Tyra Banks is back in the headlines after appearing in Netflix's newest documentary, Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model. In it, the 52-year-old model discussed her 15 years on the reality competition show and its long lasting implications on its competitors.
While Tyra was frank about her involvement in America's Next Top Model, she didn't share much information about her life outside the show.
At the height of her career, Tyra was considered one of the elite supermodels along with the likes of Heidi Klum and Adriana Lima. Away from her 30-plus-year career, however, she's also a proud mom.
The actress and talk show host is a mother-of-one to her son, York, whom she shares with her ex-partner, Erik Asla.
Tyra prefers to keep her family life away from the spotlight and rarely shows photos of her eight-year-old on social media. But from what HELLO! has seen, it seems little York is a total mini-me of his famous mom and could even be a model in the making.
Who is Tyra Banks' son?
In 2016, Tyra and her then-boyfriend Erik, a renowned Norwegian photographer, welcomed their son York Banks Asla via surrogate.
York was born in January, and, at the time, they released a statement sharing their wonderful news with the world: "The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here. He's got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik's mouth and chin."
The statement continued: "As we thank the angel of a woman who carried our miracle baby boy for us, we pray for everyone who struggles to reach this joyous milestone. York Banks Asla, welcome to the world."
© Michael BucknerTyra has been open about her fertility struggles in the past which meant she and Erik eventually used surrogacy as their route to parenthood. "The journey to now has not been an easy process, as I've shared before," she told People. "But there was a beautiful bright light at the end of the tunnel for me and his father, Erik."
The former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star added: "I think about all the people who struggle with fertility or carrying a child and continue to pray for them every day. My hopes and dreams are filled with well wishes that they get to feel what my little treasure, York Banks Asla, feels like in my arms."
Tyra and Erik split in 2017. The ANTM host is in a long-term relationship with boyfriend Louis Bélanger-Martin, a Canadian businessman she was first linked to in 2018.
Ultra-rare photos of Tyra Banks' mini-me model son
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© John Photography/ShutterstockModel in the making?
Although York certainly has been blessed with the genetics to be a model, it seems Tyra is less keen for her son to follow in her footsteps.
Speaking during the season 13 premiere of America's Got Talent, Tyra said previously: "I wouldn't love for him to model, but I wouldn't tell him, 'Don't do it,' because then he'd do it more. I'm going to support what he wants and just hope it's not modeling! But if it is, I'll be telling him how to smize."
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© Instagram/Tyra BanksYork is just like his mom
This photo was shared on social media but Tyra was careful not to show little York's face.
Tyra's son has clearly taken after his parents, standing tall like his 5'10" mom.
In 2020, while competing on Dancing With The Stars, Tyra opened up about juggling mom life with her career. She told People at the time: "Coming home to him makes it all worth it. If it's late, I'll get into bed and cuddle with him."
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© Instagram/TyraBanksTyra values mother-son time
This adorable photo was shared by Tyra back in 2021 showing her and York spending some quality time at the aquarium.
The mom-of-one wrote on Instagram: "One thing in the future I am looking forward to is adventures with my son. My lil' guy loves the aquarium. To my parents out there, what's your favorite activity that you can't wait to get back to doing with your little ones?!"
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© Instagram/@erikaslaTyra is a proud co-parent
Erik shared this photo to his Instagram of York climbing the frames at the play park. Although Erik and Tyra called things off in October 2017, the split was reportedly amicable and the pair continue to co-parent their son.
The model also gets help from her mom, Carolyn London, who moved in with Tyra after York was born. "It feels like the most natural thing," Tyra told People about her mom's decision. "Human beings are pack animals, so it's strength in numbers. And it is such a blessing."
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© InstagramYork speaks three languages
Tyra opened up on America's Got Talent about her son's very own talents. The model explained: "He speaks Spanish, Norwegian and English. He's a smart one — but he's still crazy and damn near rolling on the floor and not listening to me most of the time!"
While only five million people speak Norwegian across the world, York takes after his dad, who was born in Norway.
