One of the most intriguing young personalities of the decade, TYRA BANKS ("Nora") has accomplished much at the youthful age of 26. Already known as an international fashion icon, Banks has put her focus on acting, and has begun to create a resume that is as extensive as it is versatile.
Tyra was first introduced to Hollywood several years ago with roles in the hit television series, "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," opposite Will Smith, John Singleton’s critically-acclaimed, "Higher Learning," and a three-episode arc of the FOX television drama, "New York Undercover." This past year, Tyra starred in the ABC Wonderful World of Disney Movie, "Life Size." The movie garnered huge ratings for Disney and Daily Variety raved about Tyra’s comedic performance calling it, "Hilarious."
Tyra immediately segued from the small screen to the silver screen with a role in Jerry Bruckheimer’s film, "Coyote Ugly." The film focused on Coyote Ugly, a New York City bar where a team of sexy, resourceful women provoke the clientele with their mischief and outrageous antics.
Banks recently completed shooting a recurring role in the WB’s highly successful "Felicity." Tyra portrayed college junior "Jane Scott," potential love interest to Scott Foley’s character "Noel." Tyra’s appearance caused sparks to fly on the small screen and is credited with helping to boost the ratings for the November sweeps period. In addition, Tyra recently inked a deal with The Oprah Winfrey Show to appear in a series of shows with Oprah.
Tyra’s groundbreaking influence on fashion can be seen worldwide. In 1996, Tyra became the first black woman and the first model to be featured on the cover of GQ Magazine, a feat recently repeated this January when she was named their "Woman of the Year 2000." With back-to-back appearances on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s famed swimsuit issue in 1996 and 1997, she broke more new ground, becoming the first Black model to grace its coveted cover. In 1997, she received the prestigious Michael Award, presented to the "Supermodel of the Year." Having become the first Black model ever to be featured on the cover of the Victoria’s Secret Catalog, she subsequently went on to sign an exclusive contract with the company. This past year, Tyra extended her relationship with Victoria’s Secret, signing an exclusive cosmetics contract with them. In addition to Victoria’s Secret, Tyra has been contracted by Swatch and Cover Girl and has appeared in ad campaigns for Nike, Pepsi, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana and most recently, a responsible drinking campaign for Coors.
Tyra is equally well known for her concern for today’s youth and such important issues as education and self-esteem. In July 2000, Tyra’s self-funded charitable foundation sponsored Tzone, a summer camp experience for teenage girls, designed to enhance independence and self-esteem. The idea for the free, week long camp came from the abundance of letters Tyra received from girls voicing their concerns and insecurities after reading her book, Tyra’s Beauty Inside & Out, which was published by Harper Collins in 1998. The acceptance to the camp is based on merit, need, community service and recommendation. The participants spend a week with Tyra in the mountains outside of Los Angeles, California. In addition, in 1992 Tyra established "The Tyra Banks Scholarship," a fund which grants African American girls the opportunity to attend her alma matter, Immaculate Heart High, an all-girls private school in the Los Angeles district.
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