Subject(s): Tyra Banks Format: 5.5 x 7 printed color photo autograph reprint. Origin: Original promo publicity photo. Not a reproduction. Program Title: N/A Condition: Like new Comments: "Tamkin Color" printed on reverse side. Tyra Lynne Banks (born December 4, 1973) is an American television personality, producer, businesswoman, actress, author, former model and occasional singer. Born in Inglewood, California, she began her career as a model at age 15, and was the first African American woman to be featured on the covers of GQ and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, on which she appeared twice. She was a Victoria's Secret Angel from 1997 to 2005. By the early 2000s, Banks was one of the top-earning models in the world.