Tyra Banks' 'Life-Size' Celebrates 26th Anniversary

The Disney cult classic starring Banks as a doll brought to life has gained a loyal following over the years.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Exactly 26 years ago today, Tyra Banks starred in the Disney TV movie 'Life-Size', which has since gained cult classic status. The film follows a young girl named Casey who accidentally brings her fashion doll, Eve, to life, with Banks playing the cheerful and curious doll navigating the real world. Despite being a TV movie, 'Life-Size' has built a loyal following over the years, becoming a nostalgic staple for a generation of early 2000s kids. The film's message about strength and femininity also resonated with young viewers. After years of unavailability, 'Life-Size' was added to Disney+ in late 2025 with a new HD remaster.

Why it matters

Tyra Banks' role as Eve in 'Life-Size' marked her first major starring part, proving she could do more than just walk a runway. The film has become a beloved cult classic, reigniting nostalgia for the Disney Channel era and the empowering message it conveyed about embracing both strength and femininity.

The details

In the 2000 TV movie, Lindsay Lohan plays Casey, a young girl who accidentally brings her fashion doll, Eve, to life when attempting a spell to resurrect her late mother. Banks portrays Eve, the cheerful and curious doll who must navigate the real world as a full-sized human. The film leaned into physical comedy and exaggerated innocence, showcasing Banks' acting range beyond modeling.

  • The original 'Life-Size' film premiered on ABC's The Wonderful World of Disney on March 5, 2000.
  • A sequel, 'Life-Size 2: A Christmas Eve', aired on Freeform in 2018 with Banks returning as Eve.
  • In late 2025, 'Life-Size' was added to Disney+ with a new HD widescreen remaster.

The players

Tyra Banks

An American model, television personality, producer, businesswoman, and actress who played the role of Eve, the doll brought to life, in the Disney cult classic 'Life-Size'.

Lindsay Lohan

An American actress who played the lead role of Casey, the young girl who accidentally brings her fashion doll Eve to life, in the original 'Life-Size' film.

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The takeaway

Tyra Banks' star-making role in the beloved Disney cult classic 'Life-Size' has endured as a nostalgic favorite, showcasing her versatility as an actress beyond just modeling and cementing the film's empowering message about embracing both strength and femininity.