Tyson Beckford is a prominent name in the world of fashion and modelling. Born in the United States, Beckford became one of the most successful models of his generation. With his good looks and charming personality, he not only established himself in the industry but also paved the way for future models of colour.
Besides modelling, Beckford is into acting and also hosted two seasons of the popular reality show Make Me A Supermodel. In the modelling world, he is best known for his work as a model for Ralph Lauren.
Due to Beckford’s growing popularity, people often search for his life history, career, and other details related to the model. If you want to know more about him, give this post a read.
Early Life
Tyson Beckford was born on 19th December 1970, in Rochester, New York. His mother Hillary Dixon Hall, is of Jamaican descent, while his father Llyod Beckford has Chinese-Jamaican roots.
Though Beckford was born in New York, he spent the first seven years of his life in Jamaica. During his time in Jamaica, he experienced Jamaican culture which he still holds dear today. After settling in New York, Beckford had to cope with the challenges of urban life. Due to his distinctive appearance, he often fell victim to bullying. However, he didn’t let that shatter his confidence.
As per online sources, Beckford attended Pittsford Mendon High School in Rochester, New York, where he was an active athlete. He stood out due to his tall, muscular build and good looks. However, his journey to fame wasn’t immediate.
Career
Tyson Beckford’s rise to fame began in 1992 when he was discovered by a talent scout for the magazine The Source. He was picked because of his unique look, which eventually landed him in the modelling industry. However, it was Ralph Lauren’s Polo line that catapulted him to international stardom.
In 1993, Beckford became the face of Ralph Lauren’s Polo men’s sportswear line. His work with the brand helped him secure his position as one of the top male models in the industry. His muscular physique, chiselled face, and ability to connect with the camera set him apart from other male models. Additionally, he had an impeccable presence on the runway.
Apart from Ralph Lauren, Beckford has worked with many other top designers and brands. He also graced the covers of leading fashion magazines, including Details, GQ, and Vogue. He made his film debut in 2001, in the film Zoolander. Fast forward to 2008, he hosted the reality TV show Make Me a Supermodel.
Personal Life
While Tyson Beckford has been in the public eye for much of his career, he has managed to keep his personal life private. Beckford has a son named Jordan, whom he had with his former partner, April Roomet. In 2005, Beckford had a serious car accident. However, he was lucky enough to survive the crash, but his truck caught fire, which left him with burns and other injuries.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Tyson Beckford’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. His wealth is generated through his successful modelling career, and acting roles. In addition to modelling, Beckford has invested in various ventures over the years, including fitness and wellness-related projects.