American model Tyson Brett Ballou was born on November 14, 1976 in Garland, Texas, USA. He began his modelling career appearing in magazines and shows in Texas at the age of fifteen. He is a former basketball player from North Garland High School who was first discovered by Susan Kaleta of Dallas’ Page Parkes modelling agency.

Tyson then modelled in New York under the Ford Modelling Agency, and later signed with International Management Group (IMG), a modelling agency instrumental in the making of successful male models today. His modelling stints included brands such as Giorgio Armani, Versace, Exte, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dolce and Gabbana to name a few.

Ballou has been the face for brands such as jil sander, DKNY, Hugo Boss Sport, Byblos, Moschino, Emporio Armani, Exte Acht, Samsonite, Perry Ellis, BCBG, Valentino Roma and Emporio Armani Fragrance. He also appeared in L’uomo, Vogue, Jalouse, The Face, Harper’s Bazaar, Arena Homme Plus, Visionare, Numero, and W.

In 2012, Ballou earned $425 thousand thanks to his appearance in the ads for H&M, D&G, Salvatore Ferragamo and Calvin Klein.