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 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.

Sections (4)

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

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.

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.

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

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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 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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.