The Historical Figure: John “Liver-Eating” Johnson
Born John Garrison in New Jersey around 1824, John “Liver-Eating” Johnson was a legendary mountain man and frontiersman of the American West. His life, a blend of brutal reality and tall tales, became the basis for the 1972 film Jeremiah Johnson, starring Robert Redford.
The Origins of a Fearsome Name
The most dramatic and disputed part of Johnson's story is the origin of his gruesome nickname. According to legend, his decades-long vendetta against the Crow Nation began after a band of Crow warriors murdered his Flathead wife and unborn child. Enraged, Johnson reportedly killed dozens of Crow warriors, allegedly cutting out and eating their livers to intimidate his enemies, who believed the liver was sacred. However, Johnson himself later admitted that the liver-eating story was an exaggeration, a rumor started after he jokingly brandished a liver during a fight.
A Life Beyond the Legend
John Johnson's life was far more complex than his cannibalistic reputation suggests. He wore many hats in the untamed West.
- U.S. Navy Sailor: He deserted his post, which prompted his flight to the mountains.
- Miner, Hunter, and Trapper: He lived off the land, relying on his formidable strength and survival skills.
- Union Army Soldier: He enlisted during the Civil War.
- Army Scout: He later served under General Nelson Miles.
- Lawman: Towards the end of his life, he was a deputy sheriff and constable in Montana, where he was known for his formidable size and strength.
After his death in 1900, his remains were eventually moved to Cody, Wyoming, an event attended by Robert Redford, who had played the character he inspired.
The Modern Persona: Brian “Liver King” Johnson
In stark contrast to the historical figure, Brian Michael Johnson, known online as the Liver King, is a contemporary American social media influencer. He gained viral fame in the early 2020s by promoting an "ancestral lifestyle" centered on eating raw organ meats, notably liver, and following a strict regimen of "ancestral tenets".
Rise to Viral Fame and Controversy
The Liver King built a massive online following and a lucrative supplement empire by claiming his heavily muscular physique was the natural result of his primal diet and lifestyle. His raw, primal videos were a sensation, but his claims of a completely "natural" body were met with skepticism by many in the fitness community. The controversy reached a climax in 2022 when leaked emails revealed he was spending thousands of dollars monthly on anabolic steroids. After initially denying it, he posted a video confession, admitting he had lied to his followers.
The Aftermath of the Scandal
- Public Apology: Brian Johnson admitted his deception in a YouTube video.
- Business Impact: His reputation and business suffered significantly.
- Netflix Documentary: The story of his rise and fall was chronicled in the 2025 Netflix documentary, Untold: The Liver King.
- Dietary Changes: Post-scandal, he has since stated that his rigid carnivore approach was a mistake, and he began reintroducing other foods into his diet.
Comparison: John "Liver-Eating" Johnson vs. Brian "Liver King" Johnson
| Feature | John "Liver-Eating" Johnson | Brian "Liver King" Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Time Period | 19th Century | Early 21st Century |
| Primary Goal | Vengeance and Survival | Fame and Business |
| Public Persona | Feared Frontiersman | Fitness Influencer |
| Nature of "Liver-Eating" | Mostly fictional tale to intimidate enemies | Performance for social media engagement |
| Motivation | Retribution for family | Financial gain and brand promotion |
| Dietary Context | Symbolism in a harsh world | Core tenet of a marketed lifestyle |
| Key Revelation | Admitted the rumor was exaggerated | Caught lying about steroid use |
| Legacy | Folk legend and movie inspiration | Modern internet celebrity and cautionary tale |
The Enduring Allure of the Liver-Eater
The phrase "the man who eats liver" encompasses two distinct figures from vastly different eras, yet both stories resonate with the public's fascination with extreme, larger-than-life characters. John "Liver-Eating" Johnson's legend emerged from the brutal realities and oral traditions of the American frontier, where a terrifying nickname served as a tool for survival. His myth was amplified and romanticized through film, cementing his place in historical folklore.
By contrast, Brian "Liver King" Johnson's story is a product of the modern media landscape, where personas are carefully crafted for social media consumption. His downfall, a consequence of modern information access and public scrutiny, reveals the fragility of a reputation built on manufactured authenticity. The Netflix documentary serves as a modern-day chronicle of a media legend's rise and spectacular fall, rather than a historical account.
While one legend is rooted in the harshness of the 19th-century wilderness, the other was born in the digital jungle. Both tales, however, demonstrate how a singular, extreme act can shape a public identity, leaving a lasting mark on history and pop culture.
Explore more about the Netflix documentary covering Liver King's rise and fall
