Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 20 > Entry
Tyler Perry a next-generation billionaire
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forbes magazine has named writer-actor-director Tyler Perry among its next-generation billionaires. At 38, the Atlantan was the oldest person on the list.
Perry made $125 million last year and “earned more than Jennifer Aniston, Tom Cruise and Bon Jovi combined,” according to Forbes.
While becoming a billionaire in the entertainment industry is extremely rare, it isn’t impossible, especially when one diversifies the way Perry has. Steven Spielberg, who directs as well as owns part of DreamWorks, is worth an estimated $3 billion. George Lucas has an estimated $3.9 billion that has been accumulated through his films as well as ventures such as LucasFilms, motion picture visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic and LucasArts, which develops video games.
In addition to his movies, Perry has his television show, “House of Payne,” and is building a 30-acre space near Greenbriar Mall for his new studios.
One other notable name on Forbes list was Tiger Woods. The magazine predicted the golfer could reach the level “as soon as 2011 because of Tiger’s lucrative endorsement deals.” (To see the full story, click here.)
Do you think Perry or Woods will become billionaires? Are there others you think are missing from Forbes list?




Comments
By ATLWorldwide
August 20, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Love it
By V. Parker
August 20, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
I definitely think that Tyler Perry and Tiger Woods will become billionaires. They definitely deserve the billionaire status!
By julie
August 20, 2008 2:33 PM | Link to this
Well deserved!! God bless Tyler Perry!
By Mark
August 20, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
I think Tyler should think of using a lot of that revenue to help New Orleans. They are much more in need then Atlanta. Sorry, thats just the way it is.
By Mark
August 20, 2008 4:30 PM | Link to this
I think Tyler should use a lot of that revenue to help New Orleans. They are much more in need then Atlanta. Sorry, thats just the way it is.
By Stewie
August 20, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this
I can’t stand his movies or his shows, but good for him. He’s obviously a smart businessman and knows how to strike a chord with his audiences.
It’ll be interesting to see whether or not he can maintain that connection with his audience as they grow and he grows.
Reaching the billion $ plateau is tough, but he seems to be on the right track.
By Pro Hater
August 20, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
Now why does he need to give some of his money to New Orleans? It’s been almost 3 years since Katrina. Most of the people that it affected aren’t coming back anyway because they won’t be able to afford the “New” New Orleans housing. Secondly, it’s been 3 damn years and if the people of “Old” New Orleans haven’t gotten on their feet yet, THAT’S THEIR FAULT!!!! Hand-out time has been over, so stop BEGGING.
By Manny
August 20, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Not bad for a guy who used to sleep in his car at one point in his life. I don’t think that it is important for him to become a billionaire. What is important is that he is financially independent. That’s something that eludes about 90% of people in this country.
By Beaux
August 20, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
Tyler does provide significant help to the people of New Orleans! In fact, the property he purchased for his new studio near Greenbriar was split with a pastor from New Orleans who had lost his church in the storm! He is a very giving person, and as he will tell you himself, it pays you back tenfold.
By Building My Empire
August 20, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
$100 dollars a week invested in the stock market at 11% compounded annually will yield 1 billion dollars in 95 years; I too will be a next generation-billionaire:)
Btw, Mark how much of your revenue is earmarked to help New Orleans?
By Dee
August 20, 2008 6:59 PM | Link to this
Tyler Perry’s history has shown
that he can beat any odds and obstacles that come up against him. Watch out billionaire list! Tyler’s name WILL be added eventually.
By Keep it real! From Ohio
August 20, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
To Mark: Read and show yourself approved.
Mr. Perry built a whole subdivision for New Orleans last year. This show air on Oprah.
Research first before making dump comments about someone!
By crawdaddy
August 20, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
I know some people that did some remodeling for Perry and said that he is a down to Earth guy. That being said, Hollywood is the kind of industry that can take you from riches to rags in a hurry. Hopefully, Tyler saves some of that money. I bet that he is spending it as quick as he makes it. You are only as good as your last picture. Tiger, on the other hand will be making lots of cash for the next forty years. Arnold Palmer is raking in endorsement money and he is like ninety. I think that these kind of stories should not be in the newspaper. Where has the news gone? Who cares that Jasmine Guy is directing a play?
By Kimberly
August 20, 2008 10:28 PM | Link to this
Yes, I truly believe Tyler Perry and Tiger will make the billionaire list. If you believe all things are possible with God. I wish people would stick with the subject this isn’t begging time. Tyler Perry is a very giving person. He will donate and give whenever he is ready. I feel that was rather rude to ask for money at this time.
By nevermind
August 21, 2008 3:57 AM | Link to this
Pro hater,that his choice,helping people.furthermore he knows thoses people better than anyone.
By nevermind
August 21, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this
Pro hater,that his choice,helping people.furthermore he knows thoses people better than anyone.
By nevermind
August 21, 2008 4:00 AM | Link to this
Pro hater,that his choice,helping people.furthermore he knows thoses people better than anyone.
By Shareef
August 21, 2008 6:59 AM | Link to this
If i saw Tyler Perry i would just say four words: Your s… is garbage.
By Shonna
August 21, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this
BRAVO for HIM he has worked hard… whether you like his work or not… and question… WHY when a black person makes a large amount of money from THEIR success do people feel it necessary to tell them who they should give THEIR money to?? Tell Donald Trump to bail out New Orleans… he bailed out Ed McMann… umpf…
By Shonna
August 21, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
BRAVO for HIM he has worked hard… whether you like his work or not… and question… WHY when a black person makes a large amount of money from THEIR success do people feel it necessary to tell them who they should give THEIR money to?? Tell Donald Trump to bail out New Orleans… he bailed out Ed McMann… umpf…
By Shonna
August 21, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
BRAVO for HIM he has worked hard… whether you like his work or not… and question… WHY when a black person makes a large amount of money from THEIR success do people feel it necessary to tell them who they should give THEIR money to?? Tell Donald Trump to bail out New Orleans… he bailed out Ed McMann… umpf…
By Jennifer in D.C.
August 21, 2008 9:11 AM | Link to this
Everyone has opinions they’re entitled to regarding the (lack of) quality of Perry’s films. Personally I think they’re generic, predictable, poorly written storylines BUT IN THE SAME BREATH I commend Perry on getting out there and making things not only happen but happen on his own savvy business terms. The writing and content of his movies and television work is still fluffy and predictable. He should utilize other (real) writers at some point or his audience will start to fade. (There’s but so much of the same type of storyline you can recycle; same goes w/ the same actors he uses over and over.) The buffoonery of his TV show makes my skin crawl. I refuse to watch. I can see those caricatures back in my old neighborhoods. OY. What he does w/ his money is his own business. As for Donald Trump, he didn’t exactly bail OUT McMahon; he is LEASING the property back to him. Trump is looking out for Trump. A bail out would’ve been to catch up McMahon and let him keep his own property that he defaulted on.
By blk-fit-1
August 21, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
Responding to Mark - It is not necessarily an individual’s responsibility to take care New Orleans. It is the responsibility of OUR government!!!!
By Rusty
August 21, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Blk-fit-1, If it’s the governments’responsibility to take care of New Orleans, then what are the insurance companies for? If lightning (natural occurance)strikes my house and it burns down, is it the job of the taxpayers to rebuild it for me? Most of these people were parasites of society to begin with so enough already with the free (my) money. I can only guess who your candidate is.
By Doris
August 21, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Tyler’s work speaks for itself, he didn’t list himself as a “next generation billionaire”. As far as his givings and New Orleans, he’s stated that he doesn’t advertise what he does for New Orleans or other people for that matter. So before you judge a person, do your research!
By jflreming
August 21, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Mark, use your money to help New Orleans. People that hate always try to tell someone how to spend their money. Mark, make you some money and do your thing. Tyler Perry, you are a blessed man and continue to strive at the pace you are. I think you have a beautiful and caring heart.
Jennifer, your comment does not matter. He is making real life reality shows. You do not have the watch the show, it is very clear you have some interest in the picture to be so negative about them. I think you are a undercover Tyler Perry Lover.
Shareef, you need to shut up
By blk-fit-1
August 21, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this
Calm down Rusty - All I am basically saying is that it is not an individual’s responsibility. This has nothing to do with my candidate of choice!!!! As usual, someone has to take these forums out of context, but I guess YOU have that right.
By tom
August 21, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this
@mark
I think u should invest your income tax and 40% of your monthly paycheck to the victims in New Orleans
By Rusty
August 21, 2008 11:01 AM | Link to this
Calm down Blk-fit-1, All I’m saying is it’s not the taxpayers job to bail out people who fail to plan.It is an individuals responsibility to protect what’s theirs.Freedom ain’t free.
By Mr Charlie
August 21, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
To Mark: You mean AMERICA should use ITS revenues to help New Orleans. Why single out T.P.?
I don’t care much for House of Payne myself. Seemed like the actors/actresses are acting a little too hard the ONE time I watched it.
By Jennifer in D.C.
August 21, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this
@ jflreming—First up, everyone’s comment matters. Who are you, the forum police? A “secret Tyler Perry lover”? Ummmm, WHY would one need to keep it a secret if they actually dig something? If black folks shucking and jiving is your thing, it’s your thing; for some of us, it’s not and we CAN speak about it so get over it.
By the way, when’s the last time you read a book that wasn’t in the “ghetto” section of the bookstore?
By telling another poster here to “shut up” you just showed your stankiness.
By bigboom NY
August 21, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this
Tyler Perry is a Cheap B@#$rd that is why he will make it to the billionaire status. Start taking care of those who take care of you. You cant get to the top of thwe ladder with out the steps. I think he is a big joke and do not deserve all the accolades he is getting. Maybe the media needs to know the whole truth.
By by kw in the ATL
August 21, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this
To Jennifer in D.C. Why such racist remarks? I guess you just can’t help yourself what a shame. Maybe you should ask JESUS into your life. He will in no doubt cleanse your heart of all this hatred. There are plenty of good word churches in your area. I think that you should visit one this weekend.
By by kw in the ATL
August 21, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this
To Jennifer in D.C. Why such racist remarks? I guess you just can’t help yourself what a shame. Maybe you should ask JESUS into your life. He will in no doubt cleanse your heart of all this hatred. There are plenty of good word churches in your area. I think that you should visit one this weekend.
By Blkshepherd
August 21, 2008 1:04 PM | Link to this
I agree with Shonna..donald bad hair Trump rushed to bail Ed out who lost all his millions(thats on him) what the hell has Ed ever did for anyone but be Johnny Carson side kick..introduce him and get paid. And we hard working regular folk should feel sad for this man? What the hell has Ed ever did for anyone. What has he done for the poor? Not that he supposed to have done anything. Well I feel the same about Tyler. Its his money..good for him. But to say he should reach back and help New Orleans..what the hell for? Thats the governments job. There are quite a few millionares and billionares in the usa..None are reaching in their pockets to help New Orleans..so why single him out. Trump is full of shyt. yeah he can help out an old fool who lived for years in splendor and didnt give anyone a damn thing..yet we should feel sorry for him? How bias is that? Some of you just cant stant the idea that yes black people can become billionares through working hard and doing it honestly. I am not a fan of any of Tylers work..but I aint going to tell him or ask him for a dime. He made it on his own. I didnt do a damn thing to help him become a millionare or billionare. therefore its not his Place or duty to give me or anyone else a damn thing. How many of you are giving back to the community when you get a little extra cash? yeah just as I thought. talk is cheap.
By Blkshepherd
August 21, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
Also..how in the hell could he be the Oldest person on the list of billionares(next gen) at 38? Most folks that are billionares are in their mid 40s to 50s..How many billionares are there in their 20s? that makes no kind of sense. It must be meant to read he is the Youngest person at 38 rather than oldest. Folks in their 20s do not become billionares Unless its an inheritance. Folks in their 20s lives just begun. How on earth are they going to be billionares?
By Positive Outlook
August 21, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
Back on the topic…no doubt Tyler and Tiger will hit the mark. They both appear to be talented and savvy businessmen. So, why not?
If you don’t like what you see,you’re entitled to your opinion…don’t hate…just use the remote…
By drock
August 21, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
First Tyler Perry’s movies and TV show sucks…. my opinion so chill on it.
Second A lot of simple things in this world made rich people.. Vanna White turning those damn letters, and needed help for that, the inventor of the pet rock etc… So with that said.. more power to Tyler even if his movies suck.
Third What Tyler does with his money is Tylers business. There are people here judging when only the Lord does that. Who are we to determind Tylers salvation???
Fourth Donald Trump, like Tyler is getting his, and Ed McMahone goes under item two above… he messed up. PERIOD. Donald will spin this to his favor. So the bail out is nothing but an investment.
Fifth Katrina was a sad, devasting thing for New Orleans, but should the government bail it out.. not entirely. Most people there knew the condition of the levies, most knew they did not have insurance, most knew that this will happen, but did not know when. Since this happened before.. hence why the levies are there.. the saying “Trick me once shame on you, Trick me twice shame on me” comes to mind. Not saying some people were powerless in there ability to move or be prepared, but lets face it.. a lot were under the impression that the government should bail them out… before Katrina. Help those that really need it, but how can you tell right?
By Rhett
August 21, 2008 2:30 PM | Link to this
Ok, how many ignorant people exist n America? Pro Hater, Rusty & Jennifer, u guys just need a basic education. Racism is played out…that’s why the whole country has gone Hip-Hop BECAUSE Black people r so valuable, everybody wants 2 b 1. 4 any 1 concerned about a formerly homeless man going broke after pulling himself up 2 this level, u must think TP is as ignorant as u r. And it’s funny how many folks don’t like TP’s work BUT keep viewing it. Don’t u no GOD put variety n the earth cause we all like different stuff? Don’t hate. Since I won’t b back on this page 2day, y’all can e-mail me directly at kissmytail@gmail.com
By anthony
August 21, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Hell! either one could get killed, and neither would make it. Someone else may come along a make it prior to them. Let’s not worry about someones money, worry about yours!!!
By anthony
August 21, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this
Hell! either one could get killed, and neither would make it. Someone else may come along and make it prior to them. Let’s not worry about someones money, worry about yours!!!
By Holli
August 21, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
TYLER PERRY TYLER PERRY TYLER PERRY…I LOVE TYLER PERRY!!! GOD BLESS- HE IS EVEN BETTER LOOKING IN PERSON!!!! WE CANT WAIT TO SEE THE NEW MOVIE IN SEPTEMBER..!!!
By devro cooke
August 21, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
DEAR TYLER PERRY ,I WORK CHEAP!!STILL LOOKING FOR THAT JOB WITH YOU!!
By devro cooke
August 21, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
DEAR TYLER PERRY ,I WORK CHEAP!!STILL LOOKING FOR THAT JOB WITH YOU!!
By devro cooke
August 21, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
DEAR TYLER PERRY ,I WORK CHEAP!!STILL LOOKING FOR THAT JOB WITH YOU!!
By devro cooke
August 21, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
DEAR TYLER PERRY ,I WORK CHEAP!!STILL LOOKING FOR THAT JOB WITH YOU!!
By devro cooke
August 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
DEAR TYLER PERRY ,I WORK CHEAP!!STILL LOOKING FOR THAT JOB WITH YOU!!
By devro cooke
August 21, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this
DEAR TYLER PERRY ,I WORK CHEAP!!STILL LOOKING FOR THAT JOB WITH YOU!!
By curious
August 21, 2008 4:11 PM | Link to this
I also didn’t quite understand why they Tyler was called the oldest. That must have been a typo. Oprah is a billionare and she is in her 50’s.
By Carole
August 21, 2008 4:49 PM | Link to this
Yes I do. His plays are not just funny, but they are also spiritual and uplifting. His movies are the same. All you have to do is take time an hear what is being said and you will gain something from each experience. God Bless You Tyler Perry.
By Carole
August 21, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Yes I do. His plays are not just funny, but they are also spiritual and uplifting. His movies are the same. All you have to do is take time an hear what is being said and you will gain something from each experience. God Bless You Tyler Perry.
By Carole
August 21, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
Yes I do. His plays are not just funny, but they are also spiritual and uplifting. His movies are the same. All you have to do is take time an hear what is being said and you will gain something from each experience. God Bless You Tyler Perry.
By People need to grow up
August 21, 2008 5:39 PM | Link to this
People let’s look at the big picture here. You have two talented men who have paved their way by hard work.. We as a people need to stop bashing on others success and make success happen for us. What TP do with his money is his business. I am proud of him myself cause God gave him a version, and he follow that verison. God give us all verison but do we follow NO! So why hate on the next man. For all of you who hate their lifes’ ask GOD “what can you do to get better.” If you don’t like his shows, movies, or plays so what. It’s a million other people out there who do… So to Tyler Perry keep following the road which GOD have given you.. Keep going and don’t stop. As for you others PLEASE STOP HATING, and so love for our black people who have made it. That’s why we don’t have unity in community now, but we want to have a black president(ha). Please get it togather.
By people need to grow up
August 21, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this
I meant to say Vision instead of Verison! Thank you
By people need to grow up
August 21, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
I meant to say Vision instead of Verison! Thank you
By blackbutterfly
August 21, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this
Stop hatin on TP cause he has became a success story. Thats whats wrong with people these days anyway downing people for what they have struggled hard to accomplish. That man deserves everything he has worked hard for. Stop hatin and congradulate…………
By Shareef
August 21, 2008 6:58 PM | Link to this
To jflreming: You come shut me up. When i smell garbage is say it stink no matter what color it is. Nizzles kill me saying that because you don’t like a black person’s work that you are hatin. I don’t strive to be an entertainer. And all money not good money. If people like it they like it. And learn how to spell before you call anybody anything People need to grow up. And i don’t love anybody just because they black or white.
By Mechelle
August 21, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
I think that Tyler Perry should do what he wants to do with his money. If his heart guides him to give to New Orleans, then give to New Orleans. If it does not, then don’t! There is no comfort or reward in doing something out of compulsion. It is his life, and his money to do with as he pleases.
You can please some people some of the time, but you can’t please all people all of the time! After all, we all came here alone and will go out of here one per box, without a u-haul attached to the back of the hearse! We are all just passing through on a very short journey. What we do with our lives in between is up to us and not anyone else to decide!!!!!
By KIMMIE
August 22, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Well I say Congratulations to Tyler Perry on **ALL of his success. He is fantastic at the job that he does and I am a huge fan of all of his work! He is truly blessed and highly favored! Cant wait to see the new movie on September 12th.
By KIMMIE
August 22, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
Well I say Congratulations to Tyler Perry on **ALL of his success. He is fantastic at the job that he does and I am a huge fan of all of his work! He is truly blessed and highly favored! Cant wait to see the new movie on September 12th.
By barbara
August 23, 2008 4:36 PM | Link to this
I love you Mr. Perry and your work, you have came a mighty long way. And God has Bless you, just keep doing what you are doing my # 702-202-5929 i would like to invite you to dinner and to my church which is Rangel Cummingham’s when you have the time. God Bless
By barbara
August 23, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this
And we all know no one has the right to judge you but your father in heaven, we all belong to him and we are all judge by our father He is the one that’s given you this wonderful gift that you have, your movies are funny, drama, sad, loving, happy, and for real and i love them all and have them all and watch them over and over again.
By j.clark
August 24, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
IloveTylerPerry,so stop HATING and CONGRAULATE
By j.clark
August 24, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this
IloveTylerPerry,so stop HATING and CONGRAULATE
By frank simmons
August 25, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
My hat off to Tyler Perry. You are certainly an inspiration to everyone staying with their dreams and hopes. Are you ever going to build that Black Hollywood in Atlanta? I mean with the movie studio backlot and sound stage and entertainmentr distict around on Martin Luther king Jr.BLVD near the black colleges? We need your creative genius to inspire in ATL and in New Orleans both so others can make it big like you and compliment your legacy.
By KD
September 3, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this
Do your thing! Why should they have all the fun? My family and neighbors are huge supporters and will be in line Sept 12th.
By BEVERLY A TAYLOR
September 3, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this
Thanks for coming to my neighborhood and I know you’re welcomed here and won’t hear any complaints. I enjoy everything you do!
By Theresa
September 5, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this
This is to all the Tyler Perry haters I love what ever Tyler does.And those that do not like his work so what who cares. Your opinion does not count at all.Thats why his pockets are fat and all the haters are BROKE so continue to hate and God will continue to see that Tyler’s life will always and I do mean always be blessed. Tyler I love you and your work make that money. Your number1 fan.
By Theresa
September 5, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
This is to all the Tyler Perry haters I love what ever Tyler does.And those that do not like his work so what who cares. Your opinion does not count at all.Thats why his pockets are fat and all the haters are BROKE so continue to hate and God will continue to see that Tyler’s life will always and I do mean always be blessed. Tyler I love you and your work make that money. Your number1 fan.
By Theresa
September 5, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
This is to all the Tyler Perry haters I love what ever Tyler does.And those that do not like his work so what who cares. Your opinion does not count at all.Thats why his pockets are fat and all the haters are BROKE so continue to hate and God will continue to see that Tyler’s life will always and I do mean always be blessed. Tyler I love you and your work make that money. Your number1 fan.
By Theresa
September 5, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
This is to all the Tyler Perry haters I love what ever Tyler does.And those that do not like his work so what who cares. Your opinion does not count at all.Thats why his pockets are fat and all the haters are BROKE so continue to hate and God will continue to see that Tyler’s life will always and I do mean always be blessed. Tyler I love you and your work make that money. Your number1 fan.
By Theresa
September 5, 2008 8:18 PM | Link to this
This is to all the Tyler Perry haters I love what ever Tyler does.And those that do not like his work so what who cares. Your opinion does not count at all.Thats why his pockets are fat and all the haters are BROKE so continue to hate and God will continue to see that Tyler’s life will always and I do mean always be blessed. Tyler I love you and your work make that money. Your number1 fan.
By Louis F. Martin Jr.
September 16, 2008 7:16 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY! Tyler has brought a fresh look to movies & film. His creativity is astounding! You all have to remember that Tyler has favor, and when you have favor, becoming a billionaire is expected. LUV YA TP!!!
By K.C.
October 11, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this
I like Tyler Perry because his movies try to show people that there is a better way to live. The storylines may be predictable, but that is because there is only so many ways to tell stories. There isn’t really much under the sun that is new on earth. These same subjects have been explored time after time. These subjects are still great to talk about because everyone hasn’t learned how to get along with each other fully yet. Everyone has a choice to watch or not watch. Whatever you choose to watch is your business. This is America and freedom of speech rules!!!
By edward
March 18, 2009 11:54 AM | Link to this
tyler perry is a great man. and i think a lot of people see that in him.even madea goes to jail that’s was very funny and a smart idea.and i think people learn about forgiveness and i hope you take that with you.thank you and also keep doing what you soposend to do ok take care. bye god bless