From homelessness to becoming the first black studio mogul, Tyler Perry’s journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Born and raised in poverty-stricken New Orleans, Perry suffered abuse from his father and others in his community. Drawing inspiration from an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show that emphasized the therapeutic benefits of journaling, he began writing at a young age. His writing evolved into a creative outlet that led to 24 feature films, 20 stage plays, 17 television shows, and two New York Times best-selling books.
However, Perry’s path to success had its challenges. After moving to Atlanta to pursue his dreams, he worked as a used-car salesman and debt collector before debuting his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” to empty seats. Perry refused to give up despite showcasing the same play to largely empty audiences for six years. At the point of frustration and becoming homeless, Perry listened to audience members describe how the play positively impacted their lives. He began thinking of how he could serve others and uplift them. In 1998, his play finally sold out and moved to open at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre.
In 2005, Perry’s first feature film “Diary of A Mad Black Woman” debuted at number one at the box office. This was followed by more box office hits and his leap of faith into television in 2007, with the debut of his first television show, “House Of Payne,” on TBS, which became the highest-rated cable television in history. Perry is now the sole owner of Tyler Perry Studios, a former Confederate army base on 330 acres.
Without Perry’s tenacity, perseverance, and dedication, we would not have known characters like the hilarious and smart-mouthed grandma Madea or experienced Tyler’s unique blend of spiritual hope and down-home humor.
Magdala House believes everyone deserves to live in dignity. We are dedicated to serving the unserved and underserved communities. We help individuals achieve their potential through various partnerships. If you know someone in need, please get in touch with us at 314-612-1646 or visit our website at www.Magdala-House.org.
