Person · Screenwriter

Tyler Perry

A struggling playwright turns his life around by creating the iconic Madea character, using humor and heart to build a media empire and inspire a generation through film, theater, and television.

Born

September 14, 1969

From

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Also:
Writer
Producer
Director

188

Credits on file

Decades active

Awards

In short · Writing since 1953, 8 decades active, 188 credits, 1 Academy Award win.

Known for

Ranked by community engagement + sustained interest across this person's credits in our database.

Biography

Tyler Perry (born Emmitt Perry, Jr.; September 13, 1969) is an African-American actor, director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, author, songwriter, and entrepreneur.

Having already achieved success in Southern theater, Perry gained national recognition in 2005 with the release of his first film, *Diary of a Mad Black Woman*. He has received critical praise for his portrayal of Madea, a mentally strong woman who handles adversity with optimism and happiness; his critically acclaimed performance in the award-winning "Madea" series has established him as one of the most respected Black actors in Hollywood.

Perry has produced multiple television series and films, entered into a multiyear partnership with OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), and opened his own film studio, Tyler Perry Studios, in Georgia.

He was included in *Time*'s list of the 100 most influential people of 2020. In 2022, he was inducted into the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame.

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