He’s more than just a pretty face. He’s a big fan of Steeler legend Franco Harris. He advises guys to “keep it simple” when it comes to style and not to over-accessorize. He suggests that you get a good agent if you want to get into the modeling or acting business. And, he liked his dessert.
These are just a few things of many that I learned while chatting with supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford at Savoy Restaurant in Pittsburgh.
“This is such a fickle business,” he acknowledged, lamenting upon his successful, now-almost-20-year career.
Despite sometimes facing typecasting and occasionally having to overcome the obstacles of stereotypes, Tyson Beckford has prevailed as an all-star entertainer and jack-of-many-trades!
He started as one of the only male supermodels, strutting his stuff for huge clients including, but not limited to, the fabulous Ralph Lauren. Beckford then transitioned into doing music videos, to films (Zoolander, Biker Boyz, Into the Blue, Pandora’s Box, and more), then on to television (Superbikes, America’s Next Top Model, Running Russell Simmons, I’m a Celebrity….Get Me Out Of Here, My Wife and Kids, and Candy Girls) to hosting his own Bravo show, Make Me a Supermodel.
Now, Tyson is pursuing one of his most challenging – but exciting – feats yet, as he tackles a stage production entitled, “Loving Him is Killing Me.” I asked him how the transition from modeling, to film and TV, to stage played out.
“I was always scared of stage, but I knew that I had to do it. To be serious in this business – in any business – you have to break out of your shell to see what you really are. You have to strip down and be ugly. You have to be yourself to be successful. It is a business of beauty, but within that, you have to break down and show the world who you really are,” he said.
“Stage is very intimidating. I want to show the world I’m not just a pretty face. I get tired of those kind of remarks, and comparisons to Vin Diesel and Tyrese.”
So with his latest endeavor, he’s doing just that.
While Tyson Beckford continues to concentrate on his fitness by staying hydrated and using resistance bands and jump ropes (no weights!) – he is showing off more than his legendary body in his current role. Now, Beckford is showing off his acting chops and continuing to hone in on this part of his skill set as he dazzles audiences as part of “Loving Him is Killing Me” directed by the award-winning playwright, Theo London – which he says has been one of the most rewarding parts of his career thus far.
The play features an all-star cast including Angie Stone, NeNe Leakes, Kenny Lattimore, Christopher Williams, and more. (And, no, reality TV staple NeNe has not given him any attitude, so far, he says.)
The extremely pleasant and down-to-earth, New-Jersey-raised Tyson is currently reading scripts for upcoming film projects as he
is traveling to different cities all over the United States with the stage production. This, he said, is one of the tough parts of living a Hollywood lifestyle. “My only regret concerning my career is that I wish I could spend more time with my kids.” He says that it’s a busy life, but noted that his son and nephew have both followed in his footsteps. He’s helped get some of his family into the business by being a role model in addition to being a supermodel.And a great role model, he is. He’s had so many highlights in his career, that he had trouble choosing just one. “Working on this play has definitely been a highlight. Co-producing a film with Glen Thurman. Getting to work with Ben Stiller, Lawrence Fishbourne. I’ve been blessed. And this is just the beginning!”
We couldn’t agree more – and cannot wait to see what the future holds for Mr. Tyson Beckford, who is DEFINITELY more than just another pretty face.
— by Ashley Marie Boynes
