Tyson Beckford is a man of many talents. And now the successful model, actor and producer makes his presenting debut in US hit show, Make Me A Supermodel. The Bronx beauty tells Kay Smith how being pretty doesn’t always get him what he wants…
How did you get involved with Make Me A Supermodel?
I was lucky enough to be able to link with the creators of the programme and express my interest in it. I actually watched the UK’s format for the show first, and I thought it was something that would do really well in the U.S. You Brits should like our version.
Do you come over to the UK a lot then?
I certainly do. I love it over there.
What was the highlight of making the show?
When you see that the models are getting what you’re trying to teach them. It takes time, but seeing it all come together was a great thing to witness.
So you’ve given them a lot of advice throughout the show then?
Yeah, I’ve instructed them on everything – from the way they walk, to how they can deal with being on the road. They do ask me for advice, but not as much as I would have if I’d been given the chance to when I was starting out. But they’re learning, so it’s all good.
And what was the low point for you?
Sending people home I guess, that was never a good feeling.
Was there anyone on the show who you believe was eliminated too soon?
Jacki and Aryn. But then when it’s your time, it’s your time I suppose.
Why do you think audiences in the U.S loved the show so much? Is it because you’re in it?
[Laughs] Well, I think our show has been popular so far because it isn’t so much about the drama, it’s more of an education. It teaches you about the business. Of course, people also just love watching people grow more confident week after week. They can cheer along to the TV and it feels good to see people achieve what they set out to achieve.
Entertainment Weekly described the show as “The first televised aphrodisiac”. What do you think about that?
When I heard that I was like, “Wow, I guess we’re on the right path with this one!” [Laughs] I definitely agree with that.
How does your show compare with America’s Next Top Model?
Well, Tyra’s doing her thing and it’s all healthy competition. Without Tyra doing what she did, I don’t think we’d be able to do what we’re doing now to be honest. She’s opened the road for big business.
Who would you say are the greatest male and female models of all-time?
I’d have to say a young lady by the name of Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss and a guy by the name of Tyson Beckford - yeah, why not?
A bit of self-appreciation never did anyone any harm. But do you think that your looks have hindered you at times?
Definitely for movies! People have often said that I’m too pretty. They’ve also said the same for some ad campaigns. Hey I’m not complaining, but it has hindered me at times.
Have your new tattoos made it more difficult to get work?
No, not at all, people have given me a lot of work since I got them. It shouldn’t be a problem to airbrush them out for photoshoots anyway.
Do you get annoyed when you’re referred to as a ‘top black model’ as opposed to a ‘top model’?
I definitely think that I am bigger than that – so yeah, I guess I do a little bit at times.
What advice do you have for aspiring models?
Work hard, save your money, and have a good manager behind you. It’ll all pay off if you’re good enough.
So you’ve been producing films this year?
Yeah, I’ve produced two! They’ve been around the film festivals and I’m pretty excited about them. The first one is Hotel California, which I also star ub. It’s about three friends who grow up together and get into the cocaine business in LA - it gets pretty crazy! The other one is called Kings Of The Evening. It’s about a man named Homer Hobbs who gets out of jail and is trying to make his way through life during the depression.
And what else is coming up for you?
I want to get into more producing and become a part of the production team for Make Me A Supermodel. I also want to produce new reality TV shows. I’m into recycling, so I’d like to make a show about that.
Finally - I hear you’re supporting Barack Obama?
Yes I am. I believe in all of the issues that he’s brought forward, and I think he has a lot of experience. I’m not looking at it from a black or white perspective, I’m looking at who has the most experience. And because of that Obama is my man!
Catch Make Me A Supermodel on Living on Mondays at 9pm.
