emits such a youthful exuberance despite her senior status, she's a favorite with all ages. 

"I don't know how long I'll keep going," Johnson said with a smile. "As long as they keep calling, I'll go. I love to talk, so they pair me up with some interesting folks." 

Johnson, who has earned more than 1,000 blue ribbons from the Minnesota State Fair, told the St. Michael audience about her break into baking – her mom let her make a cake for her own birthday at age 6. Soon, she was making Sunday dinner, and "missing church to stay home and cook." 

She got her big break in New York when a show decided to profile State Fair champions from around the country. She was cut from that original show, but picked up by an affiliate. Soon, she was making appearances all over, from Rosie O'Donnell to Wayne Brady, and then she caught Leno's eye. 

"When they went to that 9 p.m. thing, they kind of dropped me for a while," she said. "Now that he's back at 10:30, I'm sure I'll be back."

She's been sent everywhere from the Major League Baseball All-Star Game to the NBA Finals, and even popped up at the Grammy and Emmy Awards.

Lately, she's been a favorite of Oprah Winfrey's own "Dr. Oz" show.  

"I've just been so lucky. I love my life," she said. 

The visit to St. Michael was sponsored by the Crow River Senior Center and the Friends of the St. Michael Library. Johnson's book, "Blue Ribbon Baking," is available at the library, or via her website.