Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks

Tyra Lynne Banks (born December 4, 1973) is an American television personality, producer, actress, singer, model, businesswoman, and author. She first gained recognition in the early 1990s as a fashion model, and quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the world. In 1997, she became the first African-American woman to be featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

In addition to her modeling career, Banks has also had a successful career in television. In 2003, she created and hosted the reality television show America's Next Top Model, which became one of the most popular shows on UPN and The CW. She also hosted the talk show The Tyra Banks Show from 2005 to 2010.

In recent years, Banks has continued to work as a model and actress, and has also launched her own line of cosmetics and clothing. She is also a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance.

Early life and education

Tyra Banks was born in Inglewood, California, to Carolyn London and Donald Banks. She has two siblings, a brother named Devin and a sister named Erika. Banks attended John Burroughs Middle School and Westchester High School in Los Angeles. She was a cheerleader and a student body president.

Modeling career

Banks began her modeling career in 1990, when she signed with Elite Model Management. She quickly became one of the most sought-after models in the world, and appeared on the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. In 1997, she became the first African-American woman to be featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Banks has also appeared in advertising campaigns for major brands such as Nike, Pepsi, and CoverGirl. In 2003, she launched her own line of cosmetics called Tyra Beauty.

Television career

In 2003, Banks created and hosted the reality television show America's Next Top Model. The show became one of the most popular shows on UPN and The CW, and ran for 22 seasons. Banks also hosted the talk show The Tyra Banks Show from 2005 to 2010.

In recent years, Banks has appeared as a guest judge on several reality television shows, including Dancing with the Stars and America's Got Talent. She also hosted the reboot of America's Next Top Model in 2016.

Acting career

Banks has also had a successful career as an actress. She has appeared in films such as Higher Learning (1995), Love & Basketball (2000), and Coyote Ugly (2000). She also had a recurring role on the television show Gossip Girl.

Business ventures

In addition to her modeling, television, and acting careers, Banks has also launched several successful business ventures. In 2004, she launched her own line of cosmetics called Tyra Beauty. In 2007, she launched a line of clothing called Tyra Banks Collection. She also has a line of hair care products called Tyra Hair.

Banks is also a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-acceptance. In 2006, she launched the Tyra Banks Show Empowerment Campaign, which aims to help women feel good about themselves and their bodies.

Personal life

Banks was married to actor Erik Asla from 1998 to 2000. She has a son, York Banks Asla, with Norwegian photographer Erik Asla.

Banks is currently in a relationship with Louis Bélanger-Martin, a Canadian businessman. They have a son, York Banks Asla Bélanger, who was born in January 2021.