Tyler Perry

Emmitt Perry Jr., known by all as Tyler Perry is one of the today’s biggest Hollywood moguls. The exceptional actor, filmmaker, comedian, playwright and gospel songwriter has a fortune in excess of $800 million.

Early Accomplishments

He had a very rough childhood filled with physical, emotional and sexual abuse by his father and a friend’s mother. This made him change his first name to Tyler at 16 years.

His 1990 play, I Know I’ve Been Changed was a big flop and stayed that way for years with him living off the street until 1998 when it just became an overnight sensation. 

Best Known For

He is the man behind the Madea character as seen in all of the popular plays and films. He is also behind box office hits such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), Acrimony (2018), Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor (2013) as well as for the TV shows, House Of Payne (2007-12) and The Haves And The Have Nots (since 2013).

Sexual Orientation

Tyler is straight and has been in a long-term relationship with Gelila Bekele since 2007. 

He is also known to have dated Tasha Smith and is rumored to have dated Tyra Banks too.

Family

He is the son of Emmitt Sr. and Willie Perry (died 2009, aged 64). 

He has 2 sisters named Melva Porter and Yulanda Wilkins and a brother named Emmbre Perry. 

In 2014, he and Gelila became parents to a boy named Aman.

Religion

Tyler is a devoted Christian. He recounts church as a place of solace to get away from his domestic troubles growing up. 

Worth To Know

He is a big fan of Star Trek and country music.

He is the first African-American major film studio outright owner when he bought Fort McPherson Army Base and converted it to Tyler Perry Studios.