Tyra Banks was Born ...:
... December 4, 1973, in Los Angeles to Don Banks and Carolyn London.
Growing up with Tyra:
The soon-to-be supermodel grew up in Inglewood, California, with her parents and brother, Devin. She attended an all-girls Catholic school.
Tyra's First Job:
When she was 17, an agent with Elite Model Management offered Tyra her first modeling job. When she accepted the job, Tyra didn't consider a trip to Paris to be the beginning of a long modeling career, but rather a great way to make money for college.
The Early Years:
That trip to Paris would lead to a successful career in modeling - and Tyra's growth into that elite group of women: the supermodel. A testament to this career, Tyra was pinned with the Michael Award for 'Supermodel of the Year' in 1997. Back in the day, Tyra was also known for her 'real woman' physique. When wafer-thin models like Kate Moss blew across the runaway, Tyra, at 5-foot-10-inches tall, sported a beautiful figure that was more college campus than haute couture. But that didn't stop her from dazzling designers in Milan, Paris and New York.
As her career grew, so did her interest in other opportunities. Tyra branched out into television, first playing Jackie, Will Smith's ex-girlfriend, on the sit-com The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In 2000, she began executive producing, hosting and head judging America's Next Top Model. She's also appeared in a number of films, including Love Stinks and Coyote Ugly.
Becoming a Talk Show Host:
The success of those appearances led Tyra to the role of talk show host. The Tyra Banks Show debuted in syndication in September 2005. It is now in its second season and focuses on everyday issues facing women. Tyra also hosts celebrity guests and often takes part in wild stunts tied to social issues, such as how people treat an overweight person. Tyra dressed as a 350-pound woman to chart those experiences.
Key Moment in Her Career:
Taking charge of her modeling career. If there is a thread of advice that is woven through every successful person's career, it is that of taking charge and making opportunities happen. In her day, Tyra wasn't considered for certain jobs - but she made herself be considered by demanding that her agent call Victoria's Secret and Sports Illustrated and make things happen. They did.
What Does the Future Hold?:
Continued success, as Tyra expands her brand and takes on new projects.
