Tyra Banks Biography: Tyra Lynne Banks born December 4, 1973, also known as BanX, is an American model, television personality, producer, writer, and actress. Hailing from Inglewood, California, she launched her modeling career at the age of 15. Banks made history as the first Black American woman to appear on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making multiple appearances in the latter. She was one of the few Black models to achieve Supermodel status and served as a Victoria’s Secret Angel from 1997 to 2005. By the early 2000s, she had become one of the highest-earning models in the world. Banks also ventured into acting, starting with a role on the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air in 1993, and made her film debut in the drama Higher Learning (1995).
Tyra Banks Biography
Tyra Banks, also known by nicknames such as BBQ, Lady T L B, and Big Buddy, was born on December 4, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. She rose to fame through her work as a Victoria’s Secret Angel and roles in productions like The Apartment Complex and Life-Size, building a fortune estimated at $90 million. As of 2025, she is 51 years old and is in a relationship with Erik Asla. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. The daughter of Donald Banks and Carolyn London-Johnson, Tyra reportedly earns a substantial salary, maintaining her net worth at around $90 million.
Tyra Banks Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Tyra Lynne Banks
December 4, 1973 Inglewood, California, U.S.
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Other names | BanX |
Alma mater | Immaculate Heart High School |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1991–present |
Television |
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Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
Partner | Erik Asla (2013–2017) |
Children | 1 |
Category | Singers Bio |
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About Tyra Banks
Tyra Lynne Banks, also known as BanX, is an American model, television personality, producer, writer, and actress.
Tyra Banks Wiki
- Born: 4 December 1973 (age 51 years), Inglewood, California, United States
- Height: 1.78 m
- Education: Harvard Business School (2011–2012) ·
- Parents: Donald Banks, Carolyn London
- Partner: Erik Asla (2013–2017)
- Siblings: Devin Banks
Early life and education
Tyra Lynne Banks was born on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California. Her mother, Carolyn London (now London-Johnson), is a medical photographer, while her father, Donald Banks, works as a computer consultant. She has an older brother named Devin, who is five years her senior. When Banks was six years old, in 1979, her parents divorced. She attended John Burroughs Middle School and graduated from Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles in 1991.
Banks has shared that she was teased about her appearance while growing up and considered herself an “ugly duckling.” At age 11, she experienced a growth spurt, gaining three inches and losing 30 pounds in just three months. In an episode of America’s Next Top Model, she discussed the results of a genealogical DNA test from Ancestry.com, revealing that she is 79% African, 14% British, and 6% Native American.
Tyra Banks Facts
Where does Tyra Banks live? And how much money does Tyra Banks earn?
Birth Date | 4-12-1973 |
Heritage/origin | American |
Ethnicity | Afro-American |
Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
Residence | She lives together in a house in Los Angeles, California, USA. |
Tyra Banks Net Worth 2025
Estimated Net Worth | 90 million Dollar |
Yearly Salary | N/A |
Product Endorsements | LOreal Paris |
Colleagues | Chantelle Young & Lee Chae Rin |
Management | Benny Medina |
Houses
- Pacific Palisades house ($2 million)(Swimming Pool • Home Office • )
Cars
Lexus SC 430
- SC430 - manufactured by Lexus ($66.000)
Tyra Banks: Boyfriend, Dating, Family & Friends
Relationship status | Dating (Since 2014) |
Sexuality | Straight |
Current Boyfriend of Tyra Banks | Erik Asla |
Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | |
Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
Has any kids? | No |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Donald Banks (Father)
- Carolyn London (Mother)
- Devin Banks (Brother)
Friends
- Kimora Lee
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This cool sexy tv-personality & model originating from Los Angeles, California, USA has a slim body & oval face type. Tyra Banks makes commercials for Cover Girl, but actually uses: MAC.
Hair color | Dark brown |
Hair type | Curly Twirly |
Hair Length | long hair (bra strap length) |
Hairstyle | alternative |
Distinct feature | eyes |
Makeup Style | chic |
Skin Tone/Complexion | Type III: Medium skin |
Skin Type | Sensitive |
Eye Color | Hazel |
Does Tyra Banks smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
Height | 178 cm |
Weight | 64 kilo |
Clothing style | glamorous |
Favorite colors | black |
Feet size | 11 |
Dress size | L |
Bra-size | 36C |
Waist size | 60 |
Buste size | 88 |
Butt size | 80 |
Does Tyra Banks have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What is Tyra Banks’ ethnic background?
Tyra Banks revealed through an Ancestry.com DNA test that her heritage includes 79% African, 14% British, 6% Native American, and 1% Finnish ancestry.
Where did Tyra Banks go to high school?
Tyra Banks graduated in 1991 from Immaculate Heart High School, a private all-girls Catholic school in Los Angeles, California.
What kind of course did Tyra Banks take at Harvard?
In 2012, Tyra Banks completed a nine-week non-degree course at Harvard University as part of its Owner/President Management program for business executives.
Did Tyra Banks struggle with her appearance growing up?
Yes, Tyra Banks has spoken about being teased for her looks as a child and described herself as an “ugly duckling” before undergoing a dramatic growth and weight transformation at age 11.
What schools did Tyra Banks attend as a child?
Before high school, Tyra Banks attended John Burroughs Middle School in Los Angeles.
How old was Tyra Banks when her parents divorced?
Tyra Banks was six years old when her parents separated in 1979.