Tyson Beckford

From fashion icon to reality TV royalty, Tyson Beckford continues to reign with timeless style, quiet strength, and unmatched charisma—proving that true kings evolve but never step down.

There are icons, and then there are those that redefine what it means to lead—with grace, grit, and groundbreaking presence. Tyson Beckford is the latter—a man who didn’t just define a generation in fashion but reigned over it. As the first Black man to become the face of Ralph Lauren Polo, Beckford shattered industry norms, blazed a trail through glass ceilings, and forever changed the global standards of beauty.

But his impact transcends the runway. His presence is cultural, ushering in a new era of representation and possibility—not just for fashion but for how the world sees Black masculinity, elegance, and strength. And now Beckford enters a new realm of influence as he returns to our screens in Kings Court, a bold and refreshingly intimate reality series premiering on Bravo.

The show pulls back the curtain on the heart of a gentleman. Each episode follows a group of distinguished kings as they embark on meaningful, adventurous dates—a journey not just to find love but to foster real connection. From haute couture to heartfelt conversations, Beckford proves that his reign is far from over.

Still commanding the crown, still redefining what it means to be a man of style, substance, and sincerity…ladies and gentlemen, the king has returned.

BY: BIANCA CHARDEI

MONARCH: So let’s explore…. How did you get involved with the show, Kings Court?
TYSON BECKFORD: Let me tell you, these people were persistent. They kept calling me and my manager. Bethann Hardison was like, “What is going on? Who are these people?”

You know, we tried to figure it out.

MONARCH: We’ve had the honor of featuring her before. She’s a legend.
TYSON BECKFORD: Yes! The dynamic duo that we are. When this came about—literally, no lie—I turned it down four times.

MONARCH: Why?
TYSON BECKFORD: Well, first I misunderstood. I thought they wanted me to host. I was like, “I could do that.” But when they said, “No, we want you to be one of the kings,” I was like, “Oh hell no!” I wasn’t doing that. because I look at all these other dating shows, and I was like, “Nah.” I’m very private about who I date and who I let into my space. You have to protect your energy, especially with all the rumors out there. I’ve heard it all: “He’s gay”; “He only dates white girls.” How can I be gay and only like white girls? That doesn’t even make sense. I went from being the masculine Bronx kid with Jamaican roots to people questioning everything. It was all just hate, and most of those folks aren’t even relevant anymore, mentally or otherwise.

MONARCH: Let’s bring it back to Kings Court. You don’t strike me as someone who has trouble finding love.
TYSON BECKFORD: I really don’t. That’s why I was hesitant. I was like, “Why am I doing a dating show? I don’t need help finding a woman.” But finding love—that’s a different thing. And I didn’t think a TV producer could figure me out. Only I can. Or maybe my mom.

I don’t do dating apps. I’d rather meet someone organically—grocery store, dealership, wherever. But the show kept coming back, and they even offered to tailor the women to my taste, so “Okay, let me try it.” They sent me Queens Court to watch. It made me laugh. I said, “If I’m going to do this, I’m going to make Kings Court better.” And when I saw who else was involved—Will Packer, Bravo, NBC—it felt right. NBC has always been good to me. The concept felt fresh, and knowing Bravo was coming on board gave me confidence. I’ve worked with them before. And with Will Packer involved, I knew it was going to be quality. It felt like fewer cons than pros, and I just said, “Let’s go.”

MONARCH: How did you feel about being emotionally vulnerable on the show?
TYSON BECKFORD: That was hard. I’m emotional when it comes to love. I’m not afraid to cry. But I wasn’t used to showing it to the world. Growing up, I was bullied for my looks, teased. That’s why I got into martial arts and fitness—self-defense, confidence. This show taught me a lot. I learned how to spot red flags, how to protect my energy, how to walk away from pointless battles. I used to fight. Now I walk away when it’s not worth it. It helped me mature.

MONARCH: What do you want viewers to take away from Kings Court?
TYSON BECKFORD: That beauty is only skin deep. Ask the tough questions. Be real. If you’ve got a secret, share it early, especially when dating someone in the spotlight; don’t let them be blindsided. I’ve learned how to see who’s real and who’s there for clout.

MONARCH: Let’s talk about what makes a woman Tyson Beckford’s queen.
TYSON BECKFORD: First, I have to be attracted to her— physically, spiritually, emotionally. After that, personality, sense of humor, adventure, trust. Then comes kindness, humility, and adaptability; like if I say we’re taking the train instead of the Lambo, she’s down. Ride or die—that’s what I’m looking for.

MONARCH: You look great and haven’t aged a day. What is your regimen?
TYSON BECKFORD: I try. I don’t smoke, don’t drink, barely party. I eat organic, no processed foods. I’m in bed early, up at 7 a.m. And I train daily—calisthenics, gym time, jump rope.

MONARCH: I’ve heard you speak about your spirituality.
TYSON BECKFORD: I absolutely am. I don’t need to be in a church to be spiritual. I read the Bible, the Quran, study Buddhism, Hinduism. My family is religiously diverse. Spirituality is in me; I talk to God every day. It’s a lifestyle, not a Sunday activity.

MONARCH: Now let’s reflect. What was it like being the first Black face of Ralph Lauren Polo?
TYSON BECKFORD: At first I didn’t get it. But within a year, it hit me. I had legends around me—Bethann Hardison, Iman—guiding me. That pushed me to be great. I kept a clean image, stayed out of trouble. I knew the weight of what I represented. As a Black man, I couldn’t mess it up. I stood on business, stayed humble, and minded my own. That’s how I lasted.

MONARCH: So when people think of Tyson Beckford, what do you hope they remember?
TYSON BECKFORD: That I was a distinguished gentleman. That I respected women. Every woman I’ve dated told me the same thing: I was always a gentleman. I was raised by women—sisters, grandmothers, aunts. That taught me everything. I want to be remembered for that respect and love I gave to women.

MONARCH: That’s powerful. Tyson, we’re excited for you—for your journey, your love story, and this new chapter. We’ll be watching Kings Court and cheering you on. And when that wedding happens, Monarch wants the exclusive!
TYSON BECKFORD: [Laughs] I’ll think about it. Maybe I’ll tell you all about the wedding without revealing her identity. If you value something, you put it in the safe.

MONARCH: Amen to that. Tyson, thank you for your time and energy. Let’s do this again soon.