Tyler Perry: Life in Film

You can't deny Perry's powerful impact on Hollywood.

Tyler Perry in Diary of a Mad Black Woman - Much has been said — positively and negatively — about Madea, but there isn't a shadow of a doubt that Perry's most infamous character has made an indellible mark on history. Perry first donned Madea's trademark muumuu in Diary, and she's been his muse ever since.(Photo: Courtesy Lionsgate Pictures)

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Diary of a Mad Black Woman - Tyler Perry’s big mama character, Mabel “Madea” Simmons (played by Perry), was the hit of his numerous stage plays. In the 2005 film adaptation of Perry’s play "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," the playwright and his gun-packing grandma alter ego make their big screen debut. Perry gained notice when his film opened at number one at the box office.

Madea’s Family Reunion - In his directorial debut, 2006’s Madea’s Family Reunion, Perry reprises his Madea role. The film is an adaptation of Perry’s stage play of the same name. Photo credit: Alfeo Dixon/Lions Gate.

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Madea’s Family Reunion - In his directorial debut, 2006’s Madea’s Family Reunion, Perry reprises his Madea role. The film is an adaptation of Perry’s stage play of the same name. Photo credit: Alfeo Dixon/Lions Gate.

Daddy’s Little Girls - Venturing into screenwriting, Perry writes and directs another hit with 2007’s Daddy’s Little Girls, in which he and his multiple characters don’t appear. The project is the Hollywood debut of The Wire star and sexy leading man Idris Elba.

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Daddy’s Little Girls - Venturing into screenwriting, Perry writes and directs another hit with 2007’s Daddy’s Little Girls, in which he and his multiple characters don’t appear. The project is the Hollywood debut of The Wire star and sexy leading man Idris Elba.

Why Did I Get Married?, Tuesday at 7P/6C - Janet Jackson diagnoses her friends' reasons for love. Encore presentation on Wednesday at 2P/1C.View other Black love films here.(Photo: Lionsgate)

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Why Did I Get Married? - Perry tackles the woes of marriage, writing, directing, and acting in 2007’s Why Did I Get Married?, which starred Janet Jackson. He continues his winning streak when the film also opens number one at the box office. Photo Credit: Alfeo Dixion.

Photo By Lionsgate

The Family That Preys - Officially a Hollywood player, Perry attracts acting heavy weights like Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard for The Family That Preys in 2008. Besides writing, producing, and directing the film, Perry also plays aspiring construction business owner, Ben.

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The Family That Preys - Officially a Hollywood player, Perry attracts acting heavy weights like Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard for The Family That Preys in 2008. Besides writing, producing, and directing the film, Perry also plays aspiring construction business owner, Ben.

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Meet the Browns - For 2008’s Meet the Browns (based on another Perry stage play of the same name), the filmmaker brings back the hit characters Madea and her brother Joe. The following year, the film is turned into a TV series. Photo Credit: Alfeo Dixon

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Meet the Browns - For 2008’s Meet the Browns (based on another Perry stage play of the same name), the filmmaker brings back the hit characters Madea and her brother Joe. The following year, the film is turned into a TV series. Photo Credit: Alfeo Dixon

Madea Goes to Jail - Usually featured as the comedic side dish, Perry’s star character is featured front-and-center in 2009’s Madea Goes to Jail.  The film is based on Perry’s 2006 stage play of the same name. Photo Credit: Alfeo Dixon

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Madea Goes to Jail - Usually featured as the comedic side dish, Perry’s star character is featured front-and-center in 2009’s Madea Goes to Jail.  The film is based on Perry’s 2006 stage play of the same name. Photo Credit: Alfeo Dixon

I Can Do Bad All By Myself - Based on another one of his stage productions, this romantic musical comedy-drama shows Perry’s relentless pace as a filmmaker. The movie is the first lead role for Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson.

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I Can Do Bad All By Myself - Based on another one of his stage productions, this romantic musical comedy-drama shows Perry’s relentless pace as a filmmaker. The movie is the first lead role for Oscar-nominated actress Taraji P. Henson.

Why Did I Get Married Too? - The sequel to the hit Why Did I Get Married?, the film centers on the interaction between four married couples who undertake a week-long retreat to improve their relationships. The film also features acting legends Louis Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson. Photo credit: Quantrell Colbert

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Why Did I Get Married Too? - The sequel to the hit Why Did I Get Married?, the film centers on the interaction between four married couples who undertake a week-long retreat to improve their relationships. The film also features acting legends Louis Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson. Photo credit: Quantrell Colbert

For Colored Girls - Based on Ntozake Shange’s play, Perry writes, produces and directs this star-studded and emotionally-packed film. His all-star cast included Anika Noni Rose and Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg.

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For Colored Girls - Based on Ntozake Shange’s play, Perry writes, produces and directs this star-studded and emotionally-packed film. His all-star cast included Anika Noni Rose and Oscar-winning actress Whoopi Goldberg.

Madea’s Big Happy Family - In promoting his 2011 film Madea’s Big Happy Family, Perry had fun placing America’s new favorite big momma in ads playing on iconic films and TV shows.  You can now pick up the film, which included Bow Wow and Lauren London, on DVD.

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Madea’s Big Happy Family - In promoting his 2011 film Madea’s Big Happy Family, Perry had fun placing America’s new favorite big momma in ads playing on iconic films and TV shows.  You can now pick up the film, which included Bow Wow and Lauren London, on DVD.