About
Tyler Perry, born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, is a major figure in American entertainment. He created the iconic character Madea, a sharp-tongued grandmother, who first appeared in his stage plays in the late 1990s. His first film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), was an immediate success. Perry has written, directed, or produced over 28 films and more than 1,600 television episodes. In 2019, he opened Tyler Perry Studios, the first major film studio owned by an African American. Recognized for his humanitarian work, he received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 2021.
* 1969-09-13
Major works
- Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)film
- Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings (2006)book
- House of Payne (2006)TV series
- The Six Triple Eight (2024)film
- Madea's Destination Wedding (2025)film
Key milestones
- 2005His first film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, opens at number one at the box office.
- 2019Opening of Tyler Perry Studios, the first major film studio owned by an African American.
- 2021Receives the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 93rd Academy Awards.
Themes
FamilyFaithRedemptionAfrican American experienceHumor
Sources: press.oscars.org · tylerperry.com · gpb.org