Meet Aman Perry: Everything to Know About Tyler Perry’s Only Son

Meet Aman Perry: Tyler Perry’s Only Son

Tyler Perry is recognized worldwide as an acclaimed actor, writer, producer, director, and studio executive. Known for the Madea franchise and a host of successful films and television projects, Perry has continually expanded his reach in Hollywood. Yet to those who know him personally, one role stands above all: fatherhood. Perry’s only child, Aman Perry, has transformed the star’s perspective, deeply influencing his approach to life, work, and legacy.

Who Is Aman Perry?

Aman Tyler Perry is the only son of Tyler Perry and Ethiopian model, documentary filmmaker, and activist Gelila Bekele. Born on November 30, 2014, he turned 10 in late 2024. Since his birth, Aman has been mostly shielded from the spotlight, but his story is intertwined with his famous father’s rise, principles, and personal journey.

The Meaning Behind Aman’s Name

Aman was born around Thanksgiving, which greatly influenced the significance of his name. The name “Aman” means “peace”. According to sources close to Perry, the name also captures “the true meaning of Thanksgiving, and of course the holiday season”. Perry himself revealed in a heartfelt Instagram post soon after Aman’s birth, “I have traveled the world trying to find the peace that I have when I’m holding my sleeping son in my arms. God thank you! Amen for Aman. He’s beautiful!!”

About His Mother: Gelila Bekele

Gelila Bekele is an Ethiopian-born model, filmmaker, and social activist. Perry and Bekele met backstage at a Prince concert in 2007. Their relationship, while mostly private, resulted in the birth of Aman. Despite ending their romantic involvement in 2020, Perry and Bekele remain devoted co-parents and maintain an amicable partnership focused on Aman’s well-being. Bekele’s Ethiopian heritage and advocacy for clean water and girls’ education in Africa contribute to Aman’s culturally rich upbringing.

Godparents & Aman’s Star-Studded Christening

Aman’s christening was a memorable event held at a church that Perry built in his own backyard. The ceremony was attended by a select group of close friends and celebrities. His godparents are none other than Oprah Winfrey and the late Cicely Tyson. Both have played prominent roles in Perry’s life, and Oprah is known to have sent Aman many books to encourage his love of reading and learning.

• Oprah Winfrey – Media mogul, philanthropist, and avid supporter of educational empowerment
• Cicely Tyson – Legendary actress and Perry’s friend and mentor, who served as a spiritual guide for Aman
• Other notable guests reportedly included Jennifer Hudson and a number of Perry’s Hollywood friends

Maintaining Privacy: Tyler Perry’s Shielding of Aman

Unlike many celebrities, Tyler Perry is fiercely protective of his son’s privacy. He avoids sharing Aman’s face or personal details on public platforms. Perry’s reasoning is rooted in his commitment to allowing Aman to have a normal childhood away from the relentless attention and pressures that often come with being a celebrity child. This approach stands in sharp contrast to the more public parenting styles of many Hollywood peers.

• No public photos showing Aman’s face have been shared by Perry
• Aman’s day-to-day life remains largely out of the media’s eye
• Perry vocalizes the importance of protecting his son from “public scrutiny and the potential pitfalls of early exposure to extreme wealth”

Tyler Perry’s Approach to Fatherhood

Perry is candid about how fatherhood has changed his worldview. He credits becoming a father with helping him prioritize different life values. Perry emphasizes important personal qualities in Aman’s upbringing:

• Gratitude and humility: Perry ensures Aman understands the privileges he has while teaching him never to take things for granted.
• Discipline and boundaries: Despite his wealth, Perry instills strict boundaries, resisting the temptation to spoil Aman.
• Manual labor and responsibility: Perry believes in teaching Aman the value of work – including chores and tasks that build character.
• Financial literacy: Perry wants Aman to understand money management and the responsibilities that wealth entails.
• Emotional intelligence: He fosters open communication, emotional understanding, and kindness.

One widely discussed example of his approach is making Aman fly in economy class (coach) instead of first class or private jets to prevent him from developing a sense of entitlement.

Inside Aman’s Life: Interests and Upbringing

Little is publicly known about Aman’s hobbies or personality, but Perry occasionally opens up about parenthood and Aman’s development:

• “My son is my greatest joy.”
• Aman’s favorite activities are kept private, yet Perry has remarked on his son’s curious, thoughtful, and kind nature.
• Family time is essential—Perry prioritizes parenting over his many professional duties.
• Oprah Winfrey’s role as godparent reportedly includes sending Aman books, hoping to instill a passion for reading and self-improvement.

Parenting Beyond Privilege: The Perry Philosophy

Tyler Perry’s parenting method distinguishes Aman’s upbringing from typical Hollywood lifestyles. Despite being born into an empire Perry built from scratch, Aman’s father insists on grounding him in values Perry learned from his own challenging youth.

• Perry was raised in New Orleans amid poverty and adversity; his son’s circumstances are vastly different.
• The family’s generational story is one of hard-won success, but Perry wants Aman to appreciate both privilege and responsibility.
• Some critics believe Perry’s methods are excessively strict, yet others praise the focus on character over luxury.

Co-Parenting with Gelila Bekele

Perry and Bekele are no longer romantically involved, having ended their relationship in 2020, but they remain committed co-parents. Their priorities include:

• Presenting a united front for Aman’s emotional security
• Maintaining mutual respect and privacy about their private affairs
• Honoring both Perry’s southern roots and Bekele’s Ethiopian heritage in Aman’s upbringing

The Madea Connection and Perry’s Legacy

Tyler Perry’s character Madea is a cultural phenomenon, and Aman was young enough to witness some of the Madea movies being made. While Perry’s professional alter ego is firmly in the spotlight, he intends for Aman to choose his own path, unburdened by expectations to enter the industry.

• Perry’s wish is for Aman to understand “where we came from and what we stand for.”
• He has openly stated he will support Aman’s own dreams, whatever those may be.

Education and Experiences

While Aman has access to top-tier educational opportunities, Perry is adamant that Aman’s growth should be holistic, focusing on moral and practical lessons:

• Aman is encouraged to engage with diverse cultures, reflecting his dual American and Ethiopian background.
• Perry balances academic excellence with life lessons he says were instrumental in his own success.
• Family travels are designed to foster gratitude rather than extravagance (for example, economy flights, no VIP perks unless earned).

Public Appearances and Media

The Perry family is rarely photographed together. On the few occasions Aman attends high-profile events, he remains out of the camera’s focus. Perry has expressed his commitment to protecting his son’s ability to choose whether or not to engage publicly when he grows older.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When was Aman Perry born?

A: Aman Perry was born on November 30, 2014, making him 10 years old as of late 2024 and 2025.

Q: Who is Aman Perry’s mother?

A: His mother is Gelila Bekele, an Ethiopian model, documentary filmmaker, and social activist who dated Tyler Perry for several years.

Q: What is the meaning of Aman’s name?

A: “Aman” means “peace” and was chosen because he was born around Thanksgiving.

Q: What is unique about Aman’s christening?

A: His christening was held in Tyler Perry’s private backyard church, attended by his godparents Oprah Winfrey and the late Cicely Tyson, as well as other celebrities.

Q: How does Tyler Perry parent Aman?

A: Perry is known for his disciplined, humble, and value-centered parenting. He shields Aman from the spotlight, teaches him responsibility, and avoids spoiling him despite their wealth.

Key Takeaways

• Aman Perry is Tyler Perry’s only child, born in 2014 with model Gelila Bekele.
• Tyler Perry maintains a careful balance between providing opportunity and ensuring Aman grows up humble and grounded.
• The Perry family, though high-profile, values privacy, emotional well-being, and meaningful life lessons far more than luxury or publicity.
• Godparents Oprah Winfrey and Cicely Tyson symbolize the support network ensuring Aman’s positive development.
• Perry’s unique parenting approach sparks discussion about wealth, legacy, and parental responsibility in Hollywood.

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Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

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