Meet Tyson Beckford’s Parents: Hillary Dixon Hall and Lloyd Beckford

Tyson Beckford is widely regarded as one of the most influential male supermodels in fashion history.

Born Tyson Craig Beckford on December 19, 1970, in The Bronx, New York City, he is an American supermodel and actor whose rise to prominence marked a turning point in the representation of men of colour in the fashion industry.

Beckford’s heritage is a rich and diverse blend of Afro-Jamaican, Chinese-Jamaican, and Panamanian ancestry. His mother, Hillary Dixon Hall, is of Chinese-Jamaican descent, while his father, Lloyd Beckford, is Afro-Jamaican with Panamanian roots.

Shortly after Tyson’s birth, the family relocated to Jamaica, where he spent the first seven years of his childhood, fostering a deep connection to his Jamaican culture. The family later returned to the United States, settling in Rochester, New York.

Growing up, Tyson was raised alongside his older brother, Patrick Beckford, who tragically lost his life during a robbery—an event that profoundly impacted the family. Though specific details about his religious upbringing are not publicly known, Tyson‘s early life was shaped by strong cultural influences and a multicultural environment.

He attended Pittsford Mendon High School, where he faced teasing over his distinct appearance but found confidence through sports, particularly football and track.

Tyson Beckford’s path to stardom began when he was discovered by a talent scout in the early 1990s. In 1993, he made history as the first Black male model to sign an exclusive contract with Ralph Lauren, becoming the face of the Polo Ralph Lauren brand. His striking features, charismatic presence, and unique heritage helped redefine male beauty standards in the fashion world.

Beyond modelling, Beckford has enjoyed a successful entertainment career, appearing in films such as Zoolander and Into the Blue, and serving as a television personality and fashion icon. His success stands as a testament to resilience, representation, and the influence of his culturally rich upbringing.

Hillary Dixon Hall

Hillary Dixon Hall, also known as Hillary Beckford, is the mother of renowned supermodel and actor Tyson Beckford. Of Chinese and Jamaican descent, Hillary represents a rich cultural heritage that played a significant role in shaping her son’s distinctive appearance and identity.

Her lineage traces back to 19th-century Chinese immigrants who arrived in Jamaica as indentured labourers and integrated with local communities, forming a unique Chinese-Jamaican cultural blend that continues to influence generations.

Although the mother of a global icon, Hillary has consistently chosen a life of privacy. She maintains no presence on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, and rarely appears in the public eye. Notably, she attended Olympus Fashion Week Fall 2005 alongside Tyson and her husband, but public appearances since then have been minimal.

Hillary‘s influence on Tyson extends far beyond genetics. After his birth on December 19, 1970, in The Bronx, New York, she made the pivotal decision to relocate the family to Jamaica.

Tyson spent his formative years—seven in total—immersed in the island’s culture before returning to the United States and settling in Rochester, New York. This period profoundly impacted his identity and outlook, grounding him in his Jamaican heritage and instilling a sense of cultural pride and resilience.

Hillary is also the mother of Tyson’s late brother, Patrick Beckford, who was tragically killed during a robbery involving his jewelry. Despite the devastating loss, Hillary has remained a steady and supportive figure in Tyson’s life, guiding him through his rise to fame and embracing her role as a grandmother to Tyson’s son, Jordan Beckford.

Lloyd Beckford

Lloyd Beckford, Tyson Beckford’s father, adds another layer of cultural depth to the family’s heritage. Born in Panama to parents of Jamaican and Chinese-Jamaican descent, Lloyd embodies the rich, multicultural legacy of the Caribbean diaspora.

His Afro-Jamaican and Chinese roots, combined with his Panamanian nationality, have contributed to Tyson’s uniquely striking features—a blend that has often been credited as a key element of his standout appeal in the modelling world.

Like his wife, Lloyd has largely chosen to live outside the public eye, and little is publicly known about his personal or professional life. However, his role in shaping Tyson’s upbringing is significant.

He supported the family’s relocation to Jamaica shortly after Tyson’s birth and later their move to Rochester, New York. This journey ensured that Tyson experienced a broad cultural spectrum from a young age.

Lloyd’s quiet but steadfast presence helped cultivate the values of discipline and determination in Tyson, who faced ridicule during his high school years at Pittsford Mendon High School due to his unconventional looks. These early challenges only strengthened Tyson’s resolve—a resilience rooted in the cultural pride and support instilled by his parents.

Lloyd’s legacy is reflected in Tyson’s professional journey. As the first Black male model to sign an exclusive contract with Ralph Lauren in 1993, Tyson broke industry barriers and set new standards in the fashion industry.