Royal controversies following Megxit caused a ripple of global headlines, revealing scandalous secrets and business ventures for the Duchess and Duke of Sussex. Amid the storm, a friendship between Meghan Markle and Tyler Perry blossomed. Their bond, built on respect and low-key camaraderie, flowered amidst sensational life changes and royal rifts. In the midst of Hollywood's flashing lights, Perry offered refuge to Markle, a loyal friend and host amidst their most difficult challenges. While Markle's fairytale life continued to thrive with her Netflix shows and lifestyle brands, her friend, Tyler Perry, climbed to the top, starting from the bottom, reaching billionaire status in no time. 

In the world of contemporary media billionaires, Tyler Perry has carved a unique path of his own.

Tyler Perry is officially among the billionaires. According to 2025 estimates by Forbes, his net worth stands tall at a whopping $1.4 billion. The entertainment mogul reportedly earned the amount in pretax income starting from 2005. He officially became a billionaire in September 2020, not by inheritance, but by an unremitting quest for ownership, narrative, and strategic business ventures. The source of Perry's wealth is a multi-pillar structure, including his sole ownership of an enormous catalog of everything he has created from 1,200 TV episodes, several movies and plays, his 330-acre Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, worth hundreds of millions, his 25% stake in the video-on-demand service BET+, and more.

Perry, best known for the Madea franchise, grossing $660 million, additionally, had ties with Oprah Winfrey Network as well as his continuing contract with Viacom, which compensates him an estimated $150 million annually, per Business Insider. Converting his creative work into an enduring legacy and riches, Perry's journey to becoming a billionaire highlights the significance of ownership of original content. Aside from Madea, his broadcast catalog comprises long-running titles such as The Haves and the Have Nots, and The Oval, along with his latest Netflix title like Beauty in Black, having a huge output and cultural significance. Perry also has an impressive real estate portfolio, not just business-wise but also with his sensational housing offer to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in his $18 million Beverly Hills mansion.

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As he mentioned in his 2019 BET Awards speech, Tyler Perry built an empire and forged meaningful friendships while several of his peers kept "fighting for a seat at the table." 

Tyler Perry and Meghan Markle's relationship became based on empathy, a relationship which began in 2018 when Perry wrote a meaningful letter to Markle before her royal wedding, sending prayers and emotional support period of chaos in her life. In 2020, when the British Royal Family saw the Duke and Duchess of Sussex withdraw from royal duties and move to America, it was Perry who reached out to the couple, offering a sanctuary amid a global socio-political media storm. With Markle and Prince Harry's security issues, Perry stepped up to provide his Beverly Hills residence to the couple and logistical support, as revealed in Netflix's Harry & Meghan.

Despite the royal couple's current split with the streaming giant, the docuseries provided everlasting insights into Perry and Markle's unique friendship, one that even led to Prince Harry and the former actress naming Perry the godfather of their daughter Lilibet. Markle, on numerous occasions, has also revealed having Perry by her side to open up to during a tumultuous time like a good friend and confidant. Coming from humble beginnings, Tyler Perry made his mark in the entertainment industry, while his friend Meghan Markle rewrote pop culture's interpretation of the monarchy.

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What are your thoughts on Tyler Perry's impressive journey from theatre to billionaire? Let us know in the comments below.