tyra banks, america's next top model
Tyra banks is the focus of this professional profile
Tyra Banks
From Supermodel to Supermogul
As one of Time Magazine's 100 People Who Shape Our World, Tyra Banks was dubbed a 'supermogul with a business model.' The 33-year-old has turned her fashion sense in to brand one with a reality show, 'America's Top Model' and the 'The Tyra Banks Show.' Her inspiration: Oprah!
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Walking the Runway
Tyra was just 17 when she left Inglewood, Calif. to embark on a journey that would make her a world famous supermodel. Four years later, she walked the runway during New York's Fashion Week at the Ellen Tracy Fall 1995 fashion show.
Sports Illustrated Cover
Tyra Banks burst into supermodel status and became the first African-American woman to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in 1996, one of the magazine's highest selling issues. She was such a hit, the magazine invited her back year later -- solo in a skimpy red polka-dot bikini.
From Runway to Movies
Banks parlayed her supermodel status into film, starring as a doll brought magically to life in the 2000 Disney TV movie, 'Life Size,' along with a young Lindsay Lohan and Jere Burns. That same year, she starred in 'Coyote Ugly' on the big screen.
Mama's Girl
The supermogul says her biggest fan and best friend was, is and always will be her mom, Carolyn London-Johnson.
Revealing Secrets
Banks' fame rose even higher with her appearances in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Shows, this one in New York in 2003.
Top Models
Taking her modeling experiences to the next level, Banks launched the reality competition, 'America's Next Top Model' in 2003. Her judges have included, from left, 1960's supermodel Twiggy, runway coach J. Alexander, fashion photographer Nigel Barker and special events consultant Roy Campbell.
Tyra's Team
'America's Top Model' photo director Jay Manuel, Banks and hairstylist Louis Licari greet the girls before their makeover. It is one of the highest rated shows on the CW Network.
Southern Beauty Danielle Evans
Banks with 'Top Model' Cycle Six winner Danielle Evans of Little Rock, Ark. Like many of the 'Top Models,' Evans had to pass the scrutiny of the panel, which focused on her heavy Southern accent and the gap in her front teeth. But her unique beauty and personality won them over.
Eva Changes Name
Banks with Eva Pigford, who took the title of ‘America’s Next Top Model’ in 2004 and has been one of the most successful models from the show. The model recently changed her last name to Marcille.
Partying With the Top Models
Tyra Banks, Shandi Sullivan and Mercedes Scelba-Shorte attend UPN'S 'America's Next Top Model' 2004 finale party at the Key Club in Hollywood. Tyra Banks is proof perfect, good girls can finish first with big goals, hard work, determination and a friendly disposition.
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Three Things About Tyra Banks
Is Tyra the Next Oprah?
After a long career as a supermodel, Tyra Banks' savvy business acumen has garnered attention and has some comparing her favorably to Oprah Winfrey, for whom she worked as a youth correspondent on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1999, covering topics such as makeovers, sibling rivalry and yoga poses. Time Magazine dubbed Tyra Banks a 'Supermogul With a Business Model' and has twice placed her on its prestigious annual list of 100 People Who Shape Our World. Forbes Magazine named her in its Celebrity 100 list. And PEOPLE magazine named her one of its 100 Most Beautiful. At 5'10", Banks was the first African-American woman to grace the covers of GQ, Sports Illustrated's swimsuit issues, and the Victoria's Secret catalog, all of which have helped turn her beauty into a hot commodity.
She Shows How Women Can Be Strong
In 2003, Banks established Bankable Productions, her own film and television production company, for which she served as creator, producer and judge on the prime-time hit, 'America's Next Top Model.' She said the show began with an extremely low budget and many of the clothes that the 'Top Model' hopefuls wore came from her very own closet. Nonetheless, the never predictable show has become one of the highest rated vehicles on the CW Network. In 2005, Bankable Productions gave birth to 'The Tyra Banks Show,' a talk show with a key audience range of women from 18-35. It has averaged 1.7 million viewers since its debut. Bank says she and her staff endeavor to create programming that showcases strong, empowered female characters while walking viewers through their journey to success.
She Is Committed to Teens
Tyra remains dedicated to helping teens, especially those less fortunate. In 1992, she created the Tyra Banks Scholarship fund to grant scholarships so African-American girls would have an opportunity to attend her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School. In 2000, she expanded her philanthropic efforts with TZone, a summer camp for teen girls designed to enhance independence and self-esteem. She recently launched her "So What" campaign to promote positive body images.