Tyra Banks is renowned for her iconic modeling career, dominating runways and magazine covers globally. However, in a revealing episode of TV One’s Uncensored, she shared the pivotal moment that transitioned her from the fashion world to the silver screen: her appearance on the June 1993 cover of ESSENCE magazine. This cover wasn’t just another milestone in her flourishing modeling journey; it was the catalyst that led to her role in John Singleton’s critically acclaimed 1995 film, Higher Learning.
Banks recounted on Uncensored how ESSENCE magazine, a publication deeply cherished in her family home, reached out to her Paris-based agent with a cover request. Despite her international modeling success, gracing the cover of ESSENCE held profound personal significance. It was the magazine she grew up seeing in her mother’s space, a constant presence throughout her life.
Tyra Banks June 1993 Essence Magazine Cover, a pivotal moment that launched her acting career in Higher Learning.
This very ESSENCE cover caught the eye of director John Singleton’s publicist, who recognized Banks’ potential for Singleton’s upcoming project. This serendipitous moment led to an audition in Los Angeles, where Singleton himself was impressed by Banks’ reading of the script. As Banks recalls, Singleton exclaimed, “Dang! You can act…” and just like that, she secured her role in Higher Learning.
In Higher Learning, Tyra Banks portrayed Deja, a character navigating the complexities of university life alongside a diverse group of freshmen. The film, exploring themes of race, identity, and social issues on a college campus, became a cult classic. Higher Learning not only solidified Banks’ entry into acting but also garnered critical acclaim, including an NAACP Image Award for Laurence Fishburne for his supporting role. This marked a significant chapter in Tyra Banks’ career, demonstrating her versatility and solidifying her status as a multi-talented icon, all sparked by the power of an ESSENCE cover and the vision of John Singleton.
