Trivia

Until season 4 of Top Model USA (2003), she would spend an hour with every girl who got kicked off the show, talking with them in private. The producers asked her to stop this.

As a model, she had the following restrictions: - No Frontal Nudity - No Birds - No Cats - No Fish - No Cigarettes - No Alcohol.

Does not drink alcohol.

One of only four African Americans and seven women to have repeatedly ranked among the world's most influential people by Time magazine.

Claims that her career was difficult in part because of a rivalry with another black top model, Naomi Campbell. Banks has said that Campbell, who was more famous, would get her thrown off of fashion shows.

Her friends used to call her "The Black Widow" because she used to break up with men she was dating before they would break up with her.

Says her favorite cycle of Top Model USA (2003) is Cycle 1, because the girls did not know what to expect.

Within Banks' first week in Paris, other designers were so entranced by her presence on the runway that she was booked for an unprecedented 25 shows--a record in the business for a newcomer.

First African-American model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated's swimsuit edition (Winter 1997). She was captured in a red/pink polka dot bikini by Australian photographer Russel James for the issue that went on to become one of the best-selling covers ever for the magazine.

The first African-American model to appear on the cover of the Victoria's Secret catalog.

Her mother, Carolyn London, is a professional photographer, and worked as her manager.

Attended Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, California, a popular Catholic girls' school, where she claims that her classmates made fun of her because of her height and weight.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated her earnings for the year at $18 million.

Received a diploma from Harvard Business School's Executive Education Program [Februay 23, 2012].

The first African-American model to appear on the cover of GQ magazine.

Created TZONE, a leadership and life skills development program for primarily disadvantaged teen girls in the greater Los Angeles area. As of 2005, more than 240 girls have gone through the program.

She and Naomi Campbell reconciled on her talk show, The Tyra Banks Show (2005) (November 2005).

While a high school student, Tyra applied to five colleges with the intention of majoring in film and television production.

Dropped out of Loyola University, at age 17, to pursue modeling.

Is allergic to dogs.

To promote the new season of her talk show, Tyra stripped down to a bodysuit to say that her new season is going to be about "celebrating inner and outer beauty". Tyra has always spoken about women's body images and the media's scrutiny of female beauty. She was given a 'Do Something' Award for a celebrity who is doing something good in the world of style.

Godmother of Kimora Lee Simmons's and Russell Simmons's daughter Ming Lee

She has been an advocate against racism in Hollywood.

Her brother Devin's ex-wife and children appeared on an episode of Top Model USA (2003) when the models are in Japan.

Signed with Elite Model Management her senior year of high school.

Served as maid of honor at the wedding of best friend Kimora Lee Simmons to Russell Simmons

Was in a relationship with Erik Asla from 2013 to 2017. They have a son together, York Banks Asla (b. January 27, 2016).

When she was eleven, she grew four inches and lost 30 pounds.

Her parents, Carolyn London and Don Banks, divorced when she was six years old.

She was raised in Inglewood, California with her brother Devin, and attended Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girl, independent Catholic private school in Los Angeles.

In 1994, she started the Tyra Banks Scholarship.

Played as herself in the 1996 Nike commercials with basketball star Penny Hardaway and "Little Penny" Hardaway (voice of Chris Rock).

Grew up in Inglewood, California.

Was accepted to UCLA and USC.

Has ended her four-year relationship with banker John Utendahl [December 13, 2011].

Childhood friend of Kenya Barris, co-creator with Ken Mok and her, of Top Model USA (2003).

Friends with Steve Harvey, Heidi Klum, Will Smith, Rebecca Romijn, Paulina Porizkova, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Has an older brother named Devin.

Wore braces for two and a half years to straighten her teeth.

Her first name is Danish, and traces back to the Viking era.

Started a singing career with the song "Shake Ya Body", introduced on her show Top Model USA (2003).

Chosen by FTC Publications Class-Elite Magazine (USA) as "The Role Model for Models" [2007].

Childhood friend of Kenya Barris.

Has said that if she wasn't modeling, she would be a full-time actress or start an Ice Cream company.

Named one of the "50 Most Beautiful People in the World" by people magazine.(1994)

Was named "Woman of the Year" for 2000 by Sports Illustrated.

One of only two people to ever receive the editor's copy of the FTC Publications International Model's Guide. The other was Naomi Campbell.

Attending Harvard Business School [January 1, 2012].

Her mother Carolyn London is her best friend.

As of February 2007, cites Heroes (2006) as her favorite TV show, and her favorite Heroes character as Hiro, played by Masi Oka.