In 1947, she adopted a baby boy and raised him on her own, a concept that was considered almost impossible, if not commonplace, at the time.
Actor Sidney Toler bestowed Tyra her nickname of 'China Doll' during the filming of Shadows Over Chinatown (1946) for her informed her that she resembled an old china doll he once saw in a Los Angeles department store.
She was working as a dance instructor in Hollywood when she was discovered by Samuel Goldwyn who chose her to apart of his 1940's Goldwyn Girls collection.
She left acting in the late 1950's to focus on dance instruction and motherhood.
She considered her closest friend to be actress/swimmer Esther Williams and credited her with being a big help in elevating her acting career.
She had a deep enjoyment for the Tootsie Roll candy and was given the nickname 'Tootsie' by actor/crooner Dick Haymes one day on the set of Up in Central Park (1948) when he saw her snacking on half a box.
During World War II, she toured with the USO as a professional dancer.