Tyra Banks is an American model, television personality, and businesswoman with a net worth of $90 million. She is best known for her work on the reality television show America’s Next Top Model, which she hosted for 22 seasons.
She has also appeared in films such as Higher Learning and Coyote Ugly. In addition to her modeling and acting careers, Banks has released her own line of cosmetics, called Tyra Beauty, and has written a bestselling book, Modelland.
Early Life
Tyra Banks was born December 4th, 1973, in Inglewood, California. Her mother was Carolyn London, who was a Manhattan-born medical photographer. Her father Donald Banks, was a Pasadena-born electrical engineer.
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Tyra’s troubled upbringing in Los Angeles’s rough Crenshaw district made her shy and introverted in childhood. When Tyra was six years old, her parents divorced, which further Tyra emotionally.
As a preteen Tyra became self-conscious about her tall height and dark skin color, both of which she felt was at odds with conventional standards of beauty. To gain acceptance and feel more secure about herself, Tyra began dieting obsessively and developed an eating disorder.
At the age of 15 Tyra entered the prestigious Loyola Marymount University on a scholarship but transferred after one semester to pursue her dreams of becoming a model. After leaving school Tyra quickly began landing modeling jobs.
She went on to work for fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren and Chanel, gracing the covers of magazines such as Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. In 1997, Banks became the first African-American woman to be featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Tyra Banks Modeling Career
Tyra Banks is one of the most successful models of all time. She has graced the covers of countless magazines, and her face is instantly recognizable around the world.
Tyra’s career began in the early 1990s, when she was discovered by a modeling scout while walking down a Parisian street. She quickly became one of the most in-demand models in the modeling agencies, appearing on runways and in ad campaigns for some of the biggest brands in the world.
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Tyra has also used her platform to become an advocate for diversity in the fashion industry, and she is now widely recognized as a pioneer in the field of plus-size modeling. Tyra’s career has been nothing short of remarkable, and she shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
America’s Next Top Model
By the early 2000s, Banks was ready to expand her career beyond modeling. She created and produced America’s Next Top Model, which premiered in 2003.
The show became a rating hit and made Banks one of the most recognizable faces on television. She continued to model occasionally while hosting America’s Next Top Model; in 2005, she was named one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People.”
In 2010, Banks retired from her role as host of America’s Next Top Model. Since then, she has focused on her business ventures, including Tyra Beauty and Modelland.
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Acting Career
Banks made her film debut in the 1993 comedy “Higher Learning.” She went on to appear in the 1995 drama “Dead Presidents” and the 1996 horror film “The Crow: City of Angels.” In 2000, Banks starred in the romantic comedy “Love & Basketball.” She also had a recurring role on the hit sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
In 2003, Tyra starred in her own spin-off series, “The Tyra Banks Show.” Throughout her career, Tyra has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, appearing in comedies, dramas, and even horror films. Tyra’s acting career is yet another example of her many talents and accomplishments.
Other Work
Tyra has also appeared in a number of movies and television shows. In 2005, she published a book called Tyra’s Beauty Inside & Out. Tyra currently serves as host and executive producer of her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show.
Tyra’s work as a model and television host has earned her numerous awards, including an Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Informative in 2009.
Tyra Banks Personal Life
In addition to her successful modeling career, Tyra has also enjoyed success as an actress, TV host, and businesswoman. However, despite her many accomplishments, Tyra’s personal life has been largely hidden from the public eye.
Relationships
Tyra Banks has had several high-profile relationships throughout her career. She dated American rapper Chris Webber from 1996 to 1997, and then actor Will Smith from 1997 to 2000. In 2004, she became engaged to businessman John Utendahl, but the pair broke up in early 2005.
In 2006, Tyra began dating model Erik Asla, with whom she has a son. The couple split in 2017 after five years together. Tyra has also been linked to NBA player Andre Iguodala and actor Benedict Samuel. Most recently, she was rumored to be dating musician Seal.
Tyra Banks is notoriously private when it comes to her personal life, but she has been open about her past relationships in interviews and on her talk show, The Tyra Banks Show.
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Struggles With Mental Health
In recent years, Tyra has opened up about her struggle with anxiety and depression, revealing that she has battled these demons since she was a teenager. Tyra has also been candid about her experiences with body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Thankfully, Tyra has been able to overcome these challenges and is now in a happy and healthy place.
Tyra Banks’s Net Worth: A Summary
In 2020, Forbes estimated that Banks’ net worth had reached $80 million. This makes her one of the richest self-made women in entertainment.
In 2022, Tyra Banks is an American model, television personality, producer, and businesswoman with an impressive net worth of $90 million. She began her career as a model at the age of 15 and was the first African-American woman to be featured on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
She has since transitioned into television, hosting her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show, and serving as a judge on America’s Next Top Model. Along with her work in front of the camera, Tyra is also a very successful businesswoman.
She has her own line of cosmetics, Tyra Beauty, and a line of lingerie, Tyra Intimates. She also has a production company, Ty Ty Baby Productions, which has produced shows such as America’s Next Top Model and True Beauty.
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Thanks to her multiple streams of income, Tyra Banks has amassed a considerable fortune. Tyra is also an active philanthropist and has been recognized for her work with organizations such as The Clean Water Campaign and UNICEF.
