Tyler Perry: What Does The Billionaire Own?

Tyler Perry has the ultimate rags-to-riches story. Renowned for his multifaceted talents as a filmmaker, actor, playwright and entrepreneur, Perry, 54, has built an empire that spans various industries, from film and television production to real estate and philanthropy. His story is rather remarkable considering his humble beginnings. 

Raised amidst poverty and adversity in New Orleans, his childhood was marred by hardship and abuse. However, Tyler found solace in writing, a habit he was able to cultivate from a young age and the talent that would later become the cornerstone of his future success, according to his website.

Infused with resilience, faith and unwavering determination, Tyler weathered the storms of adolescence. His introspective writing served as a source of motivation, propelling him to pen his inaugural play, I Know I’ve Been Changed, in 1992. Despite initial setbacks, including an empty audience on the play’s debut, Tyler persisted.

“You got to understand, I had no mentors,” Perry told Forbes in 2020. “My father doesn’t know anything about business, and my uncles and mother, they know nothing about this. I didn’t go to business school. Everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned in progress.” 

With sheer perseverance, he saved every penny to stage his play, envisioning a brighter future. Little did he anticipate that six years later, I Know I’ve Been Changed would enjoy a sold-out run, prompting a move to the prestigious Fox Theatre in Atlanta. This triumph foreshadowed even greater success, as evidenced by the nationwide sell-out of his original play, Madea on the Run, in 2015. The rest is history. In the ‘90s, Perry would later traverse into the world of theater, production, film and TV where he would amass the bulk of his wealth.

Today, according to Forbes, Perry’s net worth stands at a towering $1.4 billion. His popular Madea franchise — which contains award-winning films like Madea Goes To Jail and Madea’s Family Reunion — has grossed over $660 million. 

Perry’s extensive film and TV portfolio also includes major hits such as The Six Triple Eight, which earned five awards at the 56th Annual NAACP Image Awards,  All the Queen’s Men, and the hugely popular House of Payne. TBS reportedly purchased the rights to House of Payne for $200 million, with around $138 million of that going directly to Perry, according to Parade.

Diary of a Mad Black Woman had an impressive opening weekend, grossing over $21 million and eventually reaching more than $51 million at the box office. The film also brought in an additional $150 million from video sales, streaming, TV licensing, and on-demand services, the outlet noted.

Ownership is key for this world-renowned filmmaker and writer. He owns 100% of the content he’s created.

The success doesn’t stop there for the Hollywood tycoon. Perry recently achieved another milestone with the release of his latest film, Duplicity, starring Kat Graham, Meagan Tandy, and Tyler Lepley. Released on March 20, the film quickly soared to the No. 1 spot on Amazon Prime Video shortly after its debut. Perry celebrated the major success on Instagram.

“In The World Y’all!” he penned on March 23.

In addition, earlier this month, the New Orleans native signed a multi-series development deal with Pantheon Media Group under his production company, Tyler Perry Studios. This collaboration with A+E Global will see the two companies developing unscripted content for Lifetime and A&E networks across a variety of genres and platforms. Several projects are already in development, with Antoinetta Stallings, Vice President of Unscripted at Tyler Perry Studios, and LaNeé Griffin, Senior VP of Development and Programming at Pantheon, overseeing the production of projects for A+E.

“Tyler Perry’s unique ability to craft stories that deeply connect with audiences is unparalleled,” Elaine Frontain Bryant, the exec VP and head of programming at A&E, Lifetime, and LMN, gushed about the new partnership. “We are thrilled to welcome Tyler Perry to the A+E family and cannot wait to see the incredible content Tyler Perry Studios and Pantheon will bring to A+E Global Media.”

Real estate portfolio, Tyler Perry Studios, and BET+ stake.

In 2019, the Louisiana native launched his production company, Tyler Perry Studios, based in Atlanta, Georgia, — one of the largest film studios in the United States. The studio complex spans over 330 acres and includes state-of-the-art soundstages, backlots and production facilities for TV and film projects. According to USA Today, the Mea Culpa director reportedly purchased the massive property where Tyler Perry Studios now stands in 2015 for a whopping $30 million.

Utilizing this control, he struck a lucrative deal with ViacomCBS, earning $150 million annually for producing new content and securing an equity stake in BET+, the streaming platform launched in September. He owns 25% of the streaming service. 

Forbes approximates Perry’s pretax earnings since 2005 to exceed $1.4 billion. With this wealth, he has acquired residences in Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, alongside owning two aircrafts.

According to Architectural Digest (AD), in the 1990s, Perry acquired his first real estate property in Fairborn, Georgia, for $62,661. He subsequently named the parcel “Avec Château,” which translates to “with home” in French.

The sprawling 17,252 square-foot abode contained six bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms. 

“I wanted this house to be vast,” he told Ebony magazine about the purchase that helped jump-start his wealth in real estate, AD noted. “I wanted to make a statement, not in any grand or boastful way, but to let people know what God can do when you believe.”

Perry sold the property in 2018 for $2.19 million.

Perry’s wealth also extends into philanthropy.

Beyond his business ventures and massive real estate portfolio, Perry is deeply committed to philanthropy and giving back to his community. He has been involved in various charitable endeavors since 2006 with The Perry Foundation, where he gives generously to organizations that support causes such as education, homelessness, and healthcare.

“The Perry Foundation’s aim has been to transform tragedy into triumph by seeding individual potential, supporting communities, and harvesting sustainable change,” the organization states on its campaign website.

Perry’s extensive list of generous donations includes a $1 million contribution to various Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. During the pandemic, he displayed remarkable compassion by leaving a $21,000 tip for struggling restaurant workers and covering the grocery bills for senior citizens at 73 different stores. He also spent over $400,000 to pay off layaway purchases for Christmas at Atlanta-area Walmarts and bought more than $50,000 in grocery gift cards for families in need during COVID-19.

Additionally, Perry offered a $200,000 reward in a missing person case, further exemplifying his dedication to helping others during difficult times. It’s no secret. Perry loves making an impact and helping others with the fortune he has amassed.

SEE ALSO:

Tyler Perry And BET Media Group Agree To New Multi-Year Deal

O.J. Simpson And Other Notable Black People Who Died From Prostate Cancer