History of Tyler Perry in Timeline
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.
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.
1998: Restaging of Play in Atlanta
In 1998, at age 28, 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 first appeared in Perry's play I Can Do Bad All by Myself, which was staged in Chicago. This marked the introduction of the character Mabel "Madea" Simmons.
2005: Financial success reported by Forbes
In 2005, Forbes reported Tyler Perry's substantial financial success, including over $100 million in ticket sales, $30 million in videos, and $20 million in merchandise, with his live shows attracting an average of 35,000 people per week.
2005: Breakthrough with Diary of a Mad Black Woman
In 2005, Tyler Perry had his breakthrough performance with the film Diary of a Mad Black Woman, which he wrote and produced as an adaptation of his stage play.
April 11, 2006: Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings release
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, Best Humor Book at the 2006 Quill Awards.
June 21, 2006: Premiere of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
On June 21, 2006, Tyler Perry's House of Payne premiered, running for 8 seasons until August 10, 2012.
2006: Tyler Perry's House of Payne debuted
In 2006, Tyler Perry's House of Payne debuted on TBS, running for eight seasons until 2012. The show was later renewed in 2020.
2006: Madea's Family Reunion Opened at Number One
On February 24-26, 2006, Madea's Family Reunion opened at number one at the box office, grossing $30.3 million during its opening weekend. The film eventually grossed $65 million, with Perry and his co-stars promoting it on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
February 14, 2007: Release of Daddy's Little Girls
On February 14, 2007, Daddy's Little Girls, Tyler Perry's Lionsgate project starring Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba, was released in the United States and grossed over US$31 million.
March 5, 2007: Filming Begins for Why Did I Get Married?
On March 5, 2007, filming began for Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?' in Whistler, British Columbia, before moving to Atlanta.
June 6, 2007: Debut 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, leading to high ratings and broadcast syndication.
October 12, 2007: Release of Why Did I Get Married?
On October 12, 2007, Why Did I Get Married?, written, directed, produced, and starred by Tyler Perry, was released and opened at number one, grossing US$21.4 million that weekend.
December 2007: Reruns of House of Payne before Season Two
In December 2007, reruns of Tyler Perry's House of Payne were played 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 (NLRB), 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, when TPS agreed to be a WGA signatory.
January 7, 2009: Premiere of Meet the Browns on TBS
On January 7, 2009, Tyler Perry's sitcom Meet the Browns premiered on TBS.
February 20, 2009: Madea Goes to Jail Opened 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: 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.
2009: Spike Lee comments on 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, aiming to serve audiences he feels are often overlooked by mainstream 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: Perry threatens legal action against Mo' Money Taxes
In 2009, Tyler Perry threatened legal action against Mo' Money Taxes for running a TV spot that he felt offensively parodied his work, in particular Madea Goes to Jail. The offending ad was dropped from circulation.
April 2, 2010: Why Did I Get Married Too? Opened in Theaters
On April 2, 2010, Why Did I Get Married Too?, the sequel to Why Did I Get Married?, opened in theaters, grossing US$60 million domestically.
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.
November 5, 2010: Release of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf
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.
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
On November 25, 2011, 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.
2011: Release of Madea's Big Happy Family film version
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 was released, which he wrote, directed, and starred in.
June 29, 2012: Release of Madea's Witness Protection
On June 29, 2012, Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection, the 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 concluded its initial 8-season run.
October 2, 2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)
On October 2, 2012, Tyler Perry established an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), focusing on bringing scripted television content to the network.
October 19, 2012: Release of Alex Cross
On October 19, 2012, Tyler Perry's film Alex Cross was released, receiving negative reviews and becoming a box office bomb.
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), featuring scripted projects like The Haves and the Have Nots.
2012: Cast in Alex Cross
In 2012, Tyler Perry was cast in the Hollywood film Alex Cross.
March 29, 2013: Release of Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor
On March 29, 2013, Tyler Perry released Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor, 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, which was released.
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. The hour-long soap opera/drama series ran for 8 seasons.
May 29, 2013: The Haves and the Have Nots sets OWN 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: For Better or Worse revived by OWN
On September 18, 2013, Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse was revived by OWN for a third season, after being canceled 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: 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.
January 9, 2014: OWN orders If Loving You Is Wrong series
On January 9, 2014, OWN ordered its fourth scripted series from Tyler 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 tops cable television
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 breaks OWN record
On March 11, 2014, a Season 2 episode of "The Haves and the Have Nots" set an OWN record with 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 Single Moms Club, which was released.
September 9, 2014: If Loving You Is Wrong Series Premiere
On September 9, 2014, Tyler Perry's hour-long drama series, "If Loving You Is Wrong" premiered on OWN.
November 30, 2014: Birth of Aman Perry
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 the Hollywood 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, Tyler Perry acquired the 330-acre former military base Fort McPherson in Atlanta and converted it to Tyler Perry Studios.
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.
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: Perry played scientist Baxter Stockman in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
In 2016, Tyler Perry played the role of 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 (now ViacomCBS) for 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, Tyler Perry's Boo 2! A Madea Halloween was released as a sequel to the previous year's film.
November 14, 2017: Higher Is Waiting Publication
On November 14, 2017, Tyler Perry's second book, "Higher Is Waiting", was published. It 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 featuring the voice of Tyler Perry, was released.
2017: Voice Acting for The Star
In 2017, Tyler Perry did 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 movie "Black Panther" was the first to be filmed on one of the new stages at Tyler Perry Studios.
2018: Cast in Vice
In 2018, Tyler Perry was cast in the Hollywood film Vice.
2019: The Oval, Sistas and BET+ premiere
In 2019, "The Oval" and "Sistas" premiered on BET+, a brand new streaming service, with strong ratings for BET.
2019: The Oval Produced for BET
In 2019, Tyler Perry produced The Oval, a political drama series, for BET.
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.
2020: Perry reveals he writes all of his scripts independently
In 2020, Tyler Perry revealed that he writes all of his scripts independently without a writers' room. This approach drew 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 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: House of Payne Renewed
In 2020, Tyler Perry's House of Payne was renewed, adding to its original eight-season run on TBS from 2006-2012.
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.
July 20, 2021: The Haves and the Have Nots Series Finale
On July 20, 2021, the final episode of "The Haves and the Have Nots" aired after eight seasons on OWN.
2021: Roles in Two Hollywood Films
In 2021, Tyler Perry appeared in two Hollywood films: Those Who Wish Me Dead and Don't Look Up.
2021: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In 2021, Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards.
2024: Original Investment Adjusted for Inflation
In 1992, Tyler Perry invested US$12,000 in his play, I Know I've Been Changed, which is equivalent to $28,881 in 2024.
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