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 multifaceted American entertainer, excelling as an actor, filmmaker, and playwright. He is most recognized for creating and portraying Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a strong-willed elderly woman, alongside other characters like Joe and Brian Simmons. Perry's filmography includes both traditionally filmed movies and adaptations of his live stage plays. Madea debuted in his 1999 Chicago stage play, 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself,' marking the beginning of a significant and impactful career in entertainment.

Sections (4)

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

1998: Retools and Restages "I Know I've Been Changed"

In 1998, at age 28, Tyler Perry successfully retooled and restaged his play "I Know I've Been Changed" in Atlanta, first at the House of Blues, then at the Fox Theatre.

2005: Reported Ticket, Video, 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 with Diary of a Mad Black Woman

In 2005, Tyler Perry achieved a breakthrough with the film "Diary of a Mad Black Woman", which he wrote and produced based on his stage play of the same name.

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

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 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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May 2010: Highest-Paid Man in Entertainment

Between May 2010 and May 2011, Tyler Perry earned $130 million, leading Forbes to list him as the highest-paid man in entertainment.

May 2011: Highest-Paid Man in Entertainment Earnings

Between May 2010 and May 2011, Tyler Perry earned $130 million, leading Forbes to list him as the highest-paid man in entertainment.

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

On May 28, 2013, Tyler Perry's hour-long soap opera/drama series, "The Haves and the Have Nots", premiered on OWN. Oprah Winfrey credited the program with bringing success to her network.

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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, 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 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.

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March 11, 2014: The Haves and the Have Nots Sets OWN 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.

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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.