Career Timeline of Tyler Perry: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Tyler Perry, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tyler Perry is an accomplished American actor, filmmaker, and playwright, best known for creating and portraying the iconic character Mabel "Madea" Simmons, along with her brother Joe and nephew Brian Simmons. Perry's diverse body of work ranges from traditional film productions to filmed adaptations of his successful stage plays. Madea's debut occurred in his 1999 play, 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself,' which premiered in Chicago, marking the beginning of a prolific career centered around his unique blend of comedy, drama, and social commentary.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 11, 2006: Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings Publication

On April 11, 2006, Tyler Perry's first book, "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life", was published, selling 30,000 copies.

Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life

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July 20, 2009: Sponsorship of Children's Visit to Walt Disney World

On July 20, 2009, Tyler Perry sponsored 65 children from a Philadelphia day camp to visit Walt Disney World, after reading that a swim club had shunned them.

May 28, 2013: The Haves and the Have Nots Premiere

On May 28, 2013, Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots" premiered on OWN, becoming a successful soap opera/drama series that ran for 8 seasons.

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May 29, 2013: The Haves and the Have Nots Sets Ratings Record

On May 29, 2013, it was reported that "The Haves and the Have Nots" set a new record for OWN, achieving the highest ratings ever for a series premiere on the network.

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January 9, 2014: OWN Orders If Loving You Is Wrong

On January 9, 2014, OWN ordered its fourth scripted series (and fourth series by Perry), based on the feature film, "The Single Moms Club", called "If Loving You Is Wrong", as part of Perry's continued partnership with OWN.

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February 4, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots Most Watched Program

On February 4, 2014, "The Haves and the Have Nots" became the most-watched program in all of cable television for the night.

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March 11, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots Season 2 Ratings Record

On March 11, 2014, a Season 2 episode of "The Haves and the Have Nots" set an OWN record when it scored the highest ratings in the network's history, bringing in 3.6 million viewers.

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September 9, 2014: If Loving You Is Wrong Premiere

On September 9, 2014, the hour-long drama series "If Loving You Is Wrong" premiered on OWN.

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2015: Perry Acquires Fort McPherson

In 2015, Tyler Perry acquired the 330-acre former military base Fort McPherson in Atlanta and converted it into studios.

June 14, 2017: Perry Signs Deal with Viacom

On June 14, 2017, Tyler Perry signed a long-term deal with Viacom (now ViacomCBS) for 90 episodes/year of original drama and comedy series.

November 14, 2017: Higher Is Waiting Publication

On November 14, 2017, Tyler Perry's second book, "Higher Is Waiting", was published and debuted at number 5 on the New York Times Best Seller list.

February 19, 2018: Black Panther Filmed at Tyler Perry Studios

On February 19, 2018, Tyler Perry announced on his Instagram account that the blockbuster Marvel film, "Black Panther", was the first to be filmed on one of the new stages at Tyler Perry Studios.

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2019: The Oval, Sistas, and BET+ Premiere

In 2019, Tyler Perry's "The Oval", "Sistas", and BET+ (a brand new streaming service) premiered with strong ratings for BET, marking the beginning of Perry's TV deal with Viacom.

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March 2020: Perry Provides Security and Housing for Harry and Meghan

In March 2020, Tyler Perry provided initial security and housing for three months that allowed Prince Harry and Meghan to relocate safely from Canada to California, following the withdrawal of their British royal protection.

March 7, 2021: Perry Provides Security and Housing for Harry and Meghan

On March 7, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan publicly revealed in an interview that Tyler Perry provided initial security and housing for three months in March 2020, allowing the couple to relocate safely from Canada to California.