History of Tyler Perry in Timeline
Tyler Perry is an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright best known for creating and portraying Mabel "Madea" Simmons. He also plays Joe and Brian Simmons. His work ranges from conventional films to filmed stage plays. Madea debuted in Perry's play I Can Do Bad All by Myself in 1999.
September 13, 1969: Tyler Perry's Birth
On September 13, 1969, Emmitt Perry Jr., who later became known as Tyler Perry, was born. He is an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright.
1990: Move to Atlanta
Around 1990, Tyler Perry moved to Atlanta, marking a pivotal point in his early career.
1998: Success with Retooled Play
In 1998, Tyler Perry succeeded in retooling his play and restaging it in Atlanta, first at the House of Blues, then at the Fox Theatre, which helped him gain a devoted following.
1999: Madea's Debut
In 1999, Madea, a tough elderly woman character created and performed by Tyler Perry, made her first appearance in his play, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, which was staged in Chicago.
2005: Financial Success in Theater
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", showcasing his significant financial success in theater.
2005: Breakthrough with Diary of a Mad Black Woman
In 2005, Tyler Perry achieved a 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: Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings is released
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 and subsequently reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list.
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: Spike Lee praises Perry
In 2006, Spike Lee praised Tyler Perry for his work.
2006: Tyler Perry's House of Payne Debut
In 2006, Tyler Perry's House of Payne premiered on TBS, running for eight seasons. The series marked a significant step in Perry's television career.
2006: Madea's Family Reunion Release
In 2006, Tyler Perry's film Madea's Family Reunion premiered at number one at the box office, grossing $30.3 million on its opening weekend and 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, starring Gabrielle Union and Idris Elba, was released in the United States, grossing over US$31 million.
March 5, 2007: Filming of Why Did I Get Married?
On March 5, 2007, filming began for Tyler Perry's film Why Did I Get Married? in Whistler, British Columbia, before moving to Atlanta.
June 6, 2007: House of Payne Debut on TBS
On June 6, 2007, the first two episodes of Tyler Perry's House of Payne aired on TBS, receiving high ratings.
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 US$21.4 million that weekend.
December 2007: House of Payne in Syndication
In December 2007, reruns of Tyler Perry's House of Payne were played before the second season began, marking its entry into broadcast syndication.
2007: Perry buys estate in 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, Tyler Perry's film The Family That Preys was released and grossed over US$37.1 million.
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 for allegedly firing writers for attempting to form a union.
2008: Spike Lee directs Miracle at St. Anna
In 2008, Spike Lee directed "Miracle at St. Anna", which showcased the heroism of African American soldiers during WWII.
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: Release of Madea Goes to Jail
On February 20, 2009, Tyler Perry's film Madea Goes to Jail opened at number one, grossing US$41 million and becoming his largest opening to date.
July 20, 2009: Perry sponsors children's trip to Disney World
On July 20, 2009, Tyler Perry sponsored a trip for 65 children from a Philadelphia day camp to Walt Disney World after they were shunned by a swim club.
October 2009: Perry responds to Spike Lee's criticism
In October 2009, during a 60 Minutes interview, Tyler Perry responded to Spike Lee's criticism of his work, expressing his anger and defending his creative choices.
December 8, 2009: Willie Maxine Perry dies
On December 8, 2009, Tyler Perry's mother, Willie Maxine Perry, passed away at age 64 after an illness.
2009: Spike Lee criticizes Tyler Perry's work
In 2009, Spike Lee criticized Tyler Perry's work, labeling some of it as "coonery buffoonery."
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 an ad that parodied his work.
2009: Role in Star Trek
In 2009, Tyler Perry was cast in Star Trek, marking one of his first roles outside of his own productions.
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?, was released in theaters, grossing US$60 million domestically.
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.
August 2010: Perry purchases Dean Gardens
In August 2010, Tyler Perry purchased Dean Gardens, a 58-acre estate in Atlanta.
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 discusses Perry's audience
On April 21, 2011, Goldie Taylor discussed Tyler Perry's target audience on NPR's "All Things Considered", noting that his work resonates with his intended audience.
May 2011: Forbes Recognition
Between May 2010 and May 2011, Forbes listed Tyler Perry as the highest-paid man in entertainment, earning $130 million.
June 2011: Cumulative Film Gross
As of June 2011, Tyler Perry's films had grossed over US$500 million worldwide, marking a significant milestone in his career.
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 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, Tyler Perry released the film version of Madea's Big Happy Family, which he wrote, directed, and starred in, and it grossed US$25.8 million at the box office.
February 24, 2012: Release of Good Deeds
On February 24, 2012, Tyler Perry's film Good Deeds, in which he played the lead character Wesley Deeds, was released, opening with a box office gross of US$15.5 million.
June 29, 2012: Release of Madea's Witness Protection
On June 29, 2012, Tyler Perry's film Madea's Witness Protection, his 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 after 8 seasons.
October 2, 2012: Partnership with Oprah Winfrey Network
On October 2, 2012, Tyler Perry formed 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, Tyler Perry's film Alex Cross was released, receiving negative reviews and becoming a box office bomb.
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), featuring scripted projects like The Haves and the Have Nots.
2012: Role in Alex Cross
In 2012, Tyler Perry was cast in the 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, 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: Premiere of The Haves and the Have Nots
On May 28, 2013, The Haves and the Have Nots premiered on OWN.
May 29, 2013: New Ratings Record
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: Revival of For Better or Worse on 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 released A Madea Christmas.
2013: Perry purchases land in Douglas County, Georgia
In 2013, Tyler Perry's company, ETPC LLC, purchased around 1,100 acres in Douglas County, Georgia.
January 9, 2014: OWN orders "If Loving You Is Wrong"
On January 9, 2014, OWN ordered "If Loving You Is Wrong," Tyler Perry's fourth scripted series for the network.
February 4, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots becomes most watched cable 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 season 2 sets OWN record
On March 11, 2014, a season 2 episode of "The Haves and the Have Nots" set an OWN record by achieving the highest ratings in the network's history, with 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" premieres
On September 9, 2014, the hour-long drama series "If Loving You Is Wrong" premiered on OWN.
November 30, 2014: Perry's son Aman is born
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 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, converts to studios
In 2015, Tyler Perry acquired the former Fort McPherson military base in Atlanta and converted it into Tyler Perry Studios.
May 2016: Perry sells Atlanta home for $17.5 million
In May 2016, Tyler Perry sold his house in Buckhead, Atlanta, for $17.5 million.
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, Tyler Perry signed a long-term deal with Viacom for original drama and comedy series.
September 2017: Perry purchases house in Los Angeles
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, the sequel to the film Boo! A Madea Halloween was released.
November 14, 2017: Higher Is Waiting published
On November 14, 2017, Tyler Perry's second book, "Higher Is Waiting", was published, debuting at number 5 on the New York Times Best Seller list.
November 17, 2017: Release of The Star
On November 17, 2017, Tyler Perry lent his voice, alongside Oprah Winfrey, in his first animated film, The Star.
2017: Voice Acting in The Star
In 2017, Tyler Perry lent his voice to the animated film The Star.
February 19, 2018: "Black Panther" filmed at Tyler Perry Studios
On February 19, 2018, Tyler Perry announced that the Marvel film "Black Panther" was the first movie 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 part of the Viacom deal.
2019: Production of The Oval
In 2019, Tyler Perry produced the political drama series The Oval for BET.
January 6, 2020: Perry defends not using a writers room
On January 6, 2020, Tyler Perry posted a video explaining why he prefers to write his films and TV shows himself, sparking criticism for denying opportunities to black writers.
March 2020: Harry and Meghan relocated to California
In March 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan relocated to California with the help of Tyler Perry providing security and housing.
December 2020: Perry announces he is a single bachelor
In December 2020, Tyler Perry announced that he was a single bachelor.
2020: Inclusion in Time's 100 Most Influential People
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: Atlanta satirizes Perry
In 2020, an episode of the FX series "Atlanta" titled "Work Ethic!" satirized Tyler Perry and his studio operations.
March 7, 2021: Perry provided security and housing for Harry and Meghan
On March 7, 2021, Prince Harry and Meghan revealed that Tyler Perry provided them with initial security and housing for three months when they relocated to California in March 2020.
July 20, 2021: End of The Haves and the Have Nots
On July 20, 2021, Tyler Perry's The Haves and the Have Nots completed its series run after 8 seasons.
2021: Roles in Those Who Wish Me Dead and Don't Look Up
In 2021, Tyler Perry appeared in both Those Who Wish Me Dead and Don't Look Up, expanding his acting roles in Hollywood films.
2021: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In 2021, Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards, recognizing his philanthropic efforts.
2024: Original Investment Value
In 1992, Tyler Perry invested US$12,000 (equivalent to $28,881 in 2024) in his play I Know I've Been Changed, which was first performed at a community theater.
