Tyra Banks -- is an American supermodel, television personality,
talk show host, actress, and singer. She first emerged to
prominence on the catwalks of Paris, Milan, London, Tokyo, and New
York, but her work in the commercial world was her breakthrough.
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.
Banks was the first African American woman on the covers of GQ and
the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. In 1997, she received the
Michael Award for Supermodel of the Year. Also in '97, she was
chosen for the cover of the Victoria's Secret catalog, making her
the first African American to be so honored. Banks retired from
modeling in May 2005 to concentrate on her television show. She
walked the runway for the final time at the 2005 Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show.
