Born in Inglewood, California, the tall beauty’s modeling career began before she’d even graduated from high school. Tyra worked the international runways and magazine shoots like a true pro catapulting her to supermodel status by her 21st birthday. Many legendary firsts soon followed. Tyra became the first African American woman to grace the covers of Sports Illustrated and GQ magazines, and the first chosen to pose for Victoria’s Secret.
PHOTOS: Tyra Banks’ Hairstyle Evolution
After leaving her mark on the modeling industry, Tyra set her sights on TV and went on to start independent film and television production company Bankable Productions, which produced her hit series “America’s Next Top Model”. ANTM is now in its 16th season, with franchises worldwide.
PHOTOS: Tyra On the Go
In September Tyra released the book “Modelland”, the first of a three-part novel series loosely based on her career.
Join us in wishing Tyra Banks a very happy birthday!