About
Tyra Banks is an American model, television personality, producer, writer, and actress. She began her modeling career at 15 and achieved Supermodel status, becoming the first African American woman to grace the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. She was also a Victoria's Secret Angel. Banks later transitioned to television, creating and hosting 'America's Next Top Model', which became a global phenomenon.
Career Timeline
First African American on GQ
Became the first African American woman featured on the cover of GQ, breaking barriers in the modeling industry. This milestone elevated her status and opened doors to high-fashion opportunities.
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover
First African American woman to appear solo on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover, cementing her supermodel status. This achievement brought mainstream recognition and lucrative endorsement deals.
Victoria's Secret Angel era
Became a Victoria's Secret Angel, one of the most coveted positions in modeling. Her contract and associated endorsements made her one of the highest-paid models of the late 1990s.
America's Next Top Model launches
Created and began hosting 'America's Next Top Model,' which became a global franchise phenomenon. This transition from model to producer-host created a new empire and significantly increased her wealth.
The Tyra Banks Show debuts
Launched her own daytime talk show, winning two Daytime Emmy Awards. This further diversified her media portfolio and established her as a multifaceted entertainment mogul.
Harvard Business School attendance
Attended Harvard Business School's executive education program, enhancing her business acumen. This move signaled her evolution from entertainer to serious entrepreneur and investor.
ANTM ends after 24 cycles
America's Next Top Model concluded its run after 24 cycles and international success. Despite the show's end, Banks had built substantial wealth and maintained her media empire through production deals.
Dancing with the Stars host
Became host of 'Dancing with the Stars,' replacing longtime hosts Tom Bergeron and Erin Andrews. Though the tenure was brief and received mixed reviews, it demonstrated her continued television relevance.
Media mogul and businesswoman
Remains a household name through her groundbreaking modeling career, television empire, and business ventures. While no longer in the daily spotlight, her legacy as a barrier-breaking supermodel and media entrepreneur keeps her firmly in the A-list cultural conversation.
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Last updated: February 23, 2026