Jake Miller
Tonya Renee Banks is an American actress, stuntwoman, and entrepreneur. She has been in the entertainment industry for over three decades, with appearances in television shows such as Martin and Ally McBeal, as well as films like Death to Smoochy and Bad Santa. Banks also runs a production company, has her own wine line, and designs activewear for women of all sizes. In 2020, she published an autobiography, adding author to her list of accomplishments. While there were rumours that Banks had suffered a stroke, it was later revealed that it was her co-star Christy McGinity Gibel who had experienced a mini-stroke during neck surgery.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tonya Renee Banks |
| Date of Birth | 6 or 7 July 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Carson, California, USA |
| Occupation | Actress, Stuntwoman, Reality TV Star, Entrepreneur |
| Notable Works | Death to Smoochy, Bad Santa, Little Women: LA, The Internship Games |
| Health Issues | Bell's Palsy |
| Net Worth | $1 million (as of 2020) or $2 million |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Tonya Renee Banks' diagnosis of Bell's palsy
There were rumours that Tonya Renee Banks had a stroke. However, this was not true. Instead, the actress and stuntwoman, best known for her role on *Little Women: LA*, revealed that she had been diagnosed with Bell's palsy. This condition temporarily paralyses one side of the face. In season 6 of the show, fans noticed Banks wearing an eye patch, leading to speculation about her health. Although she did not reveal the outcome, she did not wear the patch in subsequent episodes, indicating that she had recovered.
Banks has been in the entertainment industry for over three decades, joining in 1984. She has appeared in several television series and movies, including *Death to Smoochy*, *Bad Santa*, and *The Internship Games*. She is also known for her entrepreneurial ventures, including a wine line and an activewear line.
Bell's palsy is a form of temporary facial paralysis resulting from damage or trauma to the facial nerves. It can cause an inability to control the facial muscles on the affected side, leading to drooping or paralysis of the eye or mouth. The condition can develop suddenly and typically reaches its peak within 48 hours. Most people with Bell's palsy recover fully, with or without treatment. However, some may experience permanent facial weakness or other complications.
Banks has not disclosed many details about her diagnosis or treatment journey. It is unclear how long she experienced symptoms or what specific challenges she faced. However, her decision to stop wearing the eye patch suggests that she has made a positive recovery.
Despite her health challenges, Banks continues to pursue her career in Hollywood and her entrepreneurial endeavours. She has demonstrated resilience and determination in both acting and business, breaking barriers and earning the respect and affection of many fans and peers.
US Bank Stadium: Home of the Vikings in Minneapolis
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her career in Hollywood
Beginning her career in Hollywood in 1984, Tonya Renee Banks worked as an actress and stuntwoman. She is known for her appearances in several films, including Death to Smoochy (2002), We in This Together, and Bad Santa (2003). She also starred in The Internship Games (2015), becoming the first woman with dwarfism to take on a leading role in a film.
Banks has also appeared in several TV shows, including Ally McBeal, Martin, and The Hughleys. She is also known for her role in the groundbreaking reality TV show Little Women: LA, which documented the lives and relationships of several little people working in the entertainment industry in LA. Banks has also made history as the first black little person to win an Academy Award.
In addition to her acting career, Banks is also a successful entrepreneur. She owns an activewear store, Lil Bossy Lady, which provides clothing for women of small and average body sizes. She also owns a wine shop called L’Tonya Renee Red Blend Wine and has her own production company, One Bossey Productions LLC, where she serves as CEO. Banks has also authored a book, titled It's Not What You're Called, It's What You Answer To.
Banks has proven that resilience and ambition can break barriers in both entertainment and business. Her success in acting, fashion, and wine showcases her determination and creativity. She has also been recognised for her work in increasing the visibility of little people on screen and has spoken out about the difficulties she has faced as one of the first black actresses with dwarfism in Hollywood.
Santander Banks: Florida Locations and Services
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her relationship with Kerwin Johnson
Tonya Renee Banks had an on-and-off relationship with Kerwin Johnson for around 30 years. They first started dating in 1987 and have a daughter together, Angelique Johnson, born on February 7, 1992. Angelique earned a master's degree from Cal State University, Fullerton, in 2017. Interestingly, Angelique is not a little person.
Tonya and Kerwin split up in 1997, but they rekindled their romance in 2006 when he returned to California and joined the cast of Little Women: LA. In the season 6 finale, Kerwin proposed, and the couple got engaged. However, in the season 7 premiere, Tonya revealed that she and Kerwin were no longer together, and she returned her engagement ring.
During a sneak peek of season 7, Tonya told her castmates that she felt conflicted about ending the relationship. She was seen telling Kerwin that she didn't want him to leave, but he replied, "This is my life you're f with." Despite her emotions, Tonya eventually said her final goodbye to the relationship.
Following her breakup with Kerwin, Tonya dated someone named Jaa, but this relationship didn't last long as Jaa was also seeing another woman.
Banking on Greek Islands: ATM Access Explored
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her entrepreneurial activities
While Tonya Renee Banks is best known for her acting career, she has also proven to be a successful entrepreneur. In addition to her television and film work, Banks has ventured into various businesses, including wine, fashion, and production.
One of her notable entrepreneurial endeavours is her wine line, L'Tonya Renee Red Blend Wine. Banks entered the wine industry, showcasing her interest in viticulture and oenology. She faced some challenges with the launch of her wine line, as her colleague, Terra Jole, launched a competing wine line shortly after. Despite this, Banks continued to promote her wine brand and establish herself in the wine business.
Banks also demonstrates her entrepreneurial spirit in the fashion industry with her activewear line, Lil Boss Body Activewear. This fashion venture stems from her passion for providing clothing for women of all body sizes, especially those with small and average body types. Through Lil Boss Body Activewear, Banks aims to empower women and promote inclusivity in fashion.
In addition to wine and fashion, Banks has also established her own production company, One Bossey Productions LLC. As a seasoned actress, she brings her industry experience and expertise to the production side of entertainment. By founding her production company, Banks expands her creative influence and contributes to shaping the narratives we see on screen.
Beyond her business pursuits, Banks is also a published author. In 2020, she released her autobiography, titled "It's Not What You're Called, It's What You Answer To." Through her book, Banks offers readers a glimpse into her life experiences, including her journey in the entertainment industry and the challenges she has overcome. The book exemplifies her resilience and determination, inspiring others to persevere and succeed in their endeavours.
The UK's Bank Vole Population: Is It Endangered?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Her time on Little Women: LA
There were rumours that Tonya Renee Banks had a stroke, but these were false. Instead, it was her co-star Christy McGinity Gibel who had a mini-stroke during neck surgery.
Tonya Renee Banks is a main cast member of the Lifetime series Little Women: LA. She has been an actress for over three decades and has also worked as a stuntwoman. She was born in Carson, California, in 1964 and entered the entertainment industry in 1984, taking on minor roles in television shows and movies. She has appeared in Death to Smoochy, Bad Santa, and The Internship Games, where she became the first little person to be a female lead in a movie. She has also had guest roles in the sitcoms Martin and Ally McBeal.
Banks has been in a long-term, on-again-off-again relationship with Kerwin Johnson, with whom she shares a daughter, Angelique Johnson, born in 1992. In season 6 of Little Women: LA, Banks and Johnson got engaged, but they called off the engagement during the season 7 premiere. Johnson proposed again during the season 6 finale, but the couple never married. In season 7, Banks revealed that she and Johnson were no longer together, and she moved on to date someone else. However, Johnson was dating another woman.
In addition to her acting career, Banks is also an entrepreneur. She runs a production company called One Bossey Productions LLC and has a wine line called L'Tonya Renee Red Blend Wine. She also has an activewear line called Lil Boss Body Activewear, which provides clothing for women of average and small stature.
During season 6 of Little Women: LA, fans noticed that Banks was wearing an eye patch and wondered what had happened to her. She later revealed that she had been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a condition that temporarily paralyses one side of the face.
SunTrust Banks: Charleston Locations
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Tonya Renee Banks did not have a stroke. However, she did reveal that she had been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, a condition that temporarily paralyses one side of the face.
Tonya Renee Banks is a renowned American-African actress and stuntwoman in the industry for over three decades. She is famous for being a member of the Lifeline series Little Women: LA and has also appeared in several films, including Death to Smoochy, Bad Santa, and The Internship Games.
Apart from her acting career, Tonya Renee Banks is also an entrepreneur. She runs a production company called One Bossey Productions LLC and has a wine line called L'Tonya Renee Red Blend Wine. She also has an activewear line named Lil Boss Body Activewear, which provides clothing for women of small and average stature.
