“What is important to me about my movies is that the stories and messages are for anyone. Anyone who needs to learn about forgiveness will enjoy it no matter who they are.” -Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry-born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, has become an icon in his own right. Whether one agrees with his work or not, the fact that cannot be avoided is that he has made pivotal strides in the entertainment industry. He is the true definition of one who exudes perseverance. Perry has turned his past hurts and struggles into an ever-growing empire, with a strong fan base that follows suit. Perry’s work is mostly known for its drama/comedy mix. He knows how to create the perfect blend of making his audience laugh, however not failing to get the moral of the story across. Perry first hit the entertainment scene in 1992, with the production of his first play, “I know I’ve Been Changed.” He then went on to produce countless other plays such as “I Can Do bad All By Myself”, the play which first introduced his infamous signature character, “Madea.” With much success with his play, producers soon took notice of Perry’s talents, and he was initially collaborated with evangelist T.D. Jakes to make a film adaptation of his book “Woman Thou Art Loosed.” He gained much praise for his film “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”. He delved into the small screen on June 2006 with the premier of his sitcom, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”. Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” drew an average of 5.5 million viewers, a record for an advertiser cable-supported original sitcom premiere (Nasson). Perry’s story is unique in a sense that he came from absolutely nothing, to anything that he could have possibly imagined. His personal background speaks volumes and opens his audience to a better understanding as to why he approaches his play and filmmaking the way that he does. Perry talks openly about the abusive relationship with his
Cited: *Nasson, Tim. “Tyler Perry Biography.” http://www.wildaboutmovies.com . March 21, 2008. *Manheim, James M. “Tyler Perry Biography - Inspired by Oprah, Perseverance Paid Off, Concentrated on Madea Character. <a href="http://biography.jrank.org/pages/2872/Perry-Tyler.html">Tyler Perry Biography - Inspired by Oprah, Perseverance Paid Off, Concentrated on Madea Character</a> . * Tedesco, Kevin. SPIKE LEE 'S CRITICISM OF TYLER PERRY 'S WORK AS "COONERY AND BUFFOONERY" SPEAKS TO A PROBLEM IN HOLLYWOOD PERRY TELLS "60 MINUTES”. http://www.cbspressexpress.com. October 22, 2009. * "Biography," Tyler Perry, www.tylerperry.com * http://www.imdb.com