#Tyler Perry, once ‘poor as hell,’ is officially a billionaire now

Tyler Perry, who was once homeless, is officially a billionaire, according to Forbes.

The 51-year-old media mogul has earned $1.4 billion in pre-tax income since 2005, the money outlet reports. They estimate his net worth is $1 billion, “with a clear path to future membership in The Forbes 400.”

Perry’s latest paycheck comes from BET, which will spend $150 million a year until 2025 on the multi-hyphenate to produce at least 90 TV episodes a year.

With Perry’s earnings, the “Madea” writer, producer, director and star has purchased property in Wyoming, Atlanta, New York and LA.

“I love when people say you come from ‘humble beginnings,’ [It] means you were poor as hell,” said Perry, who is also set to receive the Governor’s Award at the 2020 Emmy Awards on Sept. 20.

“Ownership changes everything,” he told Forbes of his studio. “I own the lights. I own the sets. “So that’s where the difference is. Because I own everything, my returns are higher.”