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. He is renowned for creating and portraying Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a strong-willed elderly woman, along with her brother Joe and nephew Brian. Perry's filmmaking encompasses both traditional cinematic methods and filmed versions of his live stage plays, many of which he later adapts into movies. Madea initially debuted in Perry's 1999 stage play, I Can Do Bad All by Myself, performed in Chicago.

Sections (4)

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

1998: Retooling and Restaging of the Play

In 1998, Tyler Perry successfully retooled and restaged his play in Atlanta, first at the House of Blues, then at the Fox Theatre.

2005: Reported Ticket and Merchandise Sales

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", and "the 300 live shows he produces each year are attended by an average of 35,000 people a week".

2005: Breakthrough with Diary of a Mad Black Woman

In 2005, Tyler Perry achieved 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.

2006: Madea's Family Reunion Release

In 2006, Tyler Perry made his directorial debut with Madea's Family Reunion, which opened at number one at the box office with $30.3 million.

October 12, 2007: Release of Why Did I Get Married?

On October 12, 2007, Why Did I Get Married?, written, directed, produced, and starring Tyler Perry, was released and opened at number one.

February 20, 2009: Release of Madea Goes to Jail

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 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: 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.

June 2011: Films Gross Over $500 Million Worldwide

As of June 2011, Tyler Perry's films had grossed over US$500 million worldwide.

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.

Loading Video...

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

On February 4, 2014, "The Haves and the Have Nots" was 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 episode sets OWN record

On March 11, 2014, an episode of "The Haves and the Have Nots" season 2 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, Perry acquired the 330-acre former military base Fort McPherson in Atlanta and converted it to studios.

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.