For over three decades, Tyler Perry has captivated audiences as an actor and filmmaker. Now, the Hollywood titan bests himself as a studio and network owner.
You don’t get any more A-list than Tyler Perry. The actor, filmmaker, playwright, philanthropist and entrepreneur extraordinaire is globally recognised as one of the greatest showmen of the 21st century.
Whether he’s made you laugh in any of the Madea movies, made you cry in Diary of a Mad Black Woman or kept you enthralled in Alex Cross, everyone has a favourite Tyler Perry movie and, especially, a favourite moment. However, this is the moment that stands out most: Tyler making history as the first African-American man to own a film studio and two TV networks, giving him controlling interests in both BET and VH1, an investment said to have cost him a staggering $400 million (R7.6 billion).
Building a billion dollar empire
The 54-year-old had always dreamed of owning his very own television network. Back in 2007, Tyler took the first step by unveiling his online show, aptly named Tyler TV. Building on this, he created the TPTV network, a journey that unfolded during his collaboration with cable network TBS (a division of Turner Broadcasting) on eight seasons of the sitcom House of Payne.
I work so hard because I know what it feels like not to have
In 2012 he parted ways with TBS and started a new chapter of his playbook, making prime-time series for Oprah’s OWN network and the expansive Discovery networks. Then came Tyler Perry Studios, the sprawling Atlanta studio complex (once an army base called Fort McPherson), which he bought in 2015 and which is now home to a number of film sets and sound stages (Black Panther was filmed here, as well as The Walking Dead TV series).
“I’m the first African-American to own a major studio. That’s what I want to be remembered for,” he’s said.
Fast-forward to 2017, and Tyler embarked on a business venture with Viacom, sealing an exclusive alliance with BET and BET+. He’s also found time to create content for Netflix and is currently working on his fifth project for the streaming service, a legal drama titled Mea Culpa featuring Kelly Rowland.
Another project in the pipeline is Six Triple Eight, the true story of an all-black, all-women battalion who fought in World War II, starring Kerry Washington.
The marvellous Madea
I still remember the first time I encountered Tyler Perry’s work – a mix of poignant storytelling and belly-aching laughter in Madea’s Family Reunion. At the centre was his iconic character, Madea: a strong-willed, gun-toting grandma (played by himself).
His unique approach blended comedy with heart, a formula that resonated with the African American community. But it had its critics, too, and he faced a backlash for Madea’s portrayal. He was unfazed. “Madea is a distorted, exaggerated version of my mother,” he explained. “I celebrate her, and people like her.”
Having first hit the screens in 2005 with Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Tyler’s unique storytelling abilities propelled him to the top of the film industry. There are now 10 Madea movies in the franchise, everyone a box-office hit.
He went on to capture viewers’ attention with emotional comedy dramas such as Daddy’s Little Girls, Meet the Browns, Why Did I Get Married? and its sequel, plus countless other hits, making him one of contemporary Hollywood’s most influential figures. He’s also acted in a couple of films by other filmmakers, such as Gone Girl.
Tyler’s rise to fame wasn’t handed to him on a silver platter. “I work so hard because I know what it feels like not to have,” he always reiterates in his interviews with the press. His real-life journey is every bit as inspirational as the stories he crafts.
Long road to fortune
Let’s rewind to where his journey began. Born in New Orleans, he faced a childhood of abuse and poverty, an upbringing that would have broken many. “I didn’t have any mentors; I had to figure it out on my own,” he reveals.
His career path was sparked by an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, in which it was suggested that writing could be therapeutic. He moved to Atlanta to focus on writing, and two years later produced a musical play called I Know I’ve Been Changed. He poured his heart and soul into it, risking everything to fund the production. The first run was not a success, but he rewrote it over and over until, six years later, it paid off. He became a successful playwright, and he was able to raise most of the funding for his debut film from his stage shows.
The best part is that he now owns the entirety of his creative output. This includes 22 films, more than 1 200 episodes of TV shows, and at least two dozen stage plays. According to Forbes, Tyler has pocketed over $1.4 billion (R25.6 billion) in earnings since 2005 and places his current net worth at a staggering $1 billion (R18 billion).
This fortune has allowed him to snag homes in Atlanta, New York and LA, holiday homes in the Bahamas and Wyoming, and add two private planes to his collection of assets. Quite the upgrade for a writer who was once homeless and “in and out of shelters”.
But it’s not just the success that defines him; it’s his authenticity and honesty. He’s never shied away from discussing his struggles.
“The first thing you do to get over your depression is open the curtains, put on some good music, take you a shower, and open the door and go out and see the world. Everything that’s kicking you, kick it back. Be aware of the darkness but your focus should always be the light,” he wrote in a letter to Oprah.
My biggest success is getting over the things that have ever tried to destroy me
His openness gives hope to countless others who face adversity, as he has managed to turn his pain into power. “My biggest success is getting over the things that have tried to destroy and take me out of this life. Those are my biggest successes. It has nothing to do with work.”
Mr Good Deeds
Perry’s impact isn’t limited to the realm of showbiz. He is also a philanthropist with a heart as big as his dreams. “I love to give. I’ve been a giver all my life.” His charitable acts range from covering funeral expenses and helping people affected by natural disasters to sponsoring children to visit Disney World. He recently offered a $100 000 (R1.8 million) reward for information regarding a 24-year-old who was murdered because he was gay. He also paid acting legend Cicely Tyson $1 million for just one day of work on Why Did I Get Married to “honour her” and ensure she was taken care of in her old age.
His journey is a reminder that dreams are worth chasing and that the road might be tough, but the destination is sweeter for it.
“Be modest and patient; allow your dream its own time to grow. Dreams need to be tended like crops before you can enjoy the harvest,” he says. “And this is important: don’t get hung up on the outcome. Hand that over to God. Remember, He’s the one at the wheel. Of course, I was afraid of failing, but I held on.”
Perhaps first and foremost, Tyler is a father. He has a 9-year-old son, Aman, with his ex, Gelila Bekele. “All of this other stuff is really great,” he told AARP: The Magazine, “but the thing that gives me motivation every day is being Aman’s father. My dream for him is to be the best that he can be – all that he wants to be, no matter what that is.”
Follow him:
Facebook: Tyler Perry
X: @tylerperry
Instagram: @tylerperry
TikTok: Tyler Perry Studios
Website: tylerperry.com
Words by: Koketso Mashika
Photography: Gallo/Getty Images
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