Keith Carlos, born December 19, has always embraced the challenge of becoming great. After growing up in a city taken over by poverty, gangs, violence and drugs, the Bridgeport, Connecticut native fought adversity to become one of the most sought after top models in the country and is now making his mark as an actor on film and television.
Keith finished his high school football career at Bridgeport Central as "Athlete of the Year" then went on to Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Being a standout athlete, Keith was awarded several Division 1 scholarship offers but chose to attend Purdue University in Indiana. While at Purdue, he made strides on and off the field, becoming a part of the Golden Key International Honors Society, a leader on the Purdue football team, and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Following an impressive year at Purdue, Keith signed to the NFL as an undrafted free agent. The wide receiver played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants before an injury forced him to transition from running up the football field to strolling down the runway.
Keith embraced life's challenges by launching his new-found career on International Supermodel Tyra Banks' hit show, "America's Next Top Model" Cycle 21. The show aired worldwide, providing Keith with the fan support needed to ultimately win the show. As the first male to ever win America's Next Top Model, he went on to land a contract with NEXT Models and to be featured in major advertising campaigns for brands such as Macy's, Nordstroms, Bloomingdales, Sears, Diesel, Lucky Brand, Guess, Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, Zappos, K-Mart, DSW, Renuzit, Belk, Men's Warehouse, MCM, True Religion WalMart and Giorgio Armani Etc. In addition to being photographed by the legendary David LaChapelle, he also walked the runway for top designers including Betsy Johnson, Civil Society, Lie Sie Bong, Mag & Logan, and August Getty.
Keith found a growing passion performing for the cameras and made a natural transition into acting. He has landed principal roles in films, television shows and music videos. Keith is the Lead man in Cardi B's music video "Be Careful". Keith also has a lead role in "Chocolate City: Vegas" alongside Vivica Fox and Mekhi Phifer, and in the CBS show "The Bold and The Beautiful".
Keith has been recognized for his philanthropic works with youth and raising awareness for causes supporting women's equality and breast cancer prevention. He volunteered with the RuJohn Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on uplifting underprivileged youth in Jamaica by providing school supplies, acting workshops, sports camps and empowerment summits. Keith has also hosted charity events for STAR Education, the American Cancer Society and has been awarded the "Berry Gordy Artistic Award' for his work in his hometown by the NAACP. Keith also is the founder of a nonprofit "Make It Happen". Utilizing his platform, Keith aims to motivate his followers to strive for excellence, positive and giving back to their communities.
