Top 20 Facts about Tyler Perry

Top 20 Facts about Tyler Perry

*Originally published by Lydia in November 2022 updated by Diane C in January 2024

Tyler Perry is an American filmmaker, playwright, actor and comedian. His films vary in style from orthodox filmmaking techniques to filmed production of live stage plays, and most of his stage play films have been subsequently adapted as feature films. He is also the creator and performer of the Madea character, a tough elderly woman.

In 2020, Tyler was included in Time’s list of the 100 most influential people and received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards. Tyler was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

Learn more about Tyler Perry in these top 20 facts.

1. Tyler Perry Had a Tough Childhood

Tyler was born Emmitt Perry on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Emmitt Perry Sr, a carpenter, and Willie Maxine Perry, and he has three siblings. He once revealed that his father’s answer to everything was to “beat it out of you” his father used to beat him so much that he attempted suicide to escape his father’s beatings. His mother started to take him to church every week, where he could find a sense of refuge and contentment.

When he was 16, he had his first name legally changed from Emmitt to Tyler in an effort to distance himself from his father. He later conducted a DNA test which revealed that Emmitt Sr. was not his biological father.

Check out: 20 Most Talented Black Actors of All Time

2. Tyler Was Inspired to Start Writing by Oprah Winfrey

Photo by John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com John Mathew Smith & www.celebrity-photos.com-Wikimedia

During his early 20s, while watching an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, he heard Oprah describe the sometimes-therapeutic effect of writing, enabling the author to work out their problems.

The comments from the show inspired him and he started writing stuff down, but he would use different names and characters because he didn’t want anyone to know what he was going through in case they found the journal. That is how his first play, I Know I’ve Changed, was born.

3. His First Play was I Know I’ve Changed

This play features a character who confronts an abuser, forgives him, and moves on and also includes addressing an issue such as dysfunctional families and child abuse. In 1990, Tyler moved to Atlanta; two years later, I Know I’ve Changed was first performed at a community theatre and he financed it using his life savings.

At first, the play received less reception and was a financial failure. Tyler didn’t give up; he continued to rewrite but kept getting lackluster reviews. In 1998 he retooled the play and restaging in Atlanta, first at the House of Blues and then at the Fox Theatre.

4. Tyler Perry Has Written Books

On April 11, 2006, his first book appeared entitled; Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea’s Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life. The book sold 30,000 copies and the hardcover reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list and remained on the list for 12 weeks. Subsequently, it was voted Book of the Year and Best Humor Book at the 2006 Quill Awards.

On November 14, 2017, his second book, titled Higher Is Waiting, was published, and it debuted at number five on the New York Times Best Seller list.

See also: Here are the Funniest Black Comedian Actors

5. He is the Creator and Performer of the Madea Character

Filmmaker and actor Tyler Perry being interviewed in 2016. Photo by AMFM STUDIOS LLC-Wikimedia

Tyler introduced the audience to the character Madae in the play I Know I’ve Changed, but he has now played the character in several movies, theatre production, and TV Series. He never expected the character to last long because it was intended as a small role. The character portrays him as a tough, street-smart elderly African American woman.

6. Tyler’s First Movie was Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Tyler raised a $5.5 million dollars budget in part from the ticket sales of his stage production to fund his first movie, Dairy of a Mad Black Woman. It was a romantic comedy-drama about a woman who was kicked out of her house by her husband on their 18th wedding anniversary as she moved in with her grandmother.

The movie was released in the United States on February 25, 2005, gaining a gross of US $50.6 million domestically and scoring a 16% approval rating at the film review website Rotten Tomatoes.

7. He Owns Tyler Perry Studios

Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Tyler acquired 330 acres of land at the former military base Fort McPherson located in Atlanta, which he converted to studious. He celebrated the grand opening of his studio in 2019. The studio has 12 sound stages named after highly accomplished African Americans in the entertainment industry. The film Black Panther was the first to be filmed on the new stages.

Tyler Perry Studios is one of the largest film studios in the nation and established Perry as the second African American to own a major film studio after Tim and Daphne Reid.

8. Tyler has Faced Several Legal Actions

The Writers Guild of America, West filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB); they accused his production company of unlawfully firing four writers in retaliation for them trying to get a union contract. Their dispute was settled, and Tyler Perry Studios agreed to be a WGA signatory.

Subsequently, Tyler threatened to take legal action against Mo’ Money Taxes, a tax preparation company in Memphis, Tennessee, for running a TV spot that he felt offensively parodied his work, mainly Madea Goes to Jail.

9. Tyler Had a Multi-Year Partnership with Oprah Winfrey

In 2012, he struck a partnership with Oprah Winfrey and her Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN); the partnership was for bringing scripted television to OWN and Tyler has created multiple scripted series for the network.

Some of his films of Tyler which have been featured on OWN include, Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse based on his films Why Did I Get Married? and Why Did I Get Married Too? Love Thy Neighbor, The Haves and the Have Nots, The Single Moms Club called If Loving You Is Wrong.

The “Haves and the Have Nots” was successful and gave OWN some of its highest ratings during its 8-year series run.

Check out: 15 Talented Black British Actors

10. Tyler Had a Deal with Viacom CBS

He signed a long-term with Viacom CBS on June 14, 2017, for 90 episodes/year of original drama and comedy series. Viacom will have distribution rights to short video content and the first look at film concepts.

The deal began in the fall of 2019 with The Oval, Sistas, and BET+ premiering with strong ratings for BET.

11. Perry’s Christian faith has played a significant role in his life and work

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

He credits his faith with giving him the strength to overcome challenges, find forgiveness, and pursue his dreams. He often incorporates themes of faith, hope, and redemption into his stories, offering solace and inspiration to his audience. In “Madea Goes to Jail,” the iconic character finds solace and strength in prayer amidst her incarceration, offering viewers a relatable portrayal of seeking comfort in faith during difficult times.

12. Perry is a philanthropist

He has supported numerous charitable causes related to education, youth empowerment, and social justice. The Tyler Perry Foundation, established in 2006, serves as a cornerstone of his charitable efforts. This organization tackles diverse challenges, from education and youth development to community revitalization and social justice initiatives.

Notably, the foundation provides scholarships for underprivileged students, empowering them to pursue their dreams through higher education. Additionally, Perry has directly funded the construction of community centers in Atlanta, offering safe spaces for youth and fostering positive social interaction.

13. Perry’s contributions to entertainment  have been widely recognized

Photo by Martin Jernberg on Unsplash

He has received numerous awards, including a NAACP Image Award, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His impact on Hollywood and beyond is undeniable.

While accolades like his NAACP Image Award and the iconic star on Hollywood Boulevard stand as testaments to his artistic achievements, Tyler Perry’s true recognition lies in the lives he’s touched.

14. His work is more than just entertainment

Perry’s work often tackles social issues and complex themes, sparking conversations about race, family, faith, and resilience. His films like “For Colored Girls” and “Acrimony” delve into issues of domestic violence, colorism, and mental health, prompting audiences to confront uncomfortable realities and engage in meaningful dialogue.

Perry’s films don’t offer easy answers; they pose questions and challenges. He encourages conversations about race, family dynamics, and individual responsibility, pushing audiences to think critically and form their own opinions.

15. He is a devoted father

Despite his busy career, Perry is a dedicated father to his son, Aman. He values his family life and keeps it relatively private, but his occasional glimpses into fatherhood showcase his nurturing and supportive side.

While Perry fiercely guards his family’s privacy, a heartwarming snippet emerged in a recent interview where he recounted reading bedtime stories to his son, Aman. His voice softened as he described Aman’s fascination with certain characters, highlighting the joy and responsibility of nurturing a young mind.

16. Perry’s work has not been without criticism

In particular this regards his portrayal of certain characters and stereotypes, especially in his earlier Madea films. Some critics argue that these portrayals perpetuate negative stereotypes about Black communities.

Perry has acknowledged these concerns and strives to learn and evolve as an artist, incorporating more nuanced and diverse characters in his later works.

17. He’s an accomplished songwriter and singer

Photo by Marcela Laskoski on Unsplash

Tyler Perry’s artistic expression extends beyond the screen. He’s also an accomplished songwriter and singer, contributing soul-stirring music to his films. Songs like ‘I Believe’ and ‘Never Would Have Made It’ offer powerful messages of hope and resilience, resonating deeply with audiences grappling with life’s challenges.

The emotional vulnerability expressed in his music complements his acting and directing, adding another layer of connection with viewers. In his own words, ‘Music allows me to express emotions and tell stories in a way that dialogue sometimes can’t.

18.  He holds the record for the most number one box office openings 

Tyler Perry doesn’t just entertain; he shatters records. He holds the record for the most number one openings by an African American director. Films like “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and “Madea Goes to Jail” exemplify this impressive feat, showcasing his ability to connect with audiences and achieve commercial success.

This landmark achievement is more than just statistics; it signifies a significant shift in Hollywood, where Perry broke barriers and paved the way for greater representation and diverse storytelling. His record continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers and serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and artistic vision.

19. Born Emmitt Perry Jr., he legally changed his name 

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he legally changed his name to Tyler at the age of 16 to disassociate himself from his abusive father. He subsequently became a renowned American actor, filmmaker, and playwright.

20. He tackles diverse genres, from comedies and dramas to thrillers and historical pieces

Tyler Perry is a multi-talented artist whose work defies easy categorization. He’s equally at home in comedies like “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” (2005) and dramas like “Precious” (2009). He’s also dabbled in thrillers like “Alex Cross” (2012) and historical pieces like “A Time for Killing” (2018). This versatility has helped him to connect with a wide audience and solidify his place as a major force in the entertainment industry.

From humble beginnings to Hollywood heights, Tyler Perry’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and a commitment to storytelling. He’s not just an actor, writer, and director; he’s a builder, carving his own path in the entertainment industry and creating opportunities for diverse voices. Whether you know him for the laughs of Madea or the depth of “For Colored Girls,” his impact is undeniable.