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 accomplished American actor, filmmaker, and playwright, best known for creating and portraying the iconic character Mabel "Madea" Simmons, along with her brother Joe and nephew Brian Simmons. Perry's diverse body of work ranges from traditional film productions to filmed adaptations of his successful stage plays. Madea's debut occurred in his 1999 play, 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself,' which premiered in Chicago, marking the beginning of a prolific career centered around his unique blend of comedy, drama, and social commentary.

Sections (4)

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

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

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 published, selling 30,000 copies.

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

Check it on Amazon

May 28, 2013: The Haves and the Have Nots Premiere

On May 28, 2013, Tyler Perry's "The Haves and the Have Nots" premiered on OWN, becoming a successful soap opera/drama series that ran for 8 seasons.

Loading Video...

May 29, 2013: The Haves and the Have Nots Sets Ratings Record

On May 29, 2013, it was reported that "The Haves and the Have Nots" set a new record for OWN, achieving the highest ratings ever for a series premiere on the network.

Loading Video...

February 4, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots Most Watched Program

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

Loading Video...

March 11, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots Season 2 Ratings 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.

Loading Video...

2015: Perry Acquires Fort McPherson

In 2015, Tyler Perry acquired the 330-acre former military base Fort McPherson in Atlanta and converted it into studios.

November 14, 2017: Higher Is Waiting Publication

On November 14, 2017, Tyler Perry's second book, "Higher Is Waiting", was published and debuted at number 5 on the New York Times Best Seller list.

February 19, 2018: Black Panther Filmed at Tyler Perry Studios

On February 19, 2018, Tyler Perry announced on his Instagram account that the blockbuster Marvel film, "Black Panther", was the first to be filmed on one of the new stages at Tyler Perry Studios.

Loading Video...

2019: The Oval, Sistas, and BET+ Premiere

In 2019, Tyler Perry's "The Oval", "Sistas", and BET+ (a brand new streaming service) premiered with strong ratings for BET, marking the beginning of Perry's TV deal with Viacom.

Loading Video...