Tyra Banks

Model, television personality. Born Tyra Lynne Banks on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. After graduating from Los Angeles’ Immaculate Heart High School, Banks signed with Elite modeling agency. That initial job at age 17 launched an international modeling career that included runway shows, magazines, commercials and billboards.

Banks’ career has had as much to do with her looks as her business savvy. At age 20, she became only the third African American woman to secure a large cosmetics contract when she signed with CoverGirl. She was also the first black model to be featured on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Though Banks’ credits include such top fashion elite as Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana, she is best known for her commercial work for lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret.

In addition to modeling, Banks has recently gotten involved in television. She is the host and executive producer of UPN’s reality series America’s Next Top Model, which premiered in 2003. In 2005, she launched a self-titled daytime talk show aimed at young women.

Banks has been linked romantically with director John Singleton and Sacramento Kings player Chris Webber.