The wise-cracking title character in Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas (The Play) has some help bringing the laughs by way of actress Patrice Lovely’s character, “Miss Hattie.”

Miss Hattie is the mouthy chef of the wealthy Mansell family who meets at their posh Cape Cod estate every Christmas. “Hattie is the cork," said Lovely. “She’s wise, she keeps the family on point.”  The actress says she drew inspiration for her character from her aunts and her mother.

At the end of the day, it’s Madea and her down-to-earth family who come in to save the holiday when the Mansells' family arguments and secrets cause a stir. Miss Hattie will make you chuckle too with her over the top personality and sassy comebacks.

Watch Patrice Lovely discuss her character iand see more scenes from the adapted stage play above. Tyler Perry's A Madea Christmas (The Play) will be released on DVD and Blue Ray tomorrow (November 22)!