Tyra Banks

About

Tyra Banks is a well-known American television personality, entrepreneur, and former model who rose to fame in the 1990s for her successful modeling career. She has since become a household name, thanks to her numerous television appearances, entrepreneurship ventures, and charitable work.

This article will provide an in-depth profile of Tyra Banks, exploring her early life and career beginnings, modeling career, television and film work, entrepreneurial ventures, philanthropy and activism, personal life and achievements, as well as controversies and criticisms.

1. Early Life and Career Beginnings

Family Background and Childhood

Tyra Banks was born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. Her mother, Carolyn London, worked as a medical photographer, and her father, Donald Banks, was a computer consultant. Tyra’s parents divorced when she was just six years old, and she has one older brother, Devin.

Early Modeling Career

Tyra Banks began modeling at the age of 15 when she was discovered by a modeling scout while on a school trip to Los Angeles. She signed with Elite Model Management, and after finishing high school early, moved to New York City to pursue her modeling career full-time.

2. Modeling Career and Rise to Fame

Discovery by Elite Model Management

While working with Elite Model Management, Banks quickly became a sought-after model for both runway and print campaigns. She worked for some of the biggest names in the fashion industry, including Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Victoria’s Secret.

Runway and Print Modeling Success

During her modeling career, Tyra Banks graced the covers of numerous magazines, including Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. She was also the first African American woman to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1997.

Breakthrough as the First African American Model on the Cover of Sports Illustrated Issue

Tyra Banks made history when she became the first African American model to appear on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1997. The iconic image of Banks in a red bikini helped break down barriers in the fashion industry and paved the way for other models of color to gain recognition.

3. Television and Film Career

America’s Next Top Model

After a successful modeling career, Tyra Banks transitioned to television, first as a guest-star and then as a producer of the 2003 series “”America’s Next Top Model.”” Her work on the show earned her multiple Emmy Awards and a place as one of the most influential reality television personalities in history.

Other TV Hosting and Acting Roles

In addition to hosting “”America’s Next Top Model,”” Tyra Banks has also hosted and produced other television shows such as “”The Tyra Banks Show”” and “”FABLife.”” She has also made appearances in films like “”Love & Basketball”” and “”Coyote Ugly.””

4. Entrepreneurial Ventures

Tyra Beauty and Other Business Projects

Tyra Banks has also established herself as a successful entrepreneur, launching her cosmetics line, Tyra Beauty, in 2014. She has also worked on other business ventures, including a fashion line and a production company. As a multifaceted talent who has achieved success across various industries, Tyra Banks continues to inspire and empower women around the world.

5. Philanthropy and Activism

The Tyra Banks TZONE Foundation and Other Charitable Work

Tyra Banks is not just a supermodel turned media mogul, she is also a philanthropist and activist. In 1999, Tyra established the TZONE Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to build the self-esteem of young girls by providing them with resources and education to help them achieve their goals. The foundation helps young girls in numerous ways, including mentorship, financial assistance, and academic support.

Apart from the TZONE Foundation, Tyra Banks is also actively involved in various charitable organizations. She has worked with organizations such as Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Feeding America, and Stand Up to Cancer.

6. Personal Life and Achievements

Education and Academic Achievements

Relationships and Motherhood

Tyra Banks was born in Inglewood, California, and attended Immaculate Heart High School before earning a degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University.

In 2011, Tyra announced that she had become a mother via surrogacy, welcoming her son York Banks-Asla into the world. She has been in a long-term relationship with Norwegian photographer Erik Asla since 2013.

Apart from her personal life, Tyra has numerous achievements to her name, including being the first African-American model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition, and the first African-American woman to be featured on the cover of GQ magazine. She has also received several awards for her contributions to the entertainment industry, including Daytime Emmy Awards for her talk show The Tyra Banks Show.

7. Criticisms and Controversies

Controversies Surrounding America’s Next Top Model

Criticism for Promoting Unattainable Beauty Standards

Despite her success, Tyra Banks has faced criticism and controversy throughout her career. One of the most well-known controversies is surrounding her hit reality show America’s Next Top Model. The show faced backlash for its portrayal of race and gender, with many accusing it of reinforcing harmful stereotypes and promoting unhealthy beauty standards.

Tyra has also been criticized for promoting unattainable beauty standards herself, with some accusing her of perpetuating the very same stereotypes and standards that she claims to be fighting against. However, Tyra has been vocal in addressing these criticisms and has worked to improve her show and promote body positivity and diversity in the media.In summary, Tyra Banks has established herself as a multifaceted personality who has achieved tremendous success across various fields. From her groundbreaking modeling career to her numerous television hosting gigs, entrepreneurship ventures, and philanthropic work, Banks has left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. Despite facing some controversies and criticisms, she has remained a role model and an inspiration to many, proving that with hard work, dedication, and persistence, anything is possible.

FAQ

1. What is Tyra Banks known for?

Tyra Banks is known for her successful career as a model, television host, actress, and entrepreneur. She is best known as the creator, producer, and host of the long-running reality TV series America’s Next Top Model.

2. What is Tyra Banks’ net worth?

As of 2021, Tyra Banks’ net worth is estimated to be around $90 million. She has earned her wealth from her successful career in modeling, acting, and entrepreneurship.

3. What is Tyra Banks’ philanthropic work?

Tyra Banks is involved in various philanthropic works. She founded the Tyra Banks TZONE foundation, which aims to empower young women to reach their full potential. The foundation provides scholarships, mentorship programs, and other resources to help young women succeed. Banks is also involved in other charitable causes, including AIDS research and education, education, and women’s health initiatives.

4. What are some of Tyra Banks’ controversial moments?

Tyra Banks has faced criticism for some of her actions and comments on America’s Next Top Model, particularly regarding the show’s inclusion of racially insensitive themes and comments. She has also been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards, particularly through her modeling career. However, Banks has since apologized for some of these controversies and has used her platform to advocate for greater diversity and inclusivity in the fashion and entertainment industries.”

Last Updated: 2nd April 2023