"It's funny, having gone to Yale, it always came in handy because as a model everyone assumes you're a complete idiot." Complex.com
Joy has repped such brands as Ralph Lauren, Gap, and CoverGirl, and has found success as an actress as well. She's had notable roles in Antwone Fisher, Get Rich or Die Tryin', and many other films.
Residence: Glendora, CA, US
Hometown: The Bronx, NY, US
Height: 5'9"
Eye Color: Brown
Date of Birth: October 18, 1976
Agency:
Next
Campaigns:
Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Gap
Charities:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
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Born October 19, 1976 in the Bronx, New York, Joy Bryant was raised by her grandmother to believe she could achieve anything she wanted, regardless of where she came from. The confidence her grandma instilled in her undoubtedly had a thing or two to do with her ascent. Starting with a full scholarship to Westminster High School in Connecticut and then a full ride to Yale, Joy once thought she would be working on Wall Street. But when a scout from Next Model Management spotted her on campus, she was soon off to Paris to take on the fashion world.
Paris brought many successes for Joy. She credits her Yale experience with her survival of Europe's fashion and social scenes. Soon she was featured as a rising star in the November 2002 issue of Elle, and landed major contracts with Tommy Hilfiger, CoverGirl, Gap, and Ralph Lauren.
Not only did Joy find success as a model, she found it as an actress as well. After making her debut in Carmen: A Hip Hopera for MTV in 2001, she garnered notable roles in Antwone Fisher, Get Rich or Die Tryin', and many more. In March 2007, Vanity Fair featured her as a promising actress. But she hasn't given up on modeling: Joy made appearances on the cover of Teen Vogue in January 2006 and in British Elle in February 2007.
This avid vegetarian proves that staying grounded and pursuing your dreams is the way to make it big, and has she ever. When she isn't working, Joy surfs and snowboards. She gives back through the program Stoked Mentoring, which helps at-risk youth achieve success through action-sports activities.
