AGE: 39
OCCUPATION: Filmmaker
PREVIOUS APPEARANCES ON THE TIME 100: 1
PRO: As a writer-director-actor, Perry consistently churns out modestly budgeted, profit-minting movies. (His most recent effort, Madea Goes to Jail, grossed $41 million in its first weekend.) As a producer, he oversees sitcoms and theatrical productions, only half of which require him to dress up in drag.
CON: Do you know anyone who has ever laughed during a Tyler Perry movie or television show?