History of Tyler Perry in Timeline
Tyler Perry is an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright known for creating and performing the character Mabel 'Madea' Simmons, a tough elderly woman. He also portrays her brother Joe Simmons and nephew Brian Simmons. Perry's work spans from traditional filmmaking to filmed stage productions, many of which have been adapted into feature films. Madea first appeared in Perry's play 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself' in 1999 in Chicago.
September 13, 1969: Birth of Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry was born as Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969. He would go on to become an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright, known for creating and performing the character Mabel 'Madea' Simmons.
1990: Move to Atlanta
Around 1990, Tyler Perry moved to Atlanta, where he would later launch his career in theater and film.
1998: Success with 'I Know I've Been Changed'
In 1998, Tyler Perry succeeded in retooling and restaging 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, Tyler Perry introduced the character Madea in his play 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself,' staged in Chicago. This marked the beginning of the Madea franchise which would later expand into films.
2005: Financial Success of Stage Productions
By 2005, Tyler Perry had sold more than $100 million in tickets, $30 million in videos of his shows, and an estimated $20 million in merchandise from his stage productions.
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. The film was an adaptation of his stage play of the same name.
April 11, 2006: Release of First Book
On April 11, 2006, Tyler Perry released his first book titled 'Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life'. The book sold 30,000 copies and reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list, remaining there for 12 weeks. It was also voted Book of the Year and 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 sitcom Tyler Perry's House of Payne premiered, showcasing the struggles of an African-American household.
2006: Launch of 'Tyler Perry's House of Payne'
In 2006, Tyler Perry launched the television series 'Tyler Perry's House of Payne,' which ran for eight seasons on TBS until 2012.
2006: Praise from Spike Lee
In 2006, director Spike Lee praised Tyler Perry's work.
2006: Success of 'Madea's Family Reunion'
On its opening weekend, February 24–26, 2006, Tyler Perry's film 'Madea's Family Reunion' opened at number one at the box office with $30.3 million, eventually grossing $65 million.
February 14, 2007: Release of 'Daddy's Little Girls'
On February 14, 2007, Tyler Perry's film 'Daddy's Little Girls' was released in the United States, grossing over $31 million.
March 5, 2007: Filming Begins for 'Why Did I Get Married?'
Filming for Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?' began on March 5, 2007, in Whistler, British Columbia, and later moved to Atlanta.
June 6, 2007: House of Payne Syndication
On June 6, 2007, the first two episodes of Tyler Perry's House of Payne aired on TBS, leading to its syndication.
October 12, 2007: Release of 'Why Did I Get Married?'
On October 12, 2007, Tyler Perry's film 'Why Did I Get Married?' was released, opening at number one and grossing $21.4 million that weekend.
2007: Purchase of 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'
On September 12, 2008, Tyler Perry's film 'The Family That Preys' was released, grossing over $37.1 million.
October 2008: Unfair Labor Practice Charges
In October 2008, the Writers Guild of America, West, filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against Tyler Perry Studios, alleging that the company unlawfully fired four writers in retaliation for their efforts to secure a union contract. The dispute was settled a month later when Tyler Perry Studios agreed to be a WGA signatory.
2008: Spike Lee's Criticism
In 2008, Spike Lee criticized Tyler Perry's work, calling it 'coonery buffoonery' and expressing concern about its impact on the portrayal of African Americans.
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: Success of 'Madea Goes to Jail'
On February 20, 2009, Tyler Perry's film 'Madea Goes to Jail' opened at number one, grossing $41 million and becoming his largest opening to date.
July 20, 2009: Disney World Sponsorship
On July 20, 2009, Tyler Perry sponsored a trip to Walt Disney World for 65 children from a Philadelphia day camp after they were shunned by a local swim club. Perry wanted to show them that for every act of evil, there are millions of acts of kindness.
October 2009: Response to Spike Lee's Criticism
In October 2009, during a 60 Minutes interview, Tyler Perry responded to Spike Lee's criticism by calling it insulting and stating that his characters are meant to be disarming and communicate messages about God, love, faith, and family.
December 8, 2009: Death of Tyler Perry's Mother
On December 8, 2009, Tyler Perry's mother, Willie Maxine Perry, passed away at the age of 64 following an illness.
2009: Co-Production of Precious
In 2009, Tyler Perry co-produced the film Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire, alongside Oprah Winfrey and Lee Daniels.
2009: Role in 'Star Trek'
In 2009, Tyler Perry was cast in the Hollywood film 'Star Trek,' marking his first film appearance outside of his own projects.
2009: 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 ad that he felt offensively parodied his work, particularly 'Madea Goes to Jail'. The ad was subsequently withdrawn.
2009: Spike Lee's Continued Criticism
In 2009, Spike Lee continued his criticism of Tyler Perry's work, suggesting that Perry's success was due to giving black audiences what they wanted, even if the imaging was troubling.
April 2, 2010: Release of 'Why Did I Get Married Too?'
On April 2, 2010, Tyler Perry's film 'Why Did I Get Married Too?' was released, grossing $60 million domestically with $29 million made during the opening weekend.
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 during this period.
May 2010: International Distribution Plan
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, Tyler Perry purchased Dean Gardens, a 58-acre estate in Johns Creek, Atlanta. He tore down the existing mansion and planned to build an environmentally-friendly home, which was never constructed.
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.
April 21, 2011: Goldie Taylor's NPR Interview
On April 21, 2011, Goldie Taylor stated in an NPR interview that Tyler Perry's work speaks directly to her family and meets their needs, emphasizing that art and filmmaking are about connecting with audiences.
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 during this period.
June 2011: Box Office Success
As of June 2011, Tyler Perry's films had grossed over $500 million worldwide.
November 18, 2011: End of Meet the Browns
On November 18, 2011, Tyler Perry's sitcom Meet the Browns concluded.
November 25, 2011: Premiere of 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'
In 2011, Tyler Perry's film 'Madea's Big Happy Family' was released, grossing $25.8 million at the box office and taking second place.
February 24, 2012: Release of 'Good Deeds'
On February 24, 2012, Tyler Perry's film 'Good Deeds' was released. Written, directed by, and starring Perry, the film opened with a box office gross of $15.5 million.
June 29, 2012: Release of 'Madea's Witness Protection'
On June 29, 2012, Tyler Perry's film 'Madea's Witness Protection' was released. This was his seventh film within the Madea franchise.
August 10, 2012: End of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
On August 10, 2012, Tyler Perry's House of Payne concluded its 8-season run.
October 2, 2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey
On October 2, 2012, Tyler Perry struck an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
October 19, 2012: Release of Alex Cross
On October 19, 2012, Tyler Perry took over the role of James Patterson's Alex Cross from Morgan Freeman in the film Alex Cross. The film was critically panned and became a box office bomb.
2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey Network
In 2012, Tyler Perry struck an exclusive multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey and her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The deal included scripted projects such as 'The Haves and the Have Nots.'
2012: Role in 'Alex Cross'
In 2012, Tyler Perry starred in the Hollywood film 'Alex Cross.'
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, featuring an ensemble cast including Lance Gross and Kim Kardashian.
May 10, 2013: Release of Tyler Perry Presents Peeples
On May 10, 2013, Tyler Perry produced the film Tyler Perry Presents Peeples.
May 28, 2013: Premiere of The Haves and the Have Nots
On May 28, 2013, Tyler Perry's The Haves and the Have Nots premiered on OWN, later becoming the network's highest-rated program.
May 29, 2013: Record Ratings for The Haves and the Have Nots
On May 29, 2013, 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: Third Season of For Better or Worse
On September 18, 2013, Tyler Perry's For Better or Worse was revived by OWN for a third season.
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
In 2013, Tyler Perry's company purchased around 1,100 acres in the New Manchester, Georgia area of Douglas County.
January 9, 2014: OWN Orders If Loving You Is Wrong
On January 9, 2014, OWN ordered its fourth scripted series, If Loving You Is Wrong, based on Tyler Perry's film The Single Moms Club.
February 4, 2014: Highest Rated Program on Cable
On February 4, 2014, The Haves and the Have Nots was the most-watched program on all of cable television for the night.
March 11, 2014: OWN Record-Breaking Episode
On March 11, 2014, a season 2 episode of The Haves and the Have Nots set an OWN record by bringing in 3.6 million viewers, the highest in the network's history.
March 14, 2014: Release of The Single Moms Club
On March 14, 2014, Tyler Perry directed the film The Single Moms Club.
September 9, 2014: Premiere of If Loving You Is Wrong
On September 9, 2014, Tyler Perry's drama series If Loving You Is Wrong premiered on OWN.
November 30, 2014: Birth of Tyler Perry's Son
On November 30, 2014, Tyler Perry's partner, Gelila Bekele, gave birth to their son, Aman.
2014: Role in 'Gone Girl'
In 2014, Tyler Perry was cast in the Hollywood film 'Gone Girl.'
2014: Casting in Gone Girl
In 2014, Tyler Perry gained the attention of director David Fincher, who cast him in the thriller Gone Girl, co-starring with Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike.
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: Acquisition of Fort McPherson
In 2015, Tyler Perry acquired the 330-acre former military base Fort McPherson in Atlanta, which he converted into Tyler Perry Studios.
May 2016: Sale of Buckhead Estate
In May 2016, Tyler Perry sold his Buckhead estate for $17.5 million, marking 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 released Boo! A Madea Halloween, the ninth film in the Madea franchise.
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.
2016: Role in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows'
In 2016, Tyler Perry appeared in 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.'
June 14, 2017: Long-Term Deal with Viacom
On June 14, 2017, Tyler Perry signed a long-term deal with Viacom for 90 episodes per year of original drama and comedy series. This deal also included distribution rights for short video content and a first look at film concepts. The first film from this deal was 'Nobody’s Fool'.
September 2017: Purchase of Mulholland Estates House
In September 2017, Tyler Perry purchased a house in Mulholland Estates, a gated community in Los Angeles. Nine months later, he sold the property for $15.6 million.
November 14, 2017: Release of Second Book
Tyler Perry published his second book, 'Higher Is Waiting', on November 14, 2017. The book debuted at number 5 on the New York Times Best Seller list.
November 17, 2017: Voice Role in The Star
On November 17, 2017, Tyler Perry lent his voice for the computer-animated film The Star, based on the Nativity of Jesus.
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 that the blockbuster Marvel film, Black Panther, was the first to be filmed on one of the new stages at Tyler Perry Studios.
2018: Role in 'Vice'
In 2018, Tyler Perry starred in the Hollywood film 'Vice.'
2019: Production of 'The Oval'
In 2019, Tyler Perry produced the political drama series 'The Oval' for BET.
2019: Launch of TV Deal with Viacom
In 2019, Tyler Perry's TV deal with Viacom began with the premiere of 'The Oval', 'Sistas', and the new streaming service BET+. These shows premiered with strong ratings for BET.
January 6, 2020: Revelation of Writing Process
On January 6, 2020, Tyler Perry posted a video on Instagram revealing that he writes all his films and TV shows himself, without a writers' room. This led to criticism for denying opportunities to other black writers. Perry later explained that he had issues with both WGA and nonunion writers.
March 2020: Support for Prince Harry and Meghan
In March 2020, Tyler Perry provided initial security and housing for Prince Harry and Meghan, enabling them to safely relocate from Canada to California.
December 2020: Announcement of Single Status
In December 2020, Tyler Perry announced that he was a single bachelor.
2020: Donald Glover's Satire in Atlanta
In 2020, Donald Glover satirized Tyler Perry in an episode of the FX series Atlanta titled 'Work Ethic!'. The episode drew parallels between Perry's studio operations and the fictional character 'Mr. Chocolate'. Critics questioned whether Perry's depictions of black people did more harm than good.
2020: Included in Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2020, Tyler Perry was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people.
March 7, 2021: Support for Prince Harry and Meghan
On March 7, 2021, during an interview with Oprah, Prince Harry and Meghan revealed that Tyler Perry provided them with initial security and housing for three months when they relocated from Canada to California in March 2020. Perry is also the godfather to their daughter, Princess Lilibet of Sussex.
July 20, 2021: End of The Haves and the Have Nots
On July 20, 2021, The Haves and the Have Nots concluded its 8-season run.
2021: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In 2021, Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards, and was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.
2021: Roles 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.'
2023: Value of Life Savings
In 1992, Tyler Perry financed his first play, 'I Know I've Been Changed,' with his life savings of $12,000, which would be equivalent to $27,986 in 2023.