Tyra Banks is much more than just a beautiful supermodel. This talented woman has carved out an impressive career and become a household name over the past three decades, landing roles like TV host, actress, author, businesswoman and entrepreneur.
Banks was born in Inglewood, California on December 4th, 1973. She was raised in a loving and supportive environment, but Tyra's life wasn't always smooth sailing. She has been very open about her struggles with bullying, anxiety, and even depression, but these challenges only fueled her determination to succeed.
Banks began her modeling career at the young age of 15 and was soon signed with elite agencies like Elite Model Management and IMG Models. She broke barriers and made history by becoming the first black model to grace the covers of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition and GQ magazine.
Throughout her career, Banks has earned an impressive fortune, making her one of the wealthiest supermodels in the world. Her net worth is estimated to be around $90 million, a testament to her impressive work ethic and business acumen.
Join us on a journey through Tyra Bank's fascinating life, as we dive into her biography, including details about her age, height, figure, and net worth.
Tyra Banks: A Complete Biography
Early Years
Tyra Banks was born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. She grew up in a family of five and was often teased by her classmates for her long limbs and thin frame.
Despite the teasing, Banks pursued her dream of becoming a model and landed contracts with major brands such as CoverGirl and Victoria's Secret.
Career Highlights
Banks went on to establish herself as a prominent figure in the fashion industry, becoming the first African American woman to grace the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.
In addition to modeling, she also began hosting the popular reality competition show, "America's Next Top Model," which ran for 24 seasons.
Personal Life
Banks has been open about her struggles with body image and has advocated for self-love and acceptance. She has also been actively involved in philanthropy, supporting causes such as education and HIV/AIDS research.
In 2016, Banks and her boyfriend welcomed their first child, a son named York.
Net Worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Tyra Banks' net worth is estimated to be $90 million, thanks to her successful modeling career, television hosting gigs, and various business ventures.
Early Life and Career
Tyra Banks was born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. She grew up in a close-knit family and was raised by her mother, Carolyn London, and her father, Donald Banks. Banks attended Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, where she was a star athlete and participated in various extracurricular activities.
At the age of 15, Banks began her modeling career after being discovered by a modeling scout. She quickly gained attention in the industry and went on to sign with various agencies, including Elite Model Management and IMG Models. Banks became the first African American woman to be featured on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, cementing her place as a pioneering figure in the fashion industry.
In addition to her successful modeling career, Banks also pursued acting, appearing in various films and television shows, including "Higher Learning" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air." She later went on to host her own talk show, "The Tyra Banks Show," which aired from 2005 to 2010.
- Born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California
- Raised by her mother and father
- Attended Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles
- Began modeling at the age of 15 and signed with multiple agencies
- First African American woman to be featured on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue
- Pursued acting and later hosted her own talk show, "The Tyra Banks Show"
Victoria's Secret and Modeling Career
At just 17 years old, Tyra Banks was discovered by a modeling agency while she was on a trip to Paris. This led to her being featured in campaigns for companies such as Smashbox Cosmetics, CoverGirl, and Victoria's Secret. Banks became one of Victoria's Secret's most prominent Angels and was featured on the cover of their catalog multiple times.
Banks also walked the runway for Victoria's Secret's annual fashion show numerous times throughout her career. Her tall and slender figure, standing at 5'10", made her a desired model for high-fashion brands as well.
During her time as a model, Banks also became aware of the lack of diversity within the modelling industry. She went on to found the "Tyra Banks TZONE" program, which aimed to empower young girls and provide them with leadership skills.
While Banks later transitioned from modeling to television hosting and producing, her modeling career remains a significant part of her legacy. She used her platform to create change within the industry and set an example for young models to come.
The Tyra Banks Show and America's Next Top Model
Tyra Banks is not only a supermodel, but she's also an accomplished television personality. She launched The Tyra Banks Show in 2005, which ran for five seasons. The show won two Daytime Emmy Awards and tackled a variety of topics, including fashion, beauty, self-esteem, and social issues.
One of Tyra's most notable contributions in the entertainment industry is America's Next Top Model. The reality television show premiered in 2003 and became an instant hit. The show aims to find the next big thing in the modeling industry and has launched the careers of several successful models such as Eva Marcille, Adrianne Curry, and Nyle DiMarco.
America's Next Top Model is now in its 24th cycle, and Tyra has been the executive producer and head judge for most of them. During her tenure on the show, she has become known for her catchphrases, such as "smize" (smiling with your eyes) and "booty tooch" (posing your backside for the camera).
- The show also introduced a variety of challenges to test the models' skills and abilities, such as underwater photo shoots and runway shows on moving platforms.
- Despite some criticism over the years for its overly dramatic editing and questionable judging decisions, America's Next Top Model remains a beloved show that has changed the lives of many aspiring models.
Tyra's presence and influence on television have undoubtedly made an impact on the entertainment industry and the model industry as a whole. Her dedication to mentoring and inspiring young models has earned her a place in pop culture history.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Tyra Banks' entrepreneurial mindset has led her to create successful businesses outside of modeling. In 1999, she started a production company called "Bankable Productions," which was responsible for producing her hit TV show, "America's Next Top Model." The show ran for 24 seasons and was aired in over 100 countries, making it one of the most successful reality TV shows of all time.
In addition to "America's Next Top Model," Banks launched other TV shows, including "The Tyra Banks Show" and "FABLife." She also created a makeup line called "Tyra Beauty," which features a range of cosmetics and skincare products.
Banks has proven to be a savvy investor and has invested in several companies, including The Honest Company and The Muse. She also co-founded an investment firm called Fierce Capital, which focuses on investing in early-stage startups.
With her successful track record in the entertainment industry and her keen eye for business, it's no surprise that Banks has amassed a net worth of over $90 million. Her entrepreneurial ventures have not only brought her financial success but have also positioned her as an influential businesswoman.
Net Worth and Personal Life
Aside from her successful modeling and TV show hosting career, Tyra Banks has also dabbled in entrepreneurship. She has launched several businesses including a beauty line, a fashion line, and a modeling agency.
As of 2021, Tyra Banks' net worth is estimated to be around $95 million. This is attributed to her successful TV shows, modeling career, and business ventures.
When it comes to her personal life, Tyra Banks is notoriously private. She has been in several high-profile relationships with men such as Seal and John Singleton. However, she has never been married.
Tyra Banks welcomed her first child, York Banks Asla, in January 2016 via surrogacy with her ex-partner, Erik Asla. Banks has been vocal about her struggles with infertility and her decision to pursue surrogacy.
Banks is also a philanthropist and supports several charities such as The Tyra Banks TZONE Foundation and The Tyra Banks Scholarship Fund.
FAQ
What is Tyra Banks' age?
Tyra Banks was born on December 4, 1973, so as of 2021, she is 48 years old.
What is Tyra Banks' height and figure?
Tyra Banks is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and has a curvy figure with measurements of 34-24-36 inches (86-61-91 cm).
What is Tyra Banks' net worth?
As of 2021, Tyra Banks' net worth is estimated to be around $90 million. This is largely due to her successful career as a supermodel, television host, and businesswoman.
What is Tyra Banks' educational background?
Tyra Banks attended Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, California, and later enrolled at Loyola Marymount University to study communication. However, she left after one year to pursue her modeling career full-time.
What inspired Tyra Banks to create her own cosmetics line?
Tyra Banks was inspired to create her own cosmetics line, TYRA Beauty, after feeling frustrated with the lack of diversity in the beauty industry. She wanted to create a line of products that would cater to women of all skin tones and types, and empower them to feel confident and beautiful.
