Tyra Lynne Banks was born on December 4, 1973 in Inglewood, California. She is an American model, media personality, actress, occasional singer, and businesswoman.

Banks began modeling in the 11th grade. She first became famous as a model in Paris, Milan, London, Tokyo and New York, but television appearances were her commercial reakthrough.

Banks is the creator and host of the UPN/The CW reality television show America\'s Next Top Model, co-creator of True Beauty, and host of her own talk show, The Tyra Banks Show.

In 2009 she was honored by Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) with the Excellence in Media Award.