Early Life
Emmitt Perry Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on September 13, 1969. His childhood was marked by poverty and a difficult relationship with his father, which led him to change his first name to Tyler at age 16. He did not complete high school, earning a GED later. As a young adult, he was inspired by Oprah Winfrey's advice on the therapeutic value of writing, which led him to keep a journal.
Rise to Success
In 1992, Perry began his career with the play "I Know I've Been Changed." After initial struggles, he found success in Atlanta, eventually creating the character Madea for the stage. Madea's popularity led to a successful transition to film, with "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" in 2005, marking a significant breakthrough. Perry's work in the 1990s and 2000s included many successful stage plays. In 2011, Forbes listed him as the highest-paid man in entertainment, earning $130 million between May 2010 and May 2011. In 2019, he produced the political drama series The Oval for BET. He has also appeared in Hollywood films like Star Trek (2009) and Gone Girl (2014).
Key Business Strategies
Tyler Perry's success is largely attributed to his emphasis on ownership. He owns 100% of the content he creates, including films, television shows, and plays. His production company, Tyler Perry Studios, generates a steady stream of films. In 2019, Perry struck a deal with ViacomCBS, earning $150 million annually for new content and securing an equity stake in BET+. He also created Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, contributing to making Atlanta an alternative tax credit production hub city. Perry's business strategies also include leveraging the success of the Madea franchise, which has grossed over $667 million.
Philanthropy
Perry is known for his philanthropy, and is involved in various initiatives. He provided initial security and housing for Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. Perry has also received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy Awards in 2021.
