Tyra Banks is creator, executive producer and judge of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL. She is also the founder of Bankable Productions.

Banks began her modeling career in Europe and has evolved into a groundbreaking, international fashion icon. Over the course of her career, Banks became the first African-American model to grace the covers of both GQ and Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue, as well as the Victoria's Secret catalog. The recipient of the prestigious Michael Award for "Supermodel of the Year," Banks subsequently extended her relationship with Victoria's Secret by signing an exclusive modeling and cosmetics contract with the company. Additionally, she was the face of Cover Girl for five years.

Banks can also be seen on her new talk show, "The Tyra Banks Show," in fall 2005. The five-day-a-week program is designed to entertain and offer the "every-woman" insight into the issues facing young women today. Banks began her television career as an actress with a recurring role in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," opposite Will Smith. In addition, Banks secured a deal with "The Oprah Winfrey Show," appearing in a series of shows with Oprah over two seasons.

Banks' film experience includes leading roles in John Singleton's "Higher Learning" and Jerry Bruckheimer's "Coyote Ugly." Recently, she starred in the television movie "Life Size."

Banks is also known for her dedication to today's youth. In 1992, she established "The Tyra Banks Scholarship," a fund that grants African-American girls the opportunity to attend her alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School, an all-girls private school in the Los Angeles area. Banks expanded her outreach in July 2000 when her self-funded charitable foundation sponsored the first year of TZONE, an annual summer camp experience for teenage girls designed to enhance independence and self-esteem. After writing Tyra's Beauty Inside & Out, published by HarperCollins, Banks realized that the trials she overcame as a teen could be used to connect with girls who struggle with self-esteem issues.

To get the full scoop on Tyra, check out her brand new website, www.tyrabanks.com.

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