Tyra Banks: The Iconic Supermodel, Media Mogul, And Entrepreneur

How Much Is Tyra Banks Really Worth?

Listen up, folks. Tyra Banks isn’t just another pretty face in the world of modeling—she's a trailblazer who’s turned her passion into a $90 million empire. Born in Inglewood, California, Tyra started her career as a model, but she quickly realized she had so much more to offer. Her journey didn’t stop at the runway; she took the world by storm with her hosting and producing skills, making her a household name. Tyra didn’t just break barriers; she obliterated them.

Back in the '90s, Tyra was a force to be reckoned with. She strutted down runways for some of the biggest names in fashion, from Chanel to Yves Saint Laurent. She wasn’t just any model; she was the first African-American woman to grace the covers of "GQ" and the iconic "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue." That’s right—history was made, and Tyra was at the forefront.

But Tyra didn’t stop there. She dipped her toes into television and film, starring in projects like "Higher Learning" and taking on guest roles in popular TV shows. Her biggest TV moment, though, came with "America’s Next Top Model" (ANTM). As the creator, producer, and host, Tyra gave the world an inside look at the modeling industry, turning the show into a cultural phenomenon. ANTM wasn’t just a show—it was a movement.

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And let’s not forget her talk show, "The Tyra Banks Show," which tackled real-world issues and won two Daytime Emmy Awards. Tyra’s entrepreneurial spirit kept her moving forward. She created "FABLife," a lifestyle talk show, and launched her beauty brand, proving that she’s not just a pretty face but a powerhouse in the business world.

Early Days: From Inglewood to the Runway

Let’s rewind to Tyra’s early life. Born Tyra Lynne Banks on December 4, 1973, in Inglewood, California, Tyra’s modeling career began while she was still in high school. Believe it or not, she was rejected by four modeling agencies before finally signing with L.A. Models. But Tyra’s perseverance paid off when she signed with Paris-based Elite Model Management at just 16 years old, moving to Milan to chase her dreams.

Two years later, at Paris Fashion Week in 1991, Tyra made her runway debut. And let me tell you, she didn’t just walk the runway—she owned it. That season alone, she booked 25 shows, marking the beginning of a legendary career.

Breaking Barriers: Tyra’s Journey to Success

In 1993, Tyra signed with CoverGirl, a move that solidified her status as a supermodel. She returned to America to focus on commercial modeling, and boy, did she make an impact. Tyra became one of the few black models to reach "supermodel" status. Over the years, she graced the covers of "Elle," "Harper’s Bazaar," "Vogue," and more. She walked in fashion shows for designers like Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and Christian Dior, just to name a few. And she didn’t stop there—she starred in ad campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and many others.

Tyra was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of "Sports Illustrated’s" swimsuit issue and "GQ" magazine. That’s groundbreaking stuff, folks. Her success as a model opened doors for her in the entertainment world. She made her TV debut as Will Smith’s old friend Jackie Ames on "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," appearing in seven episodes.

Her film debut came in 1994 with John Singleton’s "Higher Learning." Tyra also starred in Disney’s "Life-Size" with Lindsay Lohan, playing a doll named Eve who comes to life. She’s also been in movies like "Love Stinks," "Love & Basketball," "Coyote Ugly," and "Hannah Montana: The Movie." Tyra’s talent isn’t limited to just modeling and acting—she’s a powerhouse in every sense of the word.

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In 2004, Tyra earned a non-degree certificate from Harvard Business School to start her cosmetics company, Tyra Beauty. Her e-commerce site, tyra.com, launched in 2015, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit. She founded Ty Ty Baby Productions (now Bankable Productions), which produced "America’s Next Top Model" and "The Tyra Banks Show." Tyra has hosted 23 out of the 24 seasons of ANTM, proving her dedication to the show.

Tyra’s accolades don’t stop there. She won two Daytime Emmy Awards for "The Tyra Banks Show," earning her the title of one of the world’s most influential people according to "Time" magazine. She’s been a host, judge, and consultant on various shows like "America’s Got Talent," "Mexico’s Next Top Model," and "Dancing with the Stars." Tyra’s impact is felt far and wide.

Behind the Scenes: Tyra’s Personal Life

Tyra’s personal life is just as fascinating as her career. In the 2010s, she was in a relationship with Norwegian photographer Erik Asla. In January 2016, they welcomed their son, York Banks Asla, via surrogacy. However, the couple split in the fall of 2017. Tyra has always been open about her lifestyle choices, sharing that she avoids alcohol and recreational drugs.

Real Estate Ventures: Tyra’s Love for Properties

Tyra’s ventures extend beyond modeling and television into the world of real estate. In 2004, she purchased a 5,740-square-foot residence in Beverly Hills for $3 million. She listed it for sale in 2015 for $7.7 million and eventually sold the Spanish Colonial-style home in 2016 for $6.33 million.

Tyra currently owns a 7,000-square-foot duplex in Manhattan, complete with a salon, gym, and mirrored dressing room. She bought the Battery Park City duplex, which combines four apartments, for $10.13 million in 2009. She listed it for rent in 2015 at $50,000 per month and put it on the market in 2017 for $17.5 million, though it hasn’t sold yet.

In recent years, Tyra has been flipping houses in Los Angeles. In May 2018, she listed two homes in Pacific Palisades for sale. The first, a 6,135-square-foot residence, was listed for $9.25 million, and the second, a 3,700-square-foot home, was purchased for $4.25 million. She sold both within months for $8.9 million and $4 million, respectively. She also sold an L.A. townhome for $1.47 million in the same year.

In February 2018, Tyra paid $6.995 million for another Pacific Palisades home, which she sold in December 2021 for $7.895 million. And in June 2019, she purchased a single-story home for just under $3 million, marking her fifth purchase in the Pacific Palisades area in two years.