Early Life and Education of Tyler Perry: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Tyler Perry. From birth to education, explore key events.

Tyler Perry is a prominent American actor, filmmaker, and playwright. He gained widespread recognition for creating and portraying Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a strong-willed elderly woman. Perry's work encompasses both traditional filmmaking and filmed stage play productions, many of which have been adapted into movies. Madea's debut was in Perry's 1999 play, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, staged in Chicago. Perry is known for portraying multiple characters in his work, including Joe Simmons and Brian Simmons in addition to Madea.

Sections (4)

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

September 13, 1969: Tyler Perry's birth

On September 13, 1969, Emmitt Perry Jr., known professionally as Tyler Perry, was born. He is an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright.

Others born on this day/year

1990: Move to Atlanta

Around 1990, Tyler Perry moved to Atlanta.

2007: Perry buys estate in Buckhead, Atlanta

In 2007, Tyler Perry bought a 17-acre estate in the Paces neighborhood of Buckhead, Atlanta.

July 20, 2009: Perry sponsors children's trip 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 suburban swim club had shunned them.

December 8, 2009: Death of Willie Maxine Perry

On December 8, 2009, Tyler Perry's mother, Willie Maxine Perry, died at age 64 following an illness.

August 2010: Perry purchases Dean Gardens

In August 2010, Tyler Perry purchased Dean Gardens, a 58-acre estate in Johns Creek, Atlanta. He tore down the existing mansion with plans to build a new home.

2013: ETPC LLC purchases land in Douglas County, Georgia

In 2013, Tyler Perry's company, ETPC LLC, purchased around 1,100 acres in the New Manchester area of Douglas County, Georgia.

November 30, 2014: Birth of Aman Perry

On November 30, 2014, Tyler Perry's partner Gelila Bekele gave birth to their son, Aman.

May 2016: Perry sells Atlanta estate for $17.5 million

In May 2016, Tyler Perry sold his 17-acre estate in Buckhead, Atlanta, for $17.5 million, closing the biggest deal ever for a private home in the Georgia capital.

September 2017: Perry purchases house in Mulholland Estates

In September 2017, Tyler Perry purchased a house in Mulholland Estates, a gated community in Los Angeles.

March 2020: Perry provides security and housing for Prince 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.

December 2020: Perry announces he is a single bachelor

In December 2020, Tyler Perry announced that he was a single bachelor.

March 7, 2021: Prince Harry and Meghan reveal Perry provided security and housing

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