Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry, born Emmitt Perry Jr., built an entertainment empire from the ground up, starting with plays and eventually moving into film and television. His Madea character, a tough, elderly woman, became a cultural phenomenon, dominating the box office and spawning numerous sequels.

While Perry's work often centers on themes of faith and family within the African American community, there's no indication of any Jewish background or identity. He has openly discussed his Christian faith, which heavily influences much of his creative output.

His success is undeniable, making him one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood. He’s got his own studio, for crying out loud! Which, frankly, is pretty kvell-worthy, even if he's not bringing home the matzah.