The multi-talented entrepreneur landed on Forbes’ “World’s 10 Highest-Paid Entertainers” list for the second consecutive year.
The outlet reports that this year’s list of celebrities, musicians, and creators earned $1.35 billion. Notable names who didn’t make their return to the list include Jay-Z and Kanye West.
Not only is Perry the “sole billionaire” to make it on Forbes’ annual list but also he’s the only Black entertainer. The spotlight is due to a successful year supported through streams of income from film, BET TV shows, and Tyler Perry Studios.
Perry took the third spot with a reported earning of $175 million.
What’s more, he is well on his way to another bankable year. As AfroTech previously reported, Perry added 37 acres to his 330 acres Atlanta-based production backlot for $8.4 million. The expansion will support an entertainment, retail, and restaurant district. The sale was done in 2021 but the property title was issued in Dec. 2022.
Additionally, Perry has full ownership of his creative output. Per Forbes, this includes over 1,200 episodes of television, 22 feature films, at least 24 stage plays, and Tyler Perry Studios.
“I own the lights. I own the sets,” Perry told Forbes when speaking of his production lot. “So that’s where the difference is. Because I own everything, my returns are higher.”
The outlet also details that 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 runs its course, the rights will return to Perry.
“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.”AfroTech
