At the 2025 BET Awards, legendary filmmaker and studio owner Tyler Perry delivered a powerful and unapologetic message to Hollywood — claiming that he has created more Black millionaires than any studio combined.
“Hear me when I say this,” Perry declared, “I have made more Black millionaires than any studio in this city combined.”
Standing on the stage as the head of the largest Black-owned film studio in America, Perry didn’t just speak about wealth — he spoke about impact, ownership, and legacy.
“Keep Making Footprints”
In his stirring speech, Perry urged dreamers and hustlers alike to keep moving, even through struggle:
“I don’t care if you’re struggling… if you’re trying to build a business or have a dream — keep making footprints. Don’t let anybody stop you. You can do it.”
This philosophy of perseverance and independence has defined Perry’s journey. From growing up poor and enduring abuse, to living out of his car, to becoming a self-made billionaire, Perry’s story is one of extraordinary resilience.
The Power of Ownership
Back in 2020, Forbes named Perry a billionaire, crediting his wealth not just to success — but to complete ownership of his creative works. At the time, Perry had:
• Over 1,200 TV episodes, 22 films, and 24 plays to his name
• A 330-acre studio in Atlanta, built on a former Confederate army base
• $300 million in cash/investments
• $320 million from his catalog
• A $60 million stake in BET+
He owns 100% of the rights to his productions — a rarity in Hollywood — and that decision has paid off. His projects have grossed nearly $1 billion in revenue.
“My father was a subcontractor… he’d be excited about making $800. But the man who owned the house made $80,000. I always knew I wanted to be the one who owned the house.”
Creating Opportunities and Paying Talent Right
Perry’s studio doesn’t just produce stories — it produces wealth. Numerous Black actors have testified that working with Tyler Perry was the first time they were paid their worth.
Taraji P. Henson, in a 2024 Variety interview, revealed that Perry was the first to meet her asking price of $500,000 for a role.
“He was the first person who paid me that. I was never in a position before where I could say no to a role. Now I can.”
This sentiment is echoed by other actors who credit Perry for helping them build financial freedom — and say he’s changing the pay culture in Hollywood for Black talent.
A Studio Built for the Culture
Perry’s studio in Atlanta — built on land that once housed Confederate soldiers who fought to keep Black people enslaved — is now a symbol of Black excellence and ownership.
“Now that land is owned by one Negro,” Perry said in a previous BET Awards speech. “I built that studio in the poorest Black neighborhood in Atlanta so kids could see that a Black man did that — and so can they.”
A Love Letter to Black Women
Perry, whose fan base is made up of loyal supporters from all walks of life, especially took time to thank Black women, calling them the backbone of his success.
“Black women have held me down and I appreciate you like you would not believe.”
Final Thoughts
In an industry where power and access often remain out of reach for people of color, Tyler Perry isn’t just breaking barriers — he’s building doors. His legacy isn’t just in the scripts he’s written, but in the generational wealth, visibility, and opportunity he’s creating for Black creatives in front of and behind the camera.
