History of Tyler Perry in Timeline
Tyler Perry is a multifaceted American entertainer, excelling as an actor, filmmaker, and playwright. He is most recognized for creating and portraying Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a strong-willed elderly woman, alongside other characters like Joe and Brian Simmons. Perry's filmography includes both traditionally filmed movies and adaptations of his live stage plays. Madea debuted in his 1999 Chicago stage play, 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself,' marking the beginning of a significant and impactful career in entertainment.
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.
1975: Release of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
In 1975, Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was originally released.
1998: Retools and Restages "I Know I've Been Changed"
In 1998, at age 28, Tyler Perry successfully retooled and restaged his play "I Know I've Been Changed" in Atlanta, first at the House of Blues, then at the Fox Theatre.
1999: Madea's First Appearance
In 1999, Madea, a character portrayed by Tyler Perry, made her first appearance in the stage play "I Can Do Bad All by Myself," which was staged in Chicago.
2005: Reported Ticket, Video, and Merchandise Sales
In 2005, Forbes reported that Tyler Perry had sold over $100 million in tickets, $30 million in videos of his shows, and an estimated $20 million in merchandise.
2005: Breakthrough with Diary of a Mad Black Woman
In 2005, Tyler Perry achieved a breakthrough with the film "Diary of a Mad Black Woman", which he wrote and produced based on 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, Tyler Perry's first book, "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life", was released. It reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list and was voted Book of the Year at the 2006 Quill Awards.
June 21, 2006: Premiere of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
Tyler Perry's sitcom "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" premiered on June 21, 2006, running initially for 6 seasons.
2006: Tyler Perry's House of Payne Premieres
In 2006, Tyler Perry's television series, "Tyler Perry's House of Payne", premiered on TBS and ran for eight seasons.
2006: Release of Madea's Family Reunion
Tyler Perry's film "Madea's Family Reunion" opened at number one at the box office with $30.3 million during its opening weekend, February 24–26, 2006. The film eventually grossed $65 million.
February 14, 2007: Release of Daddy's Little Girls
Tyler Perry's film "Daddy's Little Girls", starring Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba, was released in the United States on February 14, 2007.
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: Tyler Perry's House of Payne Airs 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?
Tyler Perry's film "Why Did I Get Married?" was released on October 12, 2007, and opened at number one, grossing US$21.4 million that weekend.
December 2007: Reruns of House of Payne Played
Reruns of Tyler Perry's House of Payne were played through December 2007 before the second season began.
2007: Perry Buys Buckhead Estate
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
Tyler Perry's film "The Family That Preys" opened on September 12, 2008.
October 2008: Writers Guild Files Charges Against Tyler Perry Studios
In October 2008, the Writers Guild of America West filed unfair labor practice charges against Tyler Perry Studios, alleging unlawful termination of four writers for attempting to get a union contract.
2008: Release of Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor Play
Tyler Perry's stage play "Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor" which the movie was based on was released in 2008.
January 7, 2009: Premiere of Meet the Browns
On January 7, 2009, Tyler Perry's sitcom "Meet the Browns" premiered on TBS.
February 20, 2009: Madea Goes to Jail Opens at Number One
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: Sponsorship of 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. Perry wanted them to know that for every act of evil, there are many more acts of kindness.
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.
2009: Spike Lee's Criticism of Perry's Work
In 2009, Spike Lee referred to certain portrayals in Tyler Perry's productions as "coonery buffoonery," expressing concern over the imaging in contemporary Black media.
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 for a TV spot that parodied his work, particularly Madea Goes to Jail. The ad was subsequently dropped from circulation.
April 2, 2010: Release of Why Did I Get Married Too?
On April 2, 2010, Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married Too?", the sequel to "Why Did I Get Married?", opened in theaters, featuring Janet Jackson, Tasha Smith, Jill Scott, and Malik Yoba.
May 2010: Highest-Paid Man in Entertainment
Between May 2010 and May 2011, Tyler Perry earned $130 million, leading Forbes to list him as the highest-paid man in entertainment.
May 2010: Lionsgate Announces UK Film Releases
In May 2010, Lionsgate announced plans to begin releasing Tyler Perry's films in the United Kingdom, as his movies have seen very limited release outside North America.
August 2010: Purchase of Dean Gardens
In August 2010, it was reported that Tyler Perry had purchased Dean Gardens, a 58-acre estate in Johns Creek, Atlanta. He later tore down the existing mansion.
November 5, 2010: Release of For Colored Girls
On November 5, 2010, Tyler Perry's film adaptation of Ntozake Shange's choreopoem "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was released in theaters.
May 2011: Highest-Paid Man in Entertainment Earnings
Between May 2010 and May 2011, Tyler Perry earned $130 million, leading Forbes to list him as the highest-paid man in entertainment.
June 2011: Perry's Films Gross Over US$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
On November 18, 2011, Tyler Perry's sitcom "Meet the Browns" ended its run on TBS.
November 25, 2011: Premiere of Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse
Tyler Perry's "For Better or Worse", based on his films "Why Did I Get Married?" and "Why Did I Get Married Too?", premiered on TBS on November 25, 2011.
2011: Release of Madea's Big Happy Family Film
In 2011, Tyler Perry released the film version of "Madea's Big Happy Family", which he wrote, directed and starred in.
February 24, 2012: Release of Good Deeds
On February 24, 2012, Tyler Perry's film "Good Deeds", in which he plays the lead character Wesley Deeds, was released.
June 29, 2012: Release of Madea's Witness Protection
On June 29, 2012, Tyler Perry's "Madea's Witness Protection", his seventh film within the Madea franchise, was released.
August 10, 2012: End of Initial Run of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
On August 10, 2012, the initial run of Tyler Perry's "House of Payne" concluded after 6 seasons.
October 2, 2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey Network
On October 2, 2012, Tyler Perry entered into an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) to bring scripted television to the network.
October 19, 2012: Release of Alex Cross
On October 19, 2012, the film "Alex Cross", in which Tyler Perry took over the role from Morgan Freeman, was released.
2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey Network
In 2012, Tyler Perry entered into an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), focusing on scripted projects such as "The Haves and the Have Nots".
2012: Cast in Alex Cross
In 2012, Tyler Perry was cast in the film "Alex Cross".
February 2013: Cancellation of Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse on TBS
In February 2013, Tyler Perry's "For Better or Worse" was cancelled by TBS before being revived by OWN.
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", which is based on his 2008 play of the same name.
May 10, 2013: Release of Tyler Perry Presents Peeples
On May 10, 2013, Tyler Perry produced "Tyler Perry Presents Peeples".
May 28, 2013: The Haves and the Have Nots Premiere
On May 28, 2013, Tyler Perry's hour-long soap opera/drama series, "The Haves and the Have Nots", premiered on OWN. Oprah Winfrey credited the program with bringing success to her network.
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, scoring the highest ratings ever for a series premiere on the network.
September 18, 2013: Revival of Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse on OWN
Tyler Perry's "For Better or Worse" was revived by OWN for a third season, which began on September 18, 2013, after being cancelled by TBS in February 2013.
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 area of Douglas County, Georgia.
January 9, 2014: If Loving You Is Wrong Ordered by OWN
On January 9, 2014, OWN ordered its fourth scripted series (and fourth series by Perry), "If Loving You Is Wrong", which was based on the feature film, "The Single Moms Club".
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.
March 11, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots Sets OWN 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.
March 14, 2014: Release of The Single Moms Club
On March 14, 2014, Tyler Perry's film "The Single Moms Club" was released.
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.
November 30, 2014: Birth of Son, Aman
On November 30, 2014, Tyler Perry's partner Gelila Bekele gave birth to their son, Aman.
2014: Cast in Gone Girl
In 2014, Tyler Perry was cast in David Fincher's thriller "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, Tyler Perry acquired the 330-acre former military base Fort McPherson in Atlanta and converted it into studios.
January 2016: Filming of Boo! A Madea Halloween Begins
In mid-January 2016, Tyler Perry started filming his seventeenth film, and ninth within the Madea franchise, "Boo! A Madea Halloween".
May 2016: Sale of Buckhead Estate
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.
October 21, 2016: Release of Boo! A Madea Halloween
On October 21, 2016, Tyler Perry's seventeenth film, and ninth within the Madea franchise, "Boo! A Madea Halloween", was released.
2016: Plays Baxter Stockman in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
In 2016, Tyler Perry played the scientist Baxter Stockman in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows".
2016: Cast in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
In 2016, Tyler Perry was cast in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows".
June 14, 2017: Perry Signs Deal with Viacom
On June 14, 2017, Tyler Perry signed a long-term deal with Viacom for 90 episodes/year of original drama and comedy series.
September 2017: Purchase of House in Mulholland Estates
In September 2017, Tyler Perry purchased a house in Mulholland Estates, a gated community in Los Angeles. He sold the property nine months later for $15.6 million.
October 2017: Release of Boo 2! A Madea Halloween
In October 2017, "Boo 2! A Madea Halloween", a 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, "The Star", an animated film based on the Nativity of Jesus, which features the voices of Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey, was released.
2017: Voice Acting in The Star
In 2017, Tyler Perry provided voice acting for the animated film "The Star".
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.
2019: The Oval and Sistas Premiere
In 2019, "The Oval", "Sistas", and BET+ premiered with strong ratings for BET as a result of Tyler Perry's deal with Viacom.
2019: Produces The Oval for BET
In 2019, Tyler Perry produced the political drama series "The Oval" for BET.
March 2020: Perry Provides Support to Duke and Duchess of Sussex
In March 2020, Tyler Perry provided security and housing for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for three months, allowing them to relocate safely from Canada to California.
December 2020: Perry Announces He Is A Bachelor
In December 2020, Tyler Perry announced that he was a bachelor.
2020: Renewal of House of Payne
In 2020, "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" was renewed after having originally run from 2006 to 2012.
2020: Criticism of Perry's Scriptwriting Process
In 2020, Tyler Perry faced criticism for writing all of his scripts independently without a writers' room, which some argued limits opportunities for emerging Black writers.
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.
2020: Revival of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
In 2020, Tyler Perry's "House of Payne" was revived.
March 7, 2021: Duke and Duchess of Sussex Interview
On March 7, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle revealed in an interview that Tyler Perry provided them with initial security and housing for three months when they relocated to California in March 2020.
July 20, 2021: The Haves and the Have Nots Series Finale
On July 20, 2021, "The Haves and the Have Nots" completed its series run after 8 seasons on OWN. The program was a success for the network.
2021: Receives Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In 2021, Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards.
2021: Cast in Those Who Wish Me Dead and Don't Look Up
In 2021, Tyler Perry was cast in the films "Those Who Wish Me Dead" and "Don't Look Up". He also voiced a character in Paw Patrol: The Movie
2021: Sexual Assault Allegations Begin
In a lawsuit filed June 13, 2025, Derek Dixon alleged that Tyler Perry had been committing acts of sexual assault and sexual battery against him since 2021.
2024: Value of Perry's Initial Investment Adjusted for Inflation
In 1992, Tyler Perry financed his first play, "I Know I've Been Changed", with US$12,000, which is equivalent to $28,881 in 2024.
2024: Dixon Files EEOC Complaint
In 2024, Derek Dixon filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) sexual harassment complaint against Tyler Perry, before departing from "The Oval" after the complaint failed to result in action from the show's producers.
June 13, 2025: Derek Dixon Files Lawsuit Against Perry
On June 13, 2025, Derek Dixon, an actor in some of Perry's productions, filed a lawsuit against Perry accusing him of sexual assault and sexual battery since 2021 and is seeking $260 million in damages.
September 2025: Tyler Perry's House of Payne Runs for 12 Seasons
As of September 2025, "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" is running for 12 seasons, making it the show with the most seasons with a predominately African American cast.
November 5, 2025: Tyler Perry's Finding Joy Debut
On November 5, 2025, Tyler Perry's comedy series "Tyler Perry's Finding Joy" will debut on Amazon Prime.
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