Tyler Perry Becomes The Only Black Celebrity To Make Forbes’ ‘World’s 10 Highest-Paid Entertainers’ List

For the second year in a row, Forbes included the multi-talented entrepreneur on its list of the “World’s 10 Highest-Paid Entertainers.”

The publication claims that the $1.35 billion in earnings made by the list of artists, performers, and celebrities this year. Jay-Z and Kanye West are notable individuals that didn’t make the list this time around.

Perry is the only Black entertainer and the “single billionaire” to appear on Forbes’ annual list. The spotlight is a result of a fruitful year made possible by revenue streams from films, BET TV series, and Tyler Perry Studios.

Perry finished third with a whopping $175 million in earnings. Additionally, he is on track to have another bankable year.

For $8.4 million, Perry expanded his 330-acre Atlanta-based production backlot by 37 additional acres. The development will sustain a district with entertainment, shopping, and dining options. Although the property title was obtained in December 2022, the sale was completed in 2021.

Perry also fully owns whatever he produces as art. According to Forbes, this includes Tyler Perry Studios, over 1,200 television episodes, 22 feature films, and at least 24 stage plays.

“The lights are mine. When referring to his production lot, Perry told Forbes that he owned the sets. “So that’s the difference, I suppose. All of my assets are mine, hence my returns are better.

According to the source, Perry has a contract with ViacomCBS under which she would work on at least 90 episodes for BET and other Viacom networks between now and 2024 in exchange for $150 million a year. The rights will be returned to Perry after the contract expires.

“Viacom has a rich tradition of reaching my audience through their TV, film and digital platforms and I am excited to partner with them,” Perry said in a press release. “I am eager to have one home where I can leverage all of their assets to tell my stories to an even wider audience. I have been very blessed to have worked with the incredible people at Lionsgate and OWN over the last few years and I look forward to continuing my work with them on a non-exclusive basis.”