Tyler Perry's new film, The Single Moms Club, revives some of his most classic themes: family drama, supportive women and strong matriarchs. The film, which stars Nia Long, Amy Smart and Zulay Henao as a group of single mothers from different walks of life who bonds after an incident at their children's school.
We sat down with Perry, who directed and also stars in the film, and Long to talk about the influential women in their lives. Perry, of course, was passionate about paying homage to his own mother. "She taught me how to be powerful, but she also taught me my place," he says. The mogul also credits Oprah Winfrey for her influence on his life and career. "It's so great to have someone I can call, bounce ideas off of, who has been where I am and has gone so much further."
Long reveals that it was Whoopi Goldberg who had the most influence over her when she was a young actress starting out. "She taught me not to apologize for my brains or my talent," says Long. The mom of two also says she can really relate to her character, a single mom struggling to discipline her rebellious son.
Both Perry and Long agree with old-school parenting tips when it comes to disciplining kids. "Me, I'm into a** whooping, but I don't have kids," Perry says, while Long backs him up. "My younger one, he's only 2 so I try to talk to him, but the older one, he gets it," she says. 
Check out our exclusive interview with Tyler Perry and Nia Long below, and catch The Single Moms Club in theaters starting March 14.

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(Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)