If you were scrolling through Instagram back in December 2020, you probably remember that one post. You know the one—a gym selfie of Tyler Perry, looking ripped but sounding a little lost. He called it a "midlife crisis" and dropped the bombshell that he was officially single. People went wild.
But for those who had followed the decade-long journey of Tyler Perry and Gelila Bekele, it wasn't just another celebrity breakup. It was the quiet end of a partnership that had survived the intense pressure of a billion-dollar empire. Honestly, it was one of the few Hollywood relationships that actually felt grounded.
There were no messy lawsuits or tabloid shouting matches. They just... moved on. But how do you go from being "the person I want to have a child with" to "amicable co-parents" without the drama? It’s kinda fascinating when you look at the details.
The Night Everything Changed at a Prince Concert
The story starts in 2007. Most people think they met at a high-end industry gala, but the reality is way more "normal." They met at a Prince concert.
Tyler, already a titan in the making, and Gelila, an Ethiopian-born model and activist, hit it off immediately. But they didn't go public right away. In fact, they kept things under wraps for nearly four years before they ever walked a red carpet together.
Gelila wasn't just another model on the arm of a famous director. She was already deep into her own work. She spent her time advocating for clean water in Ethiopia and working with Charity: Water. That shared sense of purpose—Tyler’s philanthropy and Gelila’s global activism—became the glue that held them together for thirteen years.
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The Arrival of Aman Tyler Perry
By 2014, things got serious. Tyler turned 45 and used his birthday party to announce some life-changing news: he was going to be a father.
Their son, Aman Tyler Perry, was born on November 30, 2014. Tyler has always been open about his own traumatic childhood, so seeing him become a dad was a big deal for his fans. He once told Gayle King that Gelila was "amazing" and the only person he could imagine sharing that journey with.
Raising a Billionaire’s Son to Fly Coach
One of the most interesting parts of the Tyler Perry and Gelila Bekele dynamic was their approach to parenting. Despite Tyler’s massive wealth (we’re talking B with a billion), they made a pact to keep Aman humble.
- No iPads: Aman wasn’t allowed to be glued to a screen.
- Coach Seats: For years, Gelila would fly commercial in coach with Aman while Tyler flew private, just so the boy understood how the rest of the world lives.
- Privacy: To this day, you’ll rarely see a photo of Aman’s face online.
They were a team. Even when the romantic side of things started to fade, the "parenting team" stayed solid.
That "Midlife Crisis" Post and the Breakup
Fast forward to 2020. While the world was dealing with the pandemic, Tyler was dealing with a quiet shift in his personal life.
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"I’m 51, single and wondering what the next chapter in my life will look like. Whatever it looks like I’m going to walk with God, be the best father and man I can be."
That was the caption that confirmed it. They had actually split "some time ago" before that post, but they kept it quiet to protect Aman. There wasn't a "scandal." There was no "other woman" or "secret family." Sources close to them basically said they just grew apart as a couple while remaining best friends.
Where Are They in 2026?
It’s been over five years since the split, and honestly, they’ve set the gold standard for celebrity co-parenting.
Gelila didn't just fade into the background. She’s an accomplished filmmaker in her own right now. In late 2023, she co-directed the documentary Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story. Think about that for a second. His ex-partner was the one he trusted to tell the raw, unfiltered story of his life and his mother’s legacy.
That says more about their bond than any "official statement" ever could.
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Tyler, on the other hand, remains one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors. He’s focused on the expansion of Tyler Perry Studios and, of course, being a present father. If you’re looking for a "rebound" story, you won’t find it. He’s kept his dating life—if there is one—completely off the grid.
Why This Relationship Still Matters
Most people get it wrong. They think a "successful" relationship has to end in a wedding or last forever. But Tyler Perry and Gelila Bekele showed that you can have a successful partnership that evolves.
They built a foundation based on:
- Mutual Respect: Acknowledging each other's independent careers.
- United Front: Never letting their personal issues affect their son’s upbringing.
- Creative Collaboration: Working together even after the romance ended.
It’s rare. It’s mature. And honestly, it’s a lot more relatable than the typical Hollywood fire-and-brimstone breakup.
Actionable Takeaways for Navigating Change
If you're looking at their story and wondering how to apply that kind of grace to your own life, here are a few things to consider:
- Prioritize the "Mission": Whether it's raising a child or running a business, keep the shared goal at the center, even if the personal relationship changes.
- Value Privacy Over Validation: You don't owe the world an explanation for your personal transitions. Tyler and Gelila waited months to announce their split, giving them time to heal privately.
- Foster Independence: Gelila’s identity was never just "Tyler's girlfriend." By maintaining her own activism and film career, she remained a peer, which likely helped preserve their respect for one another post-breakup.
Focus on building a "legacy of respect" rather than just a "long-term relationship." The way these two transitioned from lovers to creative partners and co-parents is a blueprint for anyone trying to navigate a major life shift with their dignity intact.
To stay updated on Gelila Bekele's latest documentary projects or Tyler Perry's upcoming film slate, you can follow their official production channels for the most accurate news.