Tyler Perry, who once had the reputation of being the most successful playwright/filmmaker you’ve never heard of, has been an inspirational leader for his fan base. a
Living in a home where he was constantly beaten by his father, he eventually left his home in
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Even once he had began, he was homeless for several months “but not destitute” he says. But with the problems of his youth with his father, he chose to sleep in his car rather than return to a
According to Perry, he mentioned in a recent phone interview that touring his plays keeps him in touch with the everyday person that he performs for. a Lions Gate, who is backing Perry, will follow up “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” with “Madea’s Family Reunion.” Diary was successful by any measure as it was produced for $5 million and on the first day brought in over $50 million at the box office and $2 million in DVD sales.
Perry has come a long way from his childhood in 
He says, “I'd be hypocritical if I wasn't able to forgive my father, because he was my biggest demon," Perry says. "He was the issue in my life. In '98, right before everything took off, I completely forgave him and I learned that he did what he knew how to do. I still feel remorse from him. When he's around, I still feel a tremendous sense of sadness from him, like `I don't know how to fix this.”
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Perry’s reception within the industry has been very slow and in some cases painful. Still Lions Gate took a chance on him with “Diary.”
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Now his “
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He has tapped into some important subject matter and is expanding his base beyond the original church-going crowd that still follows him to this day.
Other posts with Tyler Perry in them:
Which Hollywood actor gets the best return on investment? It's not who you think!
Codeblack Entertainment releases first commercial film
Dear Mr. Perry:
I have enjoyed everthing you produced. I have had many laughs. I went to the movies to see (Reunion)12:00 in the day 3 days after surgery. I could not chance anyone to bump my arm. I love Madea. That woman keep the police in chech in my home town. She would walk to town and get the police to bring her home. She was a site. I miss her today. It is a shame those ladies are not around with the discipline today. Children would be like us.
Of course, I am going to ask you to do something for me. I teach in a small suburban school 35 miles south of Altanta. Put on your jogging clothes and come have lunch with all of your fans (5 teachers) @ 11:00. I need for you to help us complete our playground. We have about 480 students and our playground has a lot to be desired. Henry County School is growing by leaps and bounds. They are building schools in record numbers, so it is impossible for them to afford us with enough playground equipment for all of our students. Believe me, the principal and her staff is the place to be. Dr. Johnson is a lovely lady with a vision for learning for our students. We are a family of learners. Please come out to see us and help us. You'd love it too. We are in a wooded area with deer on the playground real early in the morning. I promise I can keep a secret if you decide to come. Write me back and give me some good news. God bless you and give you many more opportunities.
Hope to see you.
Sincerely,
Lorraine Wimberly
Love yo
Posted by: Lorraine Wimberly | March 8, 2006 2:32 PM | Permalink to Comment