Tyra Banks’ Offbeat Television Moments Beyond ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Captivate Fans
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Tyra Banks, a trailblazer in the modeling world and television, has long been known for her groundbreaking role as the first Black woman to grace the covers of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and GQ magazine. Yet beyond her iconic status as the creator and host of America’s Next Top Model, Banks’ career has been peppered with moments on her eponymous talk show that left audiences both amused and bewildered.
One memorable episode from 2008 featured Banks asking actor Robert Pattinson, then riding the wave of Twilight fame, to bite her. The moment, which Banks insisted was serious, ended with her exclaiming, “Oh my God, I got a hickey from Robert! That was no joke. That felt good, too!” The clip remains a viral example of Banks’ unpredictable hosting style.
In another instance, Banks staged a dramatic prank by pretending she had been bitten by a rabid dog. After describing how she was rushed to the hospital and given a rabies shot, she suddenly began foaming at the mouth and barking at audience members, only to reveal it was a joke. The stunt, while bizarre, showcased her flair for theatricality and willingness to push boundaries.
Her show also saw lighter, quirky moments such as a soda-fueled burping contest with singer Kelly Rowland and an awkward, pun-filled interview with Beyoncé, Rowland’s Destiny’s Child bandmate. While Banks claimed Beyoncé “loved” the interview, the singer’s reactions suggested otherwise, adding to the episode’s awkward charm.
Perhaps one of Banks’ most socially conscious yet controversial moments came in 2005 when she donned a “fat suit” to simulate life as a 350-pound woman. According to ABC News, Banks ventured out shopping, took public transportation, and went on blind dates, one of which she described as “outright rude and hurtful.” The episode aimed to highlight the discrimination heavier women face, though it sparked debate about the effectiveness and sensitivity of such experiments.
Her live television experience hasn’t been without hiccups. In 2020, while hosting Dancing With the Stars, Banks mistakenly announced that cheerleading coach Monica Aldama and her partner were safe from elimination when they were actually at risk. She quickly corrected the error on air, attributing the mix-up to the control room, and later tweeted about the challenges of live TV. The incident drew some harsh criticism, with viewers calling for her removal from the show.
Lastly, Banks faced scrutiny over claims about her academic credentials. In 2012, she shared a photo celebrating her graduation from Harvard Business School. However, reports clarified that Banks completed an executive education program rather than a traditional MBA degree. The program awards a certificate of completion and alumni status but is distinct from the full degree program. Banks did not publicly address the ensuing controversy.
Tyra Banks’ television career reflects a blend of pioneering achievements and unpredictable moments that continue to fascinate audiences. Her willingness to experiment with format and content, sometimes courting controversy, underscores her unique place in entertainment history.
For more on celebrity media and television history, visit the Federal Communications Commission and explore Library of Congress archives on broadcast programming.
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