Tyra Banks

On-air Personalities. America's Next Top Model

Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks is creator, executive producer and judge of the hit dramality series AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL. She is also founder of Bankable Productions.

A native of Los Angeles, Banks began her television career as an actress with recurring roles in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," opposite Will Smith. In addition, Banks secured a deal with "The Oprah Winfrey Show," appearing in a series of shows with Oprah over two seasons.

Banks' film experience includes leading roles in John Singleton's "Higher Learning" and Jerry Bruckheimer's "Coyote Ugly." Recently, she starred in the Disney made-for-television movie "Life Size."

Banks began her modeling career in Europe and has evolved into groundbreaking, international fashion icon. Over the course of her career, Banks became the first African-American model to grace the covers of both GQ and Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, as well as the famed Victoria's Secret catalog. The recipient of the prestigious Michael Award for "Supermodel of the Year," Banks subsequently extended her relationship with Victoria's Secret by signing an exclusive modeling and cosmetics contract with the company. Additionally, she was the face of Cover Girl for five years.

Banks is also known for her dedication to today's youth. In 1992, she established "The Tyra Banks Scholarship," a fund that grants African-American girls the opportunity to attend her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girls private school in the Los Angeles area. Banks expanded her outreach in July 2000 when her self-funded charitable foundation sponsored the first year of TZONE, an annual summer camp experience for teenage girls designed to enhance independence and self-esteem. After writing Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out (HarperCollins), Banks realized that the trials she overcame as a teen could be used to connect with girls who struggle with self-esteem issues.

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