Tyler Perry, born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is an American playwright, actor, screenwriter, producer and director. Known for creating and portraying an elderly woman named Mabel “Madea” Simmons.
Tyler’s rise from poverty to a billionaire entertainment mogul illustrates his resilience, innovation and commitment to the kind of storytelling that helps people laugh through pain. His audiences have rewarded him with a fortune.

Table of Contents
Biography
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Emmitt Perry Jr. (Tyler Perry) |
Date of Birth | September 13, 1969 |
Age | 54 years old (as of 2024) |
Height | 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) |
Net Worth | Approximately $1.4 billion (2024) |
Profession | Playwright, Actor, Screenwriter, Producer, Director |
Famous For | Creating the character Madea, House of Payne TV series, successful films and theater works |
Personal Life | Partnered with Gelila Bekele; Son: Aman Tyler Perry (born 2014) |
Career Highlights | – Movies: Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea’s Family Reunion, A Madea Homecoming (2022) |
– TV Shows: Tyler Perry’s House of Payne, The Paynes, Assisted Living | |
Philanthropy | Donations to Feeding America, initiatives against homelessness and hunger |
Net Worth
As of 2024, Tyler Perry’s net worth was estimated at $1.4 billion in 2021 by Forbes. He earned his wealth from numerous successful movies, plays, and TV shows over the years. In addition to that, he also owns one of the largest production studios in Atlanta, Georgia, known as “Tyler Studios.”.

Age, Height & Relationship
- Tyler is 54 years of age. He has a height of 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm).
- He has been in a relationship with Gelila Bekele, model and activist, and together they have one son, Aman Tyler Perry, born in 2014.

Career Highlights
- Movies: Perry has a long list of successful movies under his belt, like Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), Madea’s Family Reunion (2006), and A Madea Homecoming (2022). His films are usually a mix of comedy and drama where he speaks about themes like faith, family and resilience.
- TV Shows: He is the creator of the television series “Tyler House of Payne,” which premiered in 2006 and went on to become the highest-rated first-run syndicated cable show of all time. It has aired more than 220 episodes, is currently in syndication or cable networks around the world, and will return with brand new episodes in 2018. The series has launched two successful spin-offs, “Meet the Browns” and “The Paynes.”

Frequently Asked Questions
What made Tyler think the character Madea seemed like a good idea for a stage play?
Tyler Perry decided to take old African American folklore and modernize it with current events.
How did Tyler make the leap from theater to film and TV?How did Tyler Perry make the leap from theater to film and TV?
Perry’s first job was in theater, where he honed his craft writing, producing and performing stage plays that soon garnered a loyal following. Eventually, Perry made the leap from theater to film and TV by adapting his plays into movies and creating original programming for television.
What philanthropic efforts is Tyler Perry involved in?
Tyler Perry is known for his philanthropy, as he donates millions to various causes. He has donated money to organizations such as Feeding America, and he has spearheaded programs against homelessness and tackling starvation, too.