Tyra Banks is a name synonymous with beauty, brains, and business. From dominating global runways in the ’90s to building a television empire with shows like America’s Next Top Model, her influence on fashion and entertainment is monumental. However, many fans have recently asked, “What happened to Tyra Banks?” Her reduced visibility in mainstream media, sudden career shifts, and changes in appearance have sparked curiosity and speculation across the internet.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Tyra’s transformation, personal and professional evolution, and the many milestones that have marked her fascinating journey. Whether you’ve admired her since her Victoria’s Secret days or are just now discovering her story, understanding what happened to Tyra Banks requires a closer look at her career decisions, media presence, and life beyond the camera. With insightful breakdowns and well-researched facts, this article will answer the web’s burning question: What happened to Tyra Banks?
What happened to Tyra Banks?
Tyra Banks stepped back from the spotlight to focus on personal growth and business ventures. While no longer front and center on television, she remains active behind the scenes, managing beauty brands, launching model mentorships, and exploring digital media. Her departure from some public roles sparked the question, what happened to Tyra Banks? But she’s still thriving—just on her own terms.
What Happened to Tyra Banks? Tracing Her Career Timeline
Tyra Banks launched her modelling career in the early 1990s and quickly became a trailblazer, breaking racial barriers as one of the first Black supermodels to gain global recognition. She graced the runways for iconic fashion houses like Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Victoria’s Secret, securing her status as a fashion icon and household name. As her success in modelling soared, Tyra smoothly transitioned into television. She appeared on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and later created the groundbreaking show America’s Next Top Model in 2003. ANTM redefined reality TV, offering aspiring models a platform while showcasing Tyra’s leadership and brand expertise.
Her influence expanded with The Tyra Banks Show, a daytime talk show that ran for five seasons and earned her two Daytime Emmys. However, by the late 2010s, fans began to notice her reduced visibility in mainstream media. Tyra had gradually stepped back from the spotlight, turning her focus to entrepreneurship, launching a cosmetics line, mentoring young talent, and even teaching a branding course at Stanford University. So, what happened to Tyra Banks? She evolved. Rather than fade away, she chose to redefine her career, shifting from public fame to purpose-driven leadership and business innovation.
Why Did Tyra Banks Leave ‘Dancing With The Stars’?
A Surprising Shake-Up in Hosting
Tyra Banks stepped into the role of host for Dancing With the Stars in 2020, succeeding long-time fan favourite Tom Bergeron. The change immediately stirred strong opinions. Some viewers appreciated her high-energy presence and glamorous, bold fashion choices, while others felt the transition disrupted the familiar rhythm of the show. Her unique personality made headlines, but not all the attention was positive. As the face of the revamped series, she received both praise and criticism in equal measure.
A Shift Toward Entrepreneurship
In 2023, Tyra revealed that she was stepping away from the show to concentrate on her growing business ventures. One of her key projects was SMiZE & Dream, a premium ice cream brand with a mission of self-confidence. Tyra explained that while she appreciated her time with DWTS, she felt the chapter had naturally closed, and it was time to pursue new, more personally meaningful projects.
Seeking Creative Freedom
As an innovator and entrepreneur, Tyra thrives in spaces where she can create freely and explore new ideas. The structured format of Dancing With the Stars began to feel creatively restrictive. She has always followed her passions boldly, and this decision was no different—it was about regaining the freedom to build something of her own.
A Graceful Exit on Her Terms
Although her time on DWTS was often met with mixed reviews and occasional backlash, Tyra’s departure reflects a familiar pattern in her career. She enters the spotlight, redefines expectations, and exits with intention. What happened to Tyra Banks on Dancing With the Stars is simply another example of her fearless evolution and commitment to staying true to her path.
How Has Tyra Banks Transformed Over the Years?
Tyra’s transformation isn’t just physical—it’s professional, emotional, and intellectual too.
- Physical Appearance: Tyra’s changing looks have sparked online chatter, but she’s been open about ageing naturally and embracing her real self.
- Personal Life: She welcomed a son via surrogate in 2016 and has since been focused on motherhood.
- Public Image: Tyra went from supermodel to thought leader, challenging beauty standards.
- Academic Pursuits: Her course at Stanford exemplifies her shift to mentorship and education.
- Social Media Presence: She’s moved from constant visibility to curated content with purpose.
- Business Ventures: From beauty brands to digital content, she’s made significant entrepreneurial strides.
Each transformation stage contributes to the ongoing curiosity about what happened to Tyra Banks.
When Did Tyra Banks Step Away from the Spotlight?
Tyra Banks began gradually stepping back from the public eye around the mid-2010s. In 2015, she officially left America’s Next Top Model, a show she had created and hosted for over a decade. While she made a brief return to the rebooted version of the show and later took on the role of host for Dancing With the Stars, both appearances were temporary. These short-term returns highlighted her transition away from high-profile media roles.
Her move wasn’t abrupt; it was a thoughtful shift from being in front of the camera to taking on more behind-the-scenes positions, such as executive producing and mentoring. She also explored roles in academia, including teaching branding courses at Stanford University. Tyra has spoken openly about her desire for creative control, personal fulfilment, and a better balance between her career and personal life. As a result, she’s now more selective about her public appearances. For those wondering what happened to Tyra Banks, the answer lies in her conscious decision to prioritize passion over publicity.
What’s Tyra Banks Doing Now? A Look at Her Current Projects
Tyra Banks may not be appearing on television as frequently as she once did, but that doesn’t mean she’s disappeared. Her current endeavours showcase an inspiring reinvention. Here’s what Tyra is doing now:
- SMiZE & Dream – Ice Cream with a Purpose: One of Tyra’s most unique ventures is her premium ice cream brand, SMiZE & Dream. Designed to be more than just a sweet treat, the brand encourages self-esteem and joy, staying true to her empowering legacy. Each cup includes a hidden surprise, a nod to her famous “smize” philosophy—smiling with your eyes.
- Mentorship and Model Coaching: Tyra remains deeply connected to the modelling industry. She now spends time mentoring upcoming models and content creators through one-on-one coaching, online seminars, and exclusive workshops, helping them understand branding, presentation, and confidence.
- Selective Media Appearances: While she’s no longer a regular on TV, Tyra still makes occasional media appearances. These are usually in interviews, documentaries, or special features that align with her values and mission of empowerment.
- Philanthropic Work and Advocacy: Tyra is passionate about giving back. She actively supports initiatives that focus on young women’s education, confidence-building, and entrepreneurship. Her participation in charity events and public speaking continues to uplift communities.
- Academic and Literary Aspirations: Having taught at Stanford, Tyra is still referenced in academic circles. She has shared her interest in authoring a book about her journey through business and branding.
Conclusion
What happened to Tyra Banks is not a story of disappearance but one of transformation. Rather than chasing fame, Tyra redirected her path toward building meaningful ventures and inspiring the next generation. She stepped away from the spotlight not out of necessity but by choice—to focus on passion projects like SMiZE & Dream, personal mentorship, and her evolving role as a business leader and educator. Her career reflects the power of reinvention, proving that influence doesn’t require constant visibility. Today, Tyra is thriving in quieter, more purposeful ways. Her legacy continues to grow beyond the runway and television screen, reminding us that true success lies in authenticity, growth, and doing what truly matters.
FAQ’s
Q. Is Tyra Banks still modelling?
A. No, Tyra Banks is no longer actively modelling on runways, but she occasionally participates in photoshoots for campaigns, causes, or brands that align with her values and creative vision.
Q. Why did Tyra Banks leave television?
A. Tyra chose to step away from regular television roles to focus on her entrepreneurial pursuits, invest more time in her family, and dedicate energy toward educational and mentorship-driven projects.
Q. What is SMiZE & Dream?
A. SMiZE & Dream is Tyra Banks’ premium ice cream brand, designed to combine delicious flavors with a fun, confidence-boosting experience—featuring hidden surprises inside each cup.
Q. Is Tyra Banks retired?
A. Tyra Banks hasn’t officially retired. Instead, she’s taken a step back from the spotlight to concentrate on her behind-the-scenes ventures, business strategy, and personal growth.
Q. Will Tyra Banks return to TV?
A. Tyra may return to television in the future, but only if the right opportunity aligns with her goals. For now, she prefers to stay selective and focus on impactful projects.
