Tyler Perry's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Tyler Perry. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Tyler Perry is an American actor, filmmaker, and playwright best known for creating and portraying the character Mabel "Madea" Simmons. Perry's work spans various filmmaking styles, including traditional techniques and filmed stage play productions. Madea first appeared in his 1999 play, 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself,' marking the beginning of a successful and prolific career across stage and film.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Retooling and Restaging of 'I Know I've Been Changed'

In 1998, Tyler Perry, at age 28, successfully re-tooled the play 'I Know I've Been Changed' and re-staged it in Atlanta.

2005: Reported Ticket 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 Performance 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 of the same name.

April 11, 2006: Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings Published

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. The book 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.

Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life

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2006: Release of Madea's Family Reunion

In 2006, Tyler Perry's film Madea's Family Reunion opened at number one at the box office with $30.3 million on its opening weekend (February 24–26). The film eventually grossed $65 million.

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. It is loosely based on his play of the same name.

February 20, 2009: Madea Goes to Jail Opened at Number One

On February 20, 2009, Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail opened at number one, grossing US$41 million and becoming his largest opening to date.

May 2010: Forbes Lists Perry as Highest-Paid Man

In May 2010, Forbes listed Tyler Perry as the highest-paid man in entertainment, earning $130 million between May 2010 and May 2011.

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.

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February 4, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots is most watched cable program

On February 4, 2014, The Haves and the Have Nots was the most watched program in all of cable television for the night.

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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 when it scored the highest ratings in the network's history, bringing in 3.6 million viewers.

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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.