Tyler Perry continues to achieve historic firsts in the entertainment industry. The acclaimed filmmaker, actor, producer and director has became the first Black entertainer to make Forbes’ World’s 10 Highest-Paid Entertainers list two times in a row.
According to Forbes, Perry earned $175 million in 2022 from his expansive portfolio of films, BET TV shows, and his sprawling production campus in Atlanta. He sits at #3 on this year’s highest-paid entertainers list compiled by Forbes.
This makes him the only billionaire and Black entertainer to make the prestigious list for a second consecutive year. Perry was in elite company, with only the South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone also reappearing from last year’s list.
Tyler Perry’s Empire
The prolific entertainer owns 100% of his creative works and content. This includes over 1,200 episodes of television, 22 feature films, at least 24 stage plays and the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
During an interview with Forbes about his ownership, Perry stated: “I own the lights. I own the sets. So that’s where the difference is. Because I own everything, my returns are higher.”
His ownership and content deals, including a lucrative $150 million annual deal with ViacomCBS to create 90 episodes for BET, drive his high earnings. Perry also has a stake in the BET+ streaming service.
Tyler Perry’s Humble Beginnings
Considering his immense success today, Perry came from very humble beginnings. He was once homeless and living out of his car while trying to get his first stage play off the ground in Atlanta.
After finding an audience on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” of Black theaters nationwide, Perry leveraged his stage success into opportunities in film and TV. This was with the help and advice of supporter Oprah Winfrey, who told him the importance of ownership and control.
Tyler Perry Studios: From Confederate Base to Hollywood Powerhouse
The crown jewel of Perry’s empire is Tyler Perry Studios, a $250 million production campus he built in Atlanta on the site of a former Confederate army base.
The studios include 12 soundstages, a replica White House, a diner, and more across over 300 acres. Perry recently acquired an additional 37 acres to further expand the campus.
From its symbolic location to the booming productions being made there, Tyler Perry Studios stands as a testament to Perry’s unprecedented success and cultural influence.
With history made two times over, more firsts surely await the visionary Tyler Perry. His prolific output and expanding studio complex position Perry to continue breaking barriers for Black entertainers.
