Tyra Banks

Tyra Lynne Banks was born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. She would go on to become a world-renowned supermodel, television personality, producer, businesswoman, actress, and author. Her influence spans various industries, making her one of the most recognizable faces in modern pop culture.

At the age of 17, Tyra Banks was signed by Elite Model Management, one of the world's top modeling agencies. This marked the beginning of her professional modeling career. Within a week of signing, she was booked for 25 runway shows in Paris Fashion Week, setting the stage for her future success in the modeling industry.

In November 1996, Tyra Banks became the first African-American woman to be featured on the cover of GQ magazine. This accomplishment was a significant milestone in her career and, more broadly, in the fashion industry, as it brought issues of diversity and representation to the forefront.

In 1997, Tyra Banks broke new ground by becoming the first African-American woman to be featured solo on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This was a historic moment that further solidified her status as a trailblazer in the modeling industry. She appeared on the cover again in 2019, proving her lasting appeal and influence.

On May 20, 2003, the first episode of 'America's Next Top Model' aired. Created and hosted by Tyra Banks, the show became an instant hit and redefined the reality TV landscape. It provided a platform for aspiring models to launch their careers and also highlighted Banks' entrepreneurial skills and her commitment to mentoring young talent.

Tyra Banks launched 'The Tyra Banks Show' on September 12, 2005. The daytime talk show, which ran until 2010, focused on issues faced by young women, including topics such as self-esteem, body image, and personal development. The show earned several Daytime Emmy Awards and further cemented Banks’ status as a multifaceted media personality.

'The Tyra Banks Show' won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Informative in 2007. This accolade underscored the show's impact and Banks' ability to connect with her audience on important social issues. It marked a high point in her broadcasting career.

The TZONE Foundation was established by Tyra Banks to empower young women through financial and emotional support, aiming to foster development in personal and professional spheres. The foundation focuses on leadership, self-esteem, and entrepreneurship, reflecting Banks' dedication to giving back to the community and nurturing future generations of female leaders.

Tyra Banks' talk show won its second Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Informative in 2008. This achievement not only highlighted the show's continued relevance and impact but also reinforced Banks' role as a significant voice in daytime television, addressing important social issues and inspiring her audience.

Tyra Banks officially retired as a Victoria's Secret Angel in November 2009. Throughout her time with Victoria's Secret, she broke numerous barriers, including being one of the first African-American women to be prominently featured by the brand. Her retirement marked the end of an iconic era in which she helped redefine beauty standards and paved the way for future generations of models.

In December 2010, Tyra Banks completed a special certificate program at Harvard Business School. She enrolled in the Owner/President Management Program to hone her business skills and entrepreneurial acumen. This academic achievement highlighted her commitment to personal growth and professional development beyond her successful modeling and television career.

On January 19, 2011, Tyra Banks launched TypeF.com, a fashion and beauty website. The platform was designed to offer personalized beauty and style tips, reflecting Banks' vision of celebrating diverse beauty and empowering individuals to embrace their unique looks. TypeF.com expanded her influence in digital media and the beauty industry.

Tyra Banks published her first novel, 'Modelland,' on September 13, 2011. The young adult fantasy novel, loosely based on her own experiences in the modeling world, made it onto The New York Times Best Seller list. The book's success showcased Banks' versatility and creative talents outside of television and modeling.

Tyra Banks launched the reality series 'Scouted' on the E! Network in April 2014. The show followed aspiring models discovered by scouts, providing them with an opportunity to break into the competitive modeling industry. The series further showcased Banks' commitment to discovering and nurturing new talent in the fashion world.

On May 29, 2015, Tyra Banks officially launched Tyra Beauty, a direct-sales cosmetics line. The innovative brand aimed to empower individuals to become entrepreneurs through the sales of high-quality beauty products. Tyra Beauty was part of Banks’ broader mission to inspire confidence and self-expression.

In March 2017, it was announced that Tyra Banks would replace Nick Cannon as the host of the popular talent competition show 'America's Got Talent.' Her dynamic presence and charisma brought a fresh energy to the show during her tenure, which lasted until 2018.

Tyra Banks released her memoir 'Perfect is Boring' on May 4, 2018. Co-written with her mother, Carolyn London, the book is an inspiring account of Banks' career, personal struggles, and the lessons she learned along the way. The memoir offers an intimate look into her life and encourages readers to embrace their imperfections.

Tyra Banks made a surprising and highly celebrated return to the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 2019, 22 years after her historic first cover. Her appearance symbolized the lasting impact of her career and her role as a pioneer in the modeling industry, breaking barriers and challenging ageism in fashion.

In September 2020, Tyra Banks took on the role of host and executive producer of 'Dancing with the Stars,' succeeding Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews. Her appointment brought a new energy and perspective to the long-running dance competition show, as she aimed to modernize and diversify its format.