Tyler Perry was presented with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the 93rd Academy Awards for his charitable work and efforts to address homelessness and economic hardships.

Perry and The Perry Foundation received the Governors Award at the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards, recognizing his contributions to television.

Tyler Perry became a father with the birth of his son, Aman Tyler Perry, with long-time partner Gelila Bekele.

Perry entered a multi-year partnership with Oprah Winfrey's OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), bringing scripted television to the network for the first time.

Perry opened his own television and film studio, Tyler Perry Studios, in Atlanta, establishing him as the first African-American to outright own a major film production studio.

Tyler Perry released his first book, 'Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life', which went on to become a best-seller.

Tyler Perry wrote, produced, and starred in his first feature film, 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman'. The movie debuted at number one at the North American box office.

Tyler Perry was born as Emmitt Perry Jr. in New Orleans, Louisiana. His early years were marked by poverty and a difficult relationship with his father.