With Oprah Winfrey as his godmother, one might assume Tyler Perry\u2019s son, Aman, lives a life of luxury. But Perry, one of the world\u2019s richest entertainers, grounds his son with the same values he learned during his difficult childhood.<\/p>\n
Raised in poverty and abused by his father, Perry is now a loving, intentional dad. He teaches Aman about struggle, gratitude, and humility\u2014values Perry believes are essential, despite their wealth.<\/p>\n
With a net worth of $1 billion, Perry is best known for his character Madea and his successful career in film, TV, and theatre. He\u2019s earned accolades from the Academy and Emmy Awards and ranks among the top five richest entertainers, alongside George Lucas, Spielberg, Oprah, and John de Mol.<\/p>\n
In a candid interview with Oprah, Perry described his childhood as \u201ca living hell,\u201d recalling brutal beatings, including one with a vacuum cord. But he refused to let that trauma define him, saying, \u201cWhat you feed will grow, and what you don\u2019t will starve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perry became a father at 45 with long-time partner Gelila Bekele. Though the couple split in 2020, they co-parent Aman, born in 2014. Alongside Oprah, Cicely Tyson and Oliver Ripley are his godparents.<\/p>\n
Despite his fame, Perry keeps Aman grounded. \u201cHe doesn\u2019t get everything he wants,\u201d Perry says. \u201cBecause he doesn\u2019t have a job!\u201d He once joked about Aman asking to use his credit card at age six.<\/p>\n
Perry praises Bekele for helping keep their son balanced and humble. \u201cI want to give him everything, but I know how dangerous that is\u2026 I\u2019ve seen rich kids turn out obnoxious.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perry wants Aman to understand privilege, appreciate blessings, and live life on his own terms\u2014free from the pressure of his father\u2019s legacy.<\/p>\n