Tyra Lynne Banks, widely known as Tyra Banks, born December 4, 1973, is a powerhouse American model, TV personality, producer, writer, and actress. She kicked off her career as a model at just 15, breaking barriers as the first African American woman on the covers of GQ and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue where she appeared three times.
Before fame
Raised by a NASA photographer dad and a computer consultant mom, Tyra started modeling while attending Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles.
Trivia
She skyrocketed to fame with two Sports Illustrated Swimsuit covers and as one of the original Victoria’s Secret Angels.
Family life
Born to photographer Carolyn London, who later became her manager. Tyra has an older brother, Devin. She dated NBA star Chris Webber from 2001 to 2004, and in 2016, welcomed her son York via surrogacy with then boyfriend Erik Asla.