Breaking Barriers: Tyler Perry Makes History as the Sole Black Celebrity on Forbes’ ‘World’s 10 Highest-Paid Entertainers’ List
Tyler Perry deserves to win!
A multi-talented entrepreneur landed on Forbes’ list of “World’s 10 Highest-Paid Entertainers” for the second year in a row.
This year’s list of celebrities, musicians, and creators earned $1.35 billion. Jay-Z and Kanye West did not make their return.
Tyler Perry is not only the only billionaire on Forbes’ list, but also the only Black entertainer. The spotlight is due to a successful year supported by film, BET TV shows, and Tyler Perry Studios.
With a reported earnings of $175 million, Perry ranked third.
As previously reported, Perry has added 37 acres to his Atlanta-based production backlot for $8.4 million, which will support an entertainment, retail, and restaurant district. He is well on his way to another bankable year. A property title was issued in December of 2022 after the sale was made in 2021.
Additionally, Perry owns his creative output, including over 1,200 episodes of television, 22 feature films, and at least 24 stage plays, according to Forbes.
“My returns are higher because I own everything,” Perry told Forbes about his production lot. “I own the lights and the sets.”
It also mentions Perry has a deal with ViacomCBS and will earn $150 million annually to create at least 90 episodes for BET and other Viacom networks until 2024. Once the deal expires, Perry’s rights will revert to him.
A press release stated, “Viacom has a rich tradition of reaching my audience through its TV, film and digital platforms, and I am delighted to partner with them.” It would be great to have one home where I could take advantage of all of their assets in order to reach a wider audience with my stories. Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of working with Lionsgate and OWN on a non-exclusive basis, and I am looking forward to continuing that relationship.”
