Tyra Banks Biography

You may not know it, but Tyra Banks is actually scared of dolphins. Yep, that's right.

When it comes to animals, you just might find that she had a few little quirks that are downright interesting. Such as, Tyra is allergic to dogs, but still loves beagles nonetheless.

Tyra was born in Los Angeles, California on December 4, 1973. Tyra's father, Don Banks was a computer consultant, and her mother Carolyn was a medical photographer.

Unfortunately when Tyra was just six years old, her parents divorced.

Tyra keeps certain rules for herself that she will not break. These include no:

Smoking
Alcohol
Frontal nudity
Cats, fish, or birds.

Tyra Banks is 5 feet 10 inches tall and has measurements 36C-24-36, and wears shoe size 9. She is a black model, and has brown hair and green-brown eyes.

It may sound like quite a bit, but Tyra actually charges $30,000 for each fashion show that she does. Some have estimated her worth at $8.8 million.

This professional model started her career her senior year at Immaculate Heart High School. Previously she had been turned down by four other modeling agencies before she signed on with Elite. Her modeling career began in Europe, which helped her get accustomed to the modeling industry.

When she was 23, just six years after beginning her modeling career, Tyra became the first African American model to appear on the front covers of GQ, Victoria's Secret catalog, and the swimsuit issue of Sports Illustrated.

Tyra's modeling agency is IMG-New York, her residency is also in New York, where she has an apartment.

In 2006, she was being scrutinized by the media and public because she had gained about 30 pounds since being on the cover of Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.

Since then though, it has been reported that Tyra has lost over 30 pounds. Did you know that this wasn't the only time when Tyra lost weight?

When Tyra was just eleven years old, in one year she lost 30 pounds and also grew 4 inches taller.

There are a number of shows that Tyra is known for, these include the Tyra Banks Show, MTV's America's Next Top Model.

The popular Tyra Banks Show has topics and issues that women deal with.

Tyra's film career has earned her four award nominations including one Daytime Emmy nomination and three Teen Choice Awards. She has also appeared in other movies and shows including:

American Dreams
Life Size
Coyote Ugly
Mad TV
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Tyra has also appeared in music videos for Michael Jackson, George Michael, and Tina Turner. And for America's Next Top Model, Tyra even sings the Top Model theme song!

Feel free to take a look at the gallery below, and see photos of Tyra's supermodel career.