Tyra Banks is a prominent American media personality, actress, singer, model, and entrepreneur whose net worth is estimated at $90 million.
She is best known for her groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry, her iconic role as the creator and host of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM), and her various ventures into business and entertainment.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Tyra Lynne Banks was born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. Her journey into modeling began in high school, despite facing early rejections from several modeling agencies.
At 16, she signed with Elite Model Management in Paris, where her career quickly took off. Tyra’s runway debut was during Paris Fashion Week in 1991, where she booked 25 shows in her first season, setting the stage for her future success in the fashion world.
Rise to Supermodel Status
In the early 1990s, Tyra’s modeling career reached new heights. In 1993, she signed with the cosmetics company CoverGirl, which helped solidify her place as a prominent figure in the fashion industry.
Tyra became one of the few Black models to attain “supermodel” status, gracing the covers of prestigious magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue, and Cosmopolitan.
She made history by becoming the first African-American model to appear on the cover of GQ in 1996 and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue in 1997.
Her collaborations with high-end brands like Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Ralph Lauren further solidified her influence in the fashion world, making her a household name.
Transition to Television and Film
Tyra’s transition from modeling to television was seamless. She appeared in several television shows, including a notable role on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, where she played Jackie Ames.
Her film debut came in 1994 with the movie Higher Learning, and she continued her acting career with roles in films like Coyote Ugly (2000) and Life-Size (2000).
In addition to acting, Tyra’s television presence expanded with her hosting role on America’s Next Top Model, which premiered in 2003.
Tyra not only hosted the show but also created and produced it, offering an inside look into the modeling world.
The show became a cultural phenomenon, running for 24 seasons and making Tyra a major player in reality television.
Expanding Her Brand: Entrepreneurship and Business Ventures
Tyra Banks’ entrepreneurial spirit led her to create Tyra Beauty, a cosmetics company that she founded in 2015. She also launched the online platform Tyra.com to sell her beauty products.
In 2004, she earned a non-degree certificate from Harvard Business School to gain the skills necessary for running her business ventures.
Tyra further expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio with her production company, Bankable Productions, which produced America’s Next Top Model and her daytime talk show, The Tyra Banks Show.
The talk show, which aired from 2005 to 2010, won two Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show/Informative.
Tyra’s influence extended beyond television and business. She has appeared as a judge on multiple international versions of Next Top Model and hosted two seasons of America’s Got Talent from 2017 to 2018.
She has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including her charity, the Tyra Banks TZONE, which focuses on leadership development and life skills for young girls.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Tyra Banks’ personal life has also garnered attention. In 2016, she welcomed her son, York Banks Asla, via surrogacy with Norwegian photographer Erik Asla. The couple later separated in 2017.
She has openly discussed her decision to avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, emphasizing her focus on health and wellness.
Tyra has made significant investments in real estate over the years. She owns a 7,000-square-foot duplex in Manhattan, which she purchased for $10.13 million in 2009.
She has also bought and sold several properties in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, flipping homes for significant profits.
Her real estate ventures have further contributed to her growing wealth, showcasing her savvy business acumen.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Tyra Banks has built a diverse portfolio of income sources that have helped her amass a fortune of $90 million.
Her earnings come from her work in television, fashion, business, and real estate. At the height of her career, she was reportedly earning $18 million per year from hosting America’s Next Top Model and other projects.
Her business ventures, including Tyra Beauty and Bankable Productions, continue to generate substantial revenue, while her investment in real estate further boosts her financial portfolio.
Additionally, her personal brand and presence in the media have kept her in the public eye, making her one of the most influential women in entertainment.
