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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2021: Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
In 2021, Tyler Perry received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards, recognizing his philanthropic efforts.
