Tyler Perry is undeniably one of the most famous Virgos on the planet. The self-made mogul just celebrated his 55th birthday, marking yet another year of his groundbreaking influence in the TV and film industry. Perry’s rise to fame began with gospel plays, and from there, he expanded into films, then TV. Today, he's solidified his legacy through major partnerships with BET, BET Plus, and Netflix. With each passing year, Perry continues to push boundaries and redefine success. Here’s a look at his extraordinary contributions to TV and film, beyond his iconic creation of Madea.

TV Meets Chitlin' Circuit

Perry’s first sitcom, House of Payne, premiered in 2006 and continues to thrive, offering a heartfelt look at a multigenerational Southern Black family. The show blends the classic American sitcom format with the spirit of African American church plays—bringing humor, life lessons, and faith to the forefront. Since then, he’s expanded his TV empire with beloved shows like Meet the Browns, Sistas, Assisted Living, and For Better or Worse. Each of these programs strikes a balance between laughter and drama, with characters that feel both familiar and refreshingly unique.

Drama, Drama, Drama

If you’re a fan of plot twists, Perry’s soap operas have you covered. He’s brought some of the most outrageous storylines to television, with shows like The Oval, Ruthless, and The Haves and the Have Nots delivering drama in every episode. From a woman trying to escape a dangerous cult in Ruthless to the jaw-dropping twists of a White House scandal in The Oval, Perry’s shows always keep viewers on their toes. His flair for high-stakes drama is a hallmark of his storytelling.

The Business Model

Tyler Perry revolutionized the entertainment industry with Tyler Perry Studios (TPS). The sprawling Atlanta-based complex boasts everything from elaborate soundstages to a replica of the White House, giving Perry complete control over his productions. During the pandemic, TPS was able to keep filming safely by creating a quarantine bubble for actors and crew, setting a new standard for industry operations. Beyond his projects, TPS has become a significant player in bringing more business to Georgia and supporting other filmmakers.

Spotlighting New Talent

While Perry is known for casting household names, he also has a knack for discovering and promoting fresh faces. His productions have given many lesser-known actors their big breaks, and his studio often greenlights projects from up-and-coming creators. Shows like The Perimeter by Armani Ortiz and All the Queen’s Men by Christian Keyes are prime examples of how Perry empowers others to tell their stories.

Paying Actors Their Worth

In an industry where Black actors are often underpaid, Perry is known for paying his talent what they deserve—and then some. Recently, Meagan Good and Cory Hardrict shared that their roles in Perry’s Netflix project Divorce in the Black were the highest-paying gigs of their careers. Perry’s commitment to valuing his actors extends beyond just financial compensation; he’s invested in making sure they’re recognized for their talents.