#RoyalMen
When people hear the name Tyler Perry, they think of the many movies and plays he has produced. Especially those movies that portray the gun toting, loud mouthed and lovable Madea. However, there is so much more than just one crazy character in Perry’s repertoire.
Besides the dozen of shows Madea’s character has appeared in, Perry produced several television series and movies such as “Meet the Browns”, “House of Payne” and “Daddy’s Little Girls.” He contributed his acting skill in movies such as “Alex Cross”, “Vice” and “Why Did I Get Married?”.
His recent shows, “Sistas” and “The Oval” has taken on BET’s Wednesday night. His newest project, “A Fall from Grace” is his first Netflix movie. Since its debut on January 17th, it has been watched over by 26 million. Perry executive produced and starred alongside living legends, Cicely Tyson and Phylicia Rashad.
The story focuses on the public defender played by Bresha Webb and her attempt to prove the innocence of Grace played by Crystal Fox. Like many of Perry’s productions, the movie was rooted in dramatic revelations and abusive undertones. In an interview with Netflix, Perry explains the inspiration behind how and why he portrays his female characters the way he does.
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“My first 10 movies or so were all subconsciously talking about how the women in the movie represent her and her struggle of understanding that she is worthy of love,” he says. “She is worthy of better treatment. She is worthy of compassion. She’s worthy of a man that sees her. So every time I am writing a female character, every time I’m looking into their lives and peeking into those moments, I’m thinking about her.”
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The “Her” Perry refers to is his mother and the struggles he witnessed. Through theater, Perry has been able to contribute examples of women fighting to overcome difficult situations. Perry recognizes in the interview with Netflix that “millions of people around the world” have found strength through his characters.
The Tyler Perry Studio is based in Atlanta, Ga but Perry’s influence extends much further. Besides producing movies that are now considered part of black culture, Perry has done his part in building and advancing communities worldwide. According to The Perry Foundation website, the main focus stretches from education to human right to development with more areas in between.
In just a couple of weeks, Madea’s Farewell Tour will conclude, ending an era of Madea. Perry explained his retirement of Madea by telling CNN in an interview that he wants to spend his next 50 years doing something different from that character. With all of the laughs, tears and drama that Perry has introduced to black theater, we patiently await the next 50 years worth of projects from Perry.
