ACTOR · BORN 1969
Tyler Perry
- Born
- 14 September 1969
- Known for
- Gone Girl (2014), Alex Cross (2012), Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), Why Did I Get Married? (2007)
25 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
Tyler Perry (born 14 September 1969) is an actor best known for Gone Girl, Alex Cross and Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
Tyler Perry over the years
25 Interesting Facts About Tyler Perry
Interesting Facts (10)
- #001
Purchased the shuttered Fort McPherson Army Base (1885-2011) for his "Tyler Perry Studios" operation, a 330-acre complex in southwest Atlanta where his own personal offices are housed in "The Dream Building". With this acquisition, Perry becomes the first African-American to own a major film studio outright.
- #002
Has been writing plays since he was age 18. As of March 2005, his eight plays have grossed over US$75 million in tickets and DVD sales.
- #003
Spent a period of time destitute and living on the streets of Atlanta after his play ''I Know I've Been Changed'' flopped.
- #004
Worked in construction before his movie career became successful.
- #005
Has a 12-acre estate outside Atlanta. He bought the former Dean Gardens in Johns Creek, Georgia for $7.6 million (previously listed as high as $40 million). The property has 1200 feet adjoining the Chattahoochee River, a golf course and is 58 acres.
- #006
Often quotes famous black-focused movies such as What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) and The Color Purple (1985). These two are especially quoted in Madea's Family Reunion (2006).
- #007
To overcome his deep fear of flying, he took flight training lessons and obtained a private pilot license. He now flies a Cirrus SR22T aircraft.
- #008
Attended high school with rapper Mystikal.
- #009
Owns vacation properties in both Wyoming and the Bahamas.
- #010
Is a huge fan of country music.
Easter Eggs & References (3)
- #011
Often quotes famous black-focused movies such as What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) and The Color Purple (1985). These two are especially quoted in Madea's Family Reunion (2006).
- #012
His plays often reference The Color Purple (1985), which starred Oprah Winfrey. He credits The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986) with inspiring him to write.
- #013
His plays often reference The Color Purple (1985), which starred Oprah Winfrey. He credits The Oprah Winfrey Show (1986) with inspiring him to write.
Career & Awards (4)
- #014
Has been writing plays since he was age 18. As of March 2005, his eight plays have grossed over US$75 million in tickets and DVD sales.
- #015
Before becoming a successful filmmaker with Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), he was already the owner of a successful play company that tours the country and caters to African-Americans. His plays are also recorded and sold as DVDs.
- #016
Purchased the shuttered Fort McPherson Army Base (1885-2011) for his "Tyler Perry Studios" operation, a 330-acre complex in southwest Atlanta where his own personal offices are housed in "The Dream Building". With this acquisition, Perry becomes the first African-American to own a major film studio outright.
- #017
Worked in construction before his movie career became successful.
Life & Family (8)
- #018
Spent a period of time destitute and living on the streets of Atlanta after his play ''I Know I've Been Changed'' flopped.
- #019
Attended high school with rapper Mystikal.
- #020
Has a light-skinned older sister and a dark-skinned younger sister.
- #021
Owns vacation properties in both Wyoming and the Bahamas.
- #022
Has a 12-acre estate outside Atlanta. He bought the former Dean Gardens in Johns Creek, Georgia for $7.6 million (previously listed as high as $40 million). The property has 1200 feet adjoining the Chattahoochee River, a golf course and is 58 acres.
- #023
To overcome his deep fear of flying, he took flight training lessons and obtained a private pilot license. He now flies a Cirrus SR22T aircraft.
- #024
His mother, Willie Maxine Perry, passed away on December 8, 2009 at age 64. She was a preschool teacher who worked at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center for most of her life.
- #025
Before becoming a successful filmmaker with Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), he was already the owner of a successful play company that tours the country and caters to African-Americans. His plays are also recorded and sold as DVDs.
Related pages
- Kerry Washington — Tyler Perry comes up in the facts on that page
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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