Biography of Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks is an American model, an actress and a singer. She is also the host and the creator of renowned shows, like 'America's Next Top Model' and 'The Tyra Banks Show'. She has authored a book titled 'Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out' which was published in 1998.

Biography of Tyra Banks
Tyra was born on December 4, 1973 in Inglewood, California, United States. Her father Donald Banks was a computer consultant and her mother Carolyn was a fashion manager and a NASA photographer. Her parents got divorced when she was six. Her older brother Devin Banks is in the army. Tyra was dating, NBA star, Chris Webber for three years from 2001 to 2004.

Career in Modeling
Tyra's modeling career kicked off with runway modeling in Paris, France. She was quick to make an impression in the industry, and was immediately booked for 25 shows; a record for a newcomer. In her modeling career she worked with big names like Dolce and Gabbana, CoverGirl, Tommy Hilfiger and Victoria's Secrets both for runway modeling as well as print advertising. She made it to the covers of reputed fashion magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Elle. She was the first African-American model to be chosen for the cover of Victoria's Secrets catalog. In 1997, she was awarded the Supermodel of the Year by VH1. Tyra left the modeling profession in 2005.

Television Career
Her television career started with the fourth season of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', in which she portrayed the character of Jackie Ames, in 1993. She also appeared in shows like Felicity (1999) and MAD tv (2000). The year 2003 witnessed her venture into production, starting with 'America's Next Top Model' which was hosted and judged by Tyra herself. She is also the host of 'The Tyra Banks Show' which won the Daytime Emmy Award in 2008. It is focused on issues pertaining to young women in society.

Film Career
Tyra made her film debut with John Singleton's action drama 'Higher Learning' in 1995. She also acted in films like 'Love Stinks' (1999), 'Love and Basketball' (2000), 'Life Size' (2000), 'Coyote Ugly' (2000) and Halloween: Resurrection (2002). She lent her voice to the animated flick 'Eight Crazy Nights' in 2002.

Career in Music
Tyra appeared in a few music videos like Michael Jackson's 'Black or White' and George Michael's 'Too Funky' before eventually coming up with her own single, 'Shake Ya Body' in 2004. She also recorded a sound track; 'Be a Star' for her film 'Life Size'.

Tyra has been associated with social initiatives such as The Tyra Banks Scholarship; providing assistance to the African-American girls for education. She started 'T-Zone'; an annual week-long summer camp aimed at developing leadership and life skills in underprivileged girls.

In 2005, Tyra was ranked 34th in Ask Men's '99 Most Desirable Women' and 95th in Forbes' 'Celebrity 100 Power Ranking'. She made it to the list of '50 Most Beautiful' compiled by People Magazine twice. In 2009, she was honored with an Excellence in Media Award by 'Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation'.