Tyler Perry
Biography of Tyler Perry
Full Name and Common Aliases
Full Name: Emmitt Perry Jr.
Common Aliases: Tyler Perry
Birth and Death Dates
Birth Date: September 13, 1969
Death Date: N/A
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: American
Profession(s): Actor, Playwright, Filmmaker, Author, Entrepreneur
Early Life and Background
Tyler Perry, born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, emerged from a challenging childhood to become one of the most influential figures in entertainment. Raised in a household marked by poverty and abuse, Perry found solace in writing. At the age of 16, he legally changed his first name to Tyler to distance himself from his father, whose harsh treatment left a lasting impact on him. Despite dropping out of high school, Perry earned his GED and began to channel his experiences into writing, inspired by an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that discussed the therapeutic benefits of writing.
Major Accomplishments
Tyler Perry's journey to success was not without its hurdles. He initially struggled to gain recognition, with his first play, "I Know I've Been Changed," facing financial difficulties and poor attendance. However, Perry's perseverance paid off when he reworked the play and found an audience in Atlanta, Georgia. This marked the beginning of a series of successful stage productions that resonated with African American audiences, blending humor, drama, and gospel music.
Perry's major breakthrough came with the creation of the character Madea, a tough, elderly woman portrayed by Perry himself. Madea became a cultural phenomenon, leading to a series of successful plays and films. Perry's ability to self-finance and distribute his work allowed him to maintain creative control, a rarity in Hollywood. His film "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" (2005) was a box office success, establishing him as a formidable force in the film industry.
Notable Works or Actions
Tyler Perry's body of work is extensive and varied, encompassing stage plays, films, and television series. His Madea franchise, including films like "Madea's Family Reunion" (2006) and "Madea Goes to Jail" (2009), has been particularly successful, grossing hundreds of millions of dollars worldwide. Beyond Madea, Perry has created and produced numerous television shows, such as "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" and "The Haves and the Have Nots," which have enjoyed long runs and high ratings.
In addition to his entertainment ventures, Perry is a published author, with books like "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings" and "Higher Is Waiting," both of which have been well-received. His work often explores themes of faith, family, and redemption, resonating with audiences seeking relatable and uplifting narratives.
Impact and Legacy
Tyler Perry's impact on the entertainment industry is profound. He is credited with creating a new model for African American filmmakers, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success outside the traditional Hollywood system. Perry's establishment of Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, one of the largest film production studios in the United States, has provided opportunities for countless actors, writers, and filmmakers, particularly those from underrepresented communities.
Perry's philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy. He has donated millions to various causes, including disaster relief, education, and homelessness. His commitment to giving back to the community reflects his belief in using his success to uplift others.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Tyler Perry is widely quoted and remembered for his inspirational journey from adversity to success. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, creativity, and faith. Perry's quotes often reflect his personal philosophy, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, self-belief, and the transformative power of storytelling. His ability to connect with audiences through humor and heart has made his words resonate with people from all walks of life.
Perry's legacy is not only in his extensive body of work but also in his role as a trailblazer for African American artists. His success has paved the way for greater diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, inspiring a new generation of creators to tell their stories authentically and unapologetically.
Quotes by Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry's insights on:
If you look at everything I do - even in 'Boo!' there's a message, and it's always 'faith, family, forgiveness.' That's the greatest gift that I've been given. I can get a message to the very people I grew up with, the millions who love what I do.
I don't have a writer's room. I write all the shows myself. Ninety-one episodes a season, I'm sitting there at the computer writing and writing and writing because I want the voice to be authentic so that the audience is hearing from me and not other writers.
I love a good breakfast - grits and eggs, French toast, turkey bacon. My grandmother on my father's side used to make tea cakes, and her breakfasts were unbelievable. There was fresh ham, and she would go out to the yard to get fresh eggs. She lived in rural Louisiana, and we'd spend summers with her.
Being on the 'Alex Cross' set, and watching and learning about and paying attention to everything that was going on there, I realized, 'Here is a moment for me to learn.'
As a member of the Feeding America Entertainment Council, I recognize our mission to spread the word and rally the country in the fight to end hunger.
Seven years after my mother's passing, I still reach for the phone for a split second to call her. We spoke every day.
There's this great thing called the 'Chitlin' Circuit,' which I started my shows on and back in the day when, you know, Ray Charles and Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington, they couldn't get into white establishments, so they went on this circuit and toured. They were huge stars in their own community, you know, and that's pretty much my same story.
I haven't read a book in a very, very long time because, when I'm writing, I don't like to see other people's work. I don't want to see something great and not be able to use it, and I don't want to have any subconscious influences.
I have very simple tastes. An ex-girlfriend used to tell me I have the palate of a kid because there are only five or six foods that I love. And if you rotate them on a regular basis, that's all I need to eat - like arugula, spinach, and grilled chicken.