Tyler Perry (left) and Oprah Winfrey
The day before the recent premiere of his movie “Gemini Man,” Will Smith and wife were in Atlanta, Georgia, for a gala to celebrate the opening of Tyler Perry’s studio.
The momentous occasion was attended by several American show business A-listers. The media said Perry “was making history as the first African-American producer to own a major television and movie studio. ”
Smith posted on Instragram, “Me and @jadapinkettsmith clean up NICE! We flew down to ATL to be with @tylerperry as he opened the FIRST and largest Black-Owned studio. This moment is monumental in so many ways! And a sound stage in my name… I’m inspired and honored to be part of something of this magnitude.”
The Oprah Winfrey enthused on Instagram, “@tylerperry you built the biggest studio in America, one that can fit all the other Hollywood studios combined and still have room to spare. You’ve also created a dream of hope and possibility for everyone to know that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can always do better when you’re aligned with the Divine. Thank you for the naming of the sound stages. I love mine. #GloryToGlory #ImagineThis”
Jamie Foxx, who recently split from Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise’s ex-wife, also posted on Instragram, “Tyler Perry is the first African-American to own a studio outright—no corporation or partners are involved in the venture.” He also said, “Incredible moment for everyone to be proud of… @tylerperry you are a genius legend.”
“Last night was surreal—overwhelmed with pride for @tylerperry, creator of the first black-owned major film studio in our HISTORY. To have shared in this moment in some small way, standing beside the most iconic talent in celebration of his accomplishment, was an absolute honor that I will never forget. Last night Tyler dared us to dream a bigger dream for ourselves, and today I dare each of you to do the same!” posted Halle Berry, the 2002 Best Actress Oscar winner for “Monster’s Ball.”
In case you are wondering who Tyler Perry is, who received such effusive compliments from big stars, he is a world-renowned producer, director, actor, screenwriter, playwright, author, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 2011, Forbes listed him as the highest-paid man in entertainment, earning $130 million between May 2010 and May 2011.