History of Tyler Perry in Timeline
Tyler Perry is an accomplished American actor, filmmaker, and playwright. He is renowned for creating and portraying Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a strong-willed elderly woman, along with her brother Joe and nephew Brian. Perry's filmmaking encompasses both traditional cinematic methods and filmed versions of his live stage plays, many of which he later adapts into movies. Madea initially debuted in Perry's 1999 stage play, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, performed in Chicago.
September 13, 1969: Tyler Perry's Birth
On September 13, 1969, Emmitt Perry Jr., later known as Tyler Perry, was born.
1975: Publication of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
In 1975, Ntozake Shange published the choreopoem For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf.
1998: Retooling and Restaging of the Play
In 1998, Tyler Perry successfully retooled and restaged his play in Atlanta, first at the House of Blues, then at the Fox Theatre.
1999: Madea's First Appearance
In 1999, Madea made her first appearance in Tyler Perry's play, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, which was staged in Chicago.
2005: Reported Ticket and Merchandise Sales
In 2005, Forbes reported that Tyler Perry had sold "more than $100 million in tickets, $30 million in videos of his shows and an estimated $20 million in merchandise", and "the 300 live shows he produces each year are attended by an average of 35,000 people a week".
2005: Breakthrough with Diary of a Mad Black Woman
In 2005, Tyler Perry achieved his breakthrough performance with the film Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which he wrote and produced as an adaptation of his stage play of the same name.
April 11, 2006: Publication of "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings"
On April 11, 2006, Perry's first book, "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life" was published and sold 30,000 copies. It reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list and was voted Book of the Year, Best Humor Book at the 2006 Quill Awards.
June 21, 2006: Premiere of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
Tyler Perry's House of Payne, a long-running sitcom, premiered on June 21, 2006, and ran for 8 seasons.
2006: Madea's Family Reunion Release
In 2006, Tyler Perry made his directorial debut with Madea's Family Reunion, which opened at number one at the box office with $30.3 million.
2006: Tyler Perry's House of Payne Debut
In 2006, Tyler Perry's House of Payne debuted on TBS and ran for eight seasons until 2012.
February 14, 2007: Release of Daddy's Little Girls
On February 14, 2007, Daddy's Little Girls, a Lionsgate project starring Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba, was released in the United States.
March 5, 2007: Filming of Why Did I Get Married? Begins
Filming for Why Did I Get Married? began on March 5, 2007, in Whistler, British Columbia, before moving to Atlanta.
June 6, 2007: First Episodes of Tyler Perry's House of Payne on TBS
On June 6, 2007, the first two episodes of Tyler Perry's House of Payne aired on TBS.
October 12, 2007: Release of Why Did I Get Married?
On October 12, 2007, Why Did I Get Married?, written, directed, produced, and starring Tyler Perry, was released and opened at number one.
December 2007: Reruns of Tyler Perry's House of Payne Before Second Season
Reruns of Tyler Perry's House of Payne were played through December 2007 before the second season began.
2007: Perry buys estate in Buckhead, Atlanta
In 2007, Tyler Perry bought a 17-acre estate in the Paces neighborhood of Buckhead, Atlanta.
September 12, 2008: Release of The Family That Preys
On September 12, 2008, The Family That Preys was released and grossed over US$37.1 million.
October 2008: WGA files charges against Tyler Perry Studios
In October 2008, the Writers Guild of America West filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Perry's production company, Tyler Perry Studios, unlawfully fired four writers in retaliation for them trying to get a union contract. The dispute was settled a month later.
2008: Release of the play Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor
In 2008, Tyler Perry released the play Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.
January 7, 2009: Premiere of Meet the Browns
Tyler Perry's sitcom Meet the Browns premiered on TBS on January 7, 2009.
February 20, 2009: Release of Madea Goes to Jail
On February 20, 2009, Madea Goes to Jail opened at number one, grossing US$41 million and becoming Tyler Perry's largest opening to date.
July 20, 2009: Perry sponsors children's visit to Disney World
On July 20, 2009, Tyler Perry sponsored 65 children from a Philadelphia day camp to visit Walt Disney World after they were shunned by a swim club. He stated his desire to counter acts of evil with kindness.
December 8, 2009: Death of Willie Maxine Perry
On December 8, 2009, Perry's mother, Willie Maxine Perry, died at age 64 following an illness.
2009: Co-production of Precious
In 2009, Tyler Perry co-produced Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire alongside Oprah Winfrey and Lee Daniels.
2009: Threatened legal action against Mo' Money Taxes
In 2009, Tyler Perry threatened legal action against Mo' Money Taxes, a tax preparation company, for running a TV spot that he felt offensively parodied his work, particularly "Madea Goes to Jail". The offending ad was dropped from circulation.
2009: Role in Star Trek
In 2009, Tyler Perry was cast in Star Trek as Admiral Barnett, marking his first role outside of his own productions.
2009: Spike Lee criticizes Perry's work
In 2009, filmmaker Spike Lee referred to certain portrayals in Perry's productions as "coonery buffoonery," expressing concern over the imaging in contemporary Black media. Perry responded by emphasizing that his characters are designed to be relatable and to convey messages about faith and family.
April 2, 2010: Release of Why Did I Get Married Too?
On April 2, 2010, Why Did I Get Married Too?, the sequel to Why Did I Get Married?, opened in theaters.
May 2010: Highest-Paid Man in Entertainment
Between May 2010 and May 2011, Forbes listed Tyler Perry as the highest-paid man in entertainment, earning $130 million.
May 2010: Lionsgate Announces UK Film Releases
In May 2010, Lionsgate announced plans to begin releasing Tyler Perry's films in the United Kingdom.
August 2010: Purchase of Dean Gardens
In August 2010, Perry purchased Dean Gardens, a 58-acre estate in Johns Creek, Atlanta. He later tore down the existing mansion with plans to build a new home, which were never realized.
November 5, 2010: Release of For Colored Girls
On November 5, 2010, Tyler Perry's film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's 1975 choreopoem For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf was released in theaters.
May 2011: Highest-Paid Man in Entertainment
Between May 2010 and May 2011, Forbes listed Tyler Perry as the highest-paid man in entertainment, earning $130 million.
June 2011: Films Gross Over $500 Million Worldwide
As of June 2011, Tyler Perry's films had grossed over US$500 million worldwide.
November 18, 2011: End of Meet the Browns
Tyler Perry's sitcom Meet the Browns ended on November 18, 2011.
November 25, 2011: Premiere of Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse
On November 25, 2011, Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse premiered on TBS.
2011: Release of Madea's Big Happy Family
In 2011, Madea's Big Happy Family, written, directed by and starring Tyler Perry, was released as a movie and took second place at the box office.
February 24, 2012: Release of Good Deeds
On February 24, 2012, Good Deeds, a romantic drama film written, directed by, and starring Tyler Perry, was released.
June 29, 2012: Release of Madea's Witness Protection
On June 29, 2012, Madea's Witness Protection, Tyler Perry's seventh film within the Madea franchise, was released.
August 10, 2012: End of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
On August 10, 2012, Tyler Perry's House of Payne ended after 8 seasons.
October 2, 2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)
On October 2, 2012, Tyler Perry entered into an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
October 19, 2012: Release of Alex Cross
On October 19, 2012, the film Alex Cross, starring Tyler Perry, was released.
2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey
In 2012, Tyler Perry entered into an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
2012: Role in Alex Cross
In 2012, Tyler Perry played Alex Cross in the film of the same name.
February 2013: Cancellation of Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse by TBS
In February 2013, Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse was cancelled by TBS.
March 29, 2013: Release of Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor
On March 29, 2013, Tyler Perry released his thirteenth film, Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor.
May 10, 2013: Release of Tyler Perry Presents Peeples
On May 10, 2013, Tyler Perry produced Tyler Perry Presents Peeples, which was released.
May 28, 2013: Premiere of "The Haves and the Have Nots"
On May 28, 2013, Tyler Perry's hour-long soap opera/drama series, "The Haves and the Have Nots," premiered on OWN.
May 29, 2013: "The Haves and the Have Nots" sets ratings record for OWN
On May 29, 2013, it was reported that "The Haves and the Have Nots" set a new record for OWN, scoring the highest ratings ever for a series premiere on the network.
September 18, 2013: Return of Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse on OWN
On September 18, 2013, Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse returned for a third season on OWN after being cancelled by TBS.
December 13, 2013: Release of A Madea Christmas
On December 13, 2013, Tyler Perry returned to the big screen with A Madea Christmas.
2013: Purchase of land in Douglas County, Georgia
In 2013, Tyler Perry's company, ETPC LLC, purchased around 1,100 acres in the New Manchester, Georgia area of Douglas County, Georgia.
January 9, 2014: OWN orders "If Loving You Is Wrong" series
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".
February 4, 2014: "The Haves and the Have Nots" is most watched program on cable
On February 4, 2014, "The Haves and the Have Nots" was the most watched program in all of cable television for the night.
March 11, 2014: "The Haves and the Have Nots" Season 2 episode sets OWN record
On March 11, 2014, an episode of "The Haves and the Have Nots" season 2 set an OWN record when it scored the highest ratings in the network's history, bringing in 3.6 million viewers.
March 14, 2014: Release of The Single Moms Club
On March 14, 2014, Tyler Perry directed the film The Single Moms Club, which opened.
September 9, 2014: Premiere of "If Loving You Is Wrong"
On September 9, 2014, the hour-long drama series "If Loving You Is Wrong" premiered.
November 30, 2014: Birth of son, Aman
On November 30, 2014, Perry's partner Gelila Bekele gave birth to their son, Aman.
2014: Role in Gone Girl
In 2014, Tyler Perry appeared in the film Gone Girl.
January 20, 2015: Release of Madea's Tough Love
On January 20, 2015, Tyler Perry's first animated movie, Madea's Tough Love, was released on DVD.
2015: Perry acquires Fort McPherson
In 2015, Perry acquired the 330-acre former military base Fort McPherson in Atlanta and converted it to studios.
January 2016: Filming of Boo! A Madea Halloween Begins
In mid-January 2016, Tyler Perry started filming his seventeenth film, Boo! A Madea Halloween.
May 2016: Sale of Atlanta estate
In May 2016, Tyler Perry sold his house in Buckhead, Atlanta, for $17.5 million, closing the biggest deal ever for a private home in the Georgia capital.
October 21, 2016: Release of Boo! A Madea Halloween
On October 21, 2016, Tyler Perry's seventeenth film, Boo! A Madea Halloween, was released.
2016: Role in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
In 2016, Tyler Perry played scientist Baxter Stockman in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.
June 14, 2017: Perry signs deal with Viacom
On June 14, 2017, Perry signed a long-term deal with Viacom (now ViacomCBS) for 90 episodes/year of original drama and comedy series.
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.
October 2017: Release of Boo 2! A Madea Halloween
In October 2017, Boo 2! A Madea Halloween, the sequel to Boo! A Madea Halloween, was released.
November 14, 2017: Publication of "Higher Is Waiting"
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.
November 17, 2017: Release of The Star
On November 17, 2017, Tyler Perry, alongside Oprah Winfrey, lent his voice in his first animated film, called The Star.
February 19, 2018: "Black Panther" filmed at Tyler Perry Studios
On February 19, 2018, Perry announced on his Instagram account that the Marvel film, "Black Panther," was the first to be filmed on one of the new stages at Tyler Perry Studios.
2019: Production of The Oval
In 2019, Tyler Perry produced the political drama series The Oval for BET.
2019: Premiere of "The Oval", "Sistas", and BET+
In 2019, Tyler Perry's TV deal with Viacom began, with "The Oval" and "Sistas" premiering along with BET+ (a brand new streaming service) with strong ratings for BET.
March 2020: Perry Provides Security and Housing for Harry and Meghan
In March 2020, Tyler Perry provided Prince Harry and Meghan with security and housing for three months allowing them to relocate safely from Canada to California after they withdrew from their British royal protection.
December 2020: Perry announces he is a single bachelor
In December 2020, Perry announced that he was a single bachelor.
2020: Criticism for writing scripts independently
In 2020, Perry revealed that he writes all of his scripts independently without a writers' room, drawing criticism from some industry professionals who argued that it limits opportunities for emerging Black writers. Perry defended his method.
2020: Inclusion in Time's 100 Most Influential People and Governor's Award
In 2020, Tyler Perry was included in Time's list of the 100 most influential people and received the Governor's Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
March 7, 2021: Details of Perry's assistance to the Sussexes revealed
On March 7, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan revealed in an interview that Perry provided initial security and housing for three months in March 2020, allowing them to relocate safely to California. He is also godfather to their daughter, Princess Lilibet.
July 20, 2021: Series Finale of "The Haves and the Have Nots"
On July 20, 2021, after 8 seasons, Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots" completed its series run on OWN.
2021: Roles in Multiple Films
In 2021, Tyler Perry appeared in Those Who Wish Me Dead, Don't Look Up and Paw Patrol: The Movie, and he also did voice acting for The Star.
2021: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In 2021, Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards.
2024: Original I Know I've Been Changed Budget Adjusted for Inflation
In 1992, Tyler Perry financed the first performance of 'I Know I've Been Changed' at a community theater with US$12,000, which is equivalent to $28,881 in 2024.
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