Tyra Banks is an American supermodel, actress, singer, and talk show host who has established herself as one of the most influential figures in the fashion and entertainment industries. She began her modeling career at the age of 15 and quickly rose to fame in the 1990s, becoming the first African American woman to appear on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Tyra was also one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels, serving from 1997 to 2005, and by the early 2000s, she had become one of the world’s highest-paid models.
While dominating the modeling world, Tyra also ventured into acting. She made her television debut on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1993 and her film debut in Higher Learning (1995). In 2003, Banks created and began hosting America’s Next Top Model, a hit reality competition series that ran for 22 seasons. She later launched her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show, which won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show Informative.
Beyond her on-screen work, Tyra authored the young adult novel Modelland in 2011, which became a New York Times Bestseller. In her personal life, Tyra was in a relationship with photographer Erik Asla from 2013 to 2017, and together they share a son.
Summary:
- Profession: Supermodel, television personality, and businesswoman recognized as a pioneering figure in the fashion industry and entertainment.
- Born: December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California, USA
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Net Worth: Estimated at $90 million.
- Personal Life: She has a son, York Banks Asla, born via surrogacy in 2016.
- Fun Fact: She was the first African-American woman to appear solo on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Tyra Banks’ Personal Details:
- Complete Name: Tyra Lynne Banks
- Nicknames: TyTy, BanX, BBQ
- Date of Birth: December 4, 1973
- Birthplace: Inglewood, California, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Model, Actress, TV Host, Entrepreneur
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
- Religion: Christian
- Race/Ethnicity: African-American
- Eye Color: Green
- Hair Color: Dyed Brown
Tyra Banks Body Measurements, Height, Weight, Shoe Size Statistics
Tyra Banks Family Details:
- Father: Donald Banks (Computer Consultant)
- Mother: Caroline London (NASA Photographer)
- Siblings: Devin Banks (Older Brother)
- Spouse Name: Unmarried
- Children’s Name: York Banks Asla (Son)
Tyra Banks’ Relationship History:
Tyra Banks has been linked to several high-profile men, including Chris Webber, Seal, and John Singleton. She later dated photographer Erik Asla, with whom she welcomed her son York via surrogacy. They split in 2017.
Tyra Banks Career Highlights:
Early & Breakthrough:
Tyra started modeling at 15 and quickly rose to international fame in the 1990s. She became one of the world’s first prominent African-American supermodels, walking runways for Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy while appearing in campaigns for Victoria’s Secret and CoverGirl.
Supermodel Fame:
She made history as the first African-American woman to appear solo on the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ. Tyra became one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels, solidifying her status as one of the world’s top models.
Television Success:
In 2003, she created and hosted America’s Next Top Model, which became an international reality TV phenomenon. Tyra also hosted The Tyra Banks Show, earning two Daytime Emmy Awards.
Recent Work:
Tyra has continued to expand her career as a businesswoman, actress, and author. She hosted Dancing with the Stars, wrote books including Modelland, and launched ventures such as SMiZE Cream.
Tyra Banks’ Distinctive Features:
- Statuesque, model-like figure
- The catchphrase – “smize” (smiling with the eyes)
Tyra Banks Net Worth:
Tyra Banks’s estimated net worth is $90 million. Her earnings come from modeling, television hosting, brand endorsements, acting, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Tyra Banks Body Measurements:
The following are Tyra Banks body measurements, including her height, weight, bra cup, dress, and shoe size.
- Build: Slim
- Height in Feet: 5′ 10″
- Height in Centimeters: 178 cm
- Weight in Kilograms: 68 kg
- Weight in Pounds: 150lbs
- Bra Size: 34C
- Cup Size: C
- Feet/ Shoe Size: 12 (US)
- Dress Size: 6 (US)
- Body Measurements: 36-24-36
Tyra Banks’ Interesting Facts:
- Banks began modeling at the age of 15.
- Her role model is Oprah Winfrey.
- Tyra is one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels.
- She coined the term “smize” and is known for teaching models how to smile with their eyes.
- Initially, Tyra was rejected 6 times by several modeling agencies and was finally signed by L.A. Models.
- She became the first African-American woman to appear on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
