The $1.4 Billion Legacy: 5 Secrets About Tyler Perry's Son, Aman Tyler Perry, And Why You'll Never See His Face

The question of "Tyler Perry's kids" is a simple one, yet the story behind his only son is anything but. As of December 2025, the entertainment mogul—a man whose empire is valued at over a billion dollars—has one child, Aman Tyler Perry, whom he shares with his former partner, model and activist Gelila Bekele. Perry is notoriously private about his family life, viewing his role as a father as his greatest, most profound achievement, a sentiment he has often expressed in recent interviews while also explaining the strict boundaries he has set to protect his son from the glare of Hollywood. Born into an extraordinary world of fame and fortune, Aman’s upbringing is intentionally kept grounded and away from the public eye, a deliberate choice by both parents. This deep commitment to his son’s privacy is a core part of Perry’s personal legacy, ensuring the young boy can grow up as normally as possible despite his father's monumental success and status as the first Black man to own a major film studio. The following is a deep dive into the life of the child whose identity is one of the most closely guarded secrets in show business today.

Tyler Perry: A Complete Biography and Professional Profile (2025 Update)

Before exploring the life of his son, it is essential to understand the man who built the empire. Tyler Perry, born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a singular force in American entertainment. His journey from a troubled childhood to becoming a billionaire media titan is one of Hollywood’s most inspiring stories.

• Full Name: Emmitt Perry Jr.
• Date of Birth: September 13, 1969
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 56 years old
• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Filmmaker, Playwright, Producer, Director, Author, Philanthropist.
• Signature Character: Madea (Mabel Earlene Simmons), a tough, elderly woman.
• Major Achievement: Founder and owner of Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) in Atlanta, Georgia, a 330-acre facility and the only major film studio in the world owned by a Black person.
• Estimated Net Worth (2025): Approximately $1.4 billion, according to recent financial reports, placing him among the wealthiest figures in entertainment.
• Key Entities/Companies: Tyler Perry Studios, 34 Street Films, BET+ (through his production deals), and The Tyler Perry Foundation.

Perry's career began with stage plays, which he wrote, produced, and starred in, before transitioning to film and television, creating hit shows like House of Payne and the iconic Madea franchise. His empire now spans film, television, and theatre, making his personal life, especially his role as a father, a subject of intense public curiosity.

Aman Tyler Perry: The Guarded Life of a Billionaire’s Son

Tyler Perry’s entire world shifted on November 30, 2014, with the birth of his only child, Aman Tyler Perry. Aman, whose name means "peace" in several languages, is the result of Perry's long-term relationship with Ethiopian model, filmmaker, and activist Gelila Bekele. As of December 2025, Aman is 11 years old, and his life is a fascinating study in intentional, highly protected privacy.

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Perry has been unequivocal about his desire to shield his son from the burdens of celebrity, a decision rooted in his own difficult childhood. He has publicly stated that he wants Aman to have a life free from the public scrutiny that comes with his father’s fame. This protection extends to social media, where photos of Aman are either non-existent or carefully cropped to hide his face.

The name "Aman" itself has deep meaning, translating to "peace" or "safety," which is a reflection of the environment his parents strive to create for him. His full name, Aman Tyler Bekele-Perry, often includes his mother's surname, a nod to their shared commitment to his upbringing. Perry has said that his love for his son is his greatest "joy," even calling fatherhood his greatest achievement, surpassing the monumental success of Tyler Perry Studios.

The Strict Rules of Aman's Upbringing: Books, Legos, and Grounded Values

Despite his father's vast net worth of approximately $1.4 billion, Aman’s life is far from the typical spoiled celebrity child narrative. Perry and Bekele are committed to raising a "grounded" child, a mission that has led to some surprisingly strict rules, especially around material possessions.

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In a move that highlights their dedication to intellectual and creative development over consumerism, Perry once revealed that Aman primarily receives "Books & Legos" for Christmas. This focus on educational and constructive toys is a deliberate strategy by the co-parents to instill strong values and a work ethic, rather than a sense of entitlement.

Furthermore, Aman has an extraordinary godmother: media icon Oprah Winfrey. Perry has humorously noted that one of the best parts of having Oprah as a godmother is that he can call her for advice, illustrating the powerful, supportive network surrounding the young boy. This network, including his mother, Gelila Bekele, and his father, ensures a stable and loving environment.

The Co-Parenting Dynamic with Gelila Bekele

Tyler Perry and Gelila Bekele announced the end of their long-term romantic relationship in late 2020. However, the separation did not diminish their commitment to raising Aman together. They are widely regarded as a successful example of dedicated co-parents in Hollywood.

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Bekele, an accomplished filmmaker and activist herself, shares Perry's vision for Aman's privacy and grounded upbringing. Their shared goal is to shield their son from the intense scrutiny of the media, allowing him to develop his own identity away from the pressure of his father’s colossal fame. This healthy and unified front is critical to their success as parents. The fact that their relationship transitioned smoothly into a committed co-parenting partnership is a testament to their mutual respect and focus on Aman's well-being.

As Aman enters his pre-teen years, his father continues to speak about the joy and perspective he brings to his life. Perry often credits his son with helping him appreciate the simple moments, a powerful sentiment from a man who manages a sprawling entertainment empire and is constantly working on new projects, including his highly anticipated 2025 film slate. Aman Tyler Perry remains the most important production in the entire Tyler Perry Studios universe.