Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks
Juice Group · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	Tyra Banks
Caption	Banks at the 2011 Time 100 gala.
Birth date	4 December 1973
Birth place	Inglewood, California, U.S.
Occupation	Television personality, model, producer, businesswoman, author
Years active	1991–present
Known for	America's Next Top Model, The Tyra Banks Show, Victoria's Secret
Education	Immaculate Heart High School

Tyra Banks is an American television personality, model, producer, and businesswoman who rose to international fame in the 1990s. She became one of the most successful supermodels of her generation, known for groundbreaking work with Victoria's Secret and appearing on the covers of major publications like Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Banks later transitioned into a powerful media mogul, creating and hosting the globally syndicated reality competition America's Next Top Model and the daytime talk show The Tyra Banks Show. Her multifaceted career has significantly influenced the modeling industry and popular culture.

Early life and education

Born in Inglewood, California, she is the daughter of Carolyn London, a NASA photographer, and Donald Banks. She attended Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, where she was often teased for her height and thin frame. Despite early challenges, she was discovered by a modeling scout at age fifteen while attending a Los Angeles Lakers game at The Forum. Banks initially deferred her acceptance to Loyola Marymount University to pursue modeling, a decision that launched her iconic career.

Modeling career

Banks quickly ascended in the fashion world, becoming the first African American woman to appear on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She signed an exclusive contract with Victoria's Secret in 1997, becoming one of their most prominent Angels and helping to catapult the brand to mainstream popularity. Her runway work included shows for top designers like Gianni Versace, Oscar de la Renta, and Christian Dior. Banks also appeared in high-profile advertising campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent, and Swatch.

Television and media career

In 2003, Banks created and began hosting the reality television series America's Next Top Model, which became a global franchise and cultural phenomenon on networks like UPN, The CW, and VH1. The show earned her multiple NAACP Image Awards and a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Informative for her syndicated program, The Tyra Banks Show. She has made numerous acting appearances, including a role on the *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* and the film Higher Learning. Banks also served as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race and hosted seasons of Dancing with the Stars.

Business ventures

A savvy entrepreneur, Banks founded Bankable Productions, a company behind many of her television projects. She launched TYRA Beauty, a direct-to-consumer cosmetics company, and later invested in and served as a guest shark on the business reality series Shark Tank. Banks authored the young adult novel *Modelland*, further expanding her brand into publishing. Her investments and brand endorsements have solidified her status as a significant figure in the business world beyond entertainment.

Personal life

Banks has been relatively private about her personal life but has spoken publicly about experiences with depression and the pressures of the modeling industry. She is an advocate for body positivity and self-esteem, themes frequently explored on her talk show. Banks is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly with organizations supporting women and children. She resides primarily in Los Angeles and maintains a high profile through her various business and media engagements.

Legacy and influence

Banks is widely credited with democratizing and critiquing the fashion industry through the accessible lens of reality television with America's Next Top Model. She pioneered the concept of the "supermodelpreneur," successfully transitioning from modeling to media ownership and production. Her advocacy for diversity on the runway and discussions about beauty standards have had a lasting impact on the industry. Banks's career trajectory continues to inspire models and media personalities, cementing her legacy as a transformative figure in both fashion and television.

Category:American television personalities Category:American supermodels Category:American businesswomen