Tyler Perry's Amazing Journey to the Top

(CBS)  What filmmaker has had five movies open number one at the box office in the last four years? Spielberg, Tarantino, Scorsese? No. This record belongs to Tyler Perry, one of the biggest names in the movie business. Yet most Americans have never heard of him.

His eight films have grossed more than $418 million, one of the highest average grosses per film in the industry. And they're just part of Perry's multi-million-dollar entertainment empire.

What has made Perry guaranteed box office gold is his devoted audience: largely African-American, church-going, working class and female.

Long ignored by Hollywood, they come to see something they can't get anywhere else: inspirational stories about people like themselves, and to laugh at characters like his "Madea," the wise-cracking grandmother played by Perry himself.

"Madea is a cross between my mother and my aunt. She's the type of grandmother that was on every corner when I was growing up," Perry told correspondent Byron Pitts. "She smoked. She walked out of the house with her curlers and her muumuu and she watched everybody's kids. She didn't take no crap. She's a strong figure where I come from. In my part of the African-American community. And I say that because I'm sure that there are some other parts of the African-American community that may be looking at me now going, 'Who does he think he's speaking of?' But, for me, this woman was very, very visible."

That's what Perry's work is all about - reflecting a world his audience relates to. And they show up in droves.

"It's been written that Madea is one of the top ten grossing women actresses in the country," Pitts noted.

"They weren't serious when they wrote that. I mean, come on," Perry said, laughing. "Come on."

But he acknowledged that Madea has done very well; so have his other popular characters, like the flamboyant Leroy Brown.

But it's not just comedy. Perry's work is a gumbo of melodrama, social commentary and inspiration. It's a formula that intentionally targets women.

"You're always gonna see a person of faith. Nine times out of ten, it'll be a woman who has problems, who has lost faith or lost her way," Perry explained. "There's always gonna be a moment of redemption somewhere for someone."

And then there are the grittier, darker elements: the violence, especially directed at women and children, sex and child abuse, prostitution and drugs use. But there is always a fairy tale ending, a happy marriage, a reconciliation - often delivered with a dose of Gospel music.

Although Perry's themes are universal, he is not widely known outside of his niche audience.

"The average American has no idea who you are. How is that possible?" Pitts asked.

"I'll tell you how it's possible. There's this great thing called the 'Chitlin' Circuit,' which I started my shows on and back in the day when, you know, Ray Charles and Billie Holiday and Duke Ellington, they couldn't get into white establishments, so they went on this circuit and toured. They were huge stars in their own community, you know, and that's pretty much my same story. I was able to build and have this amazing career among my own people, but outside of that, you know, not a lotta people knew who I was," Perry explained.

"Tyler Perry, superstar of the Chitlin' Circuit?" Pitts asked.

"Yeah. Superstar of the Chitlin' Circuit, I'll take that," Perry replied, laughing.

You realize what a superstar he is and how strongly the audience connects to him when he appears on stage after a performance of one of his plays. Their overwhelming reaction gives you a sense of how passionate they are about him.

But he didn't always get this kind of reaction. He got his start in theater, writing, directing and producing plays.

His first production, a Gospel musical staged in Atlanta in 1992, bombed. But he kept writing and staging new plays, cultivating his audience. By the late 1990s, the plays were selling out across the country, making big money - more than $75 million.

Perry's goal was to turn those shows into movies. Hollywood's reaction: get lost.

"They didn't open the door. I had to cut a hole in the window to get in," Perry said. "You close the door on me and tell me I can't, I'm gonna find a way to get in."

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[acro47]

I am not a black person and thus cannot lay claim to the heritage shared by many here. However, I come from a huge family and find it amazing -- and often personally touching -- how much of the humor and peculiarities of my own family are shared with Tyler Perry's characters. I've seen and read much about this man and in my opinion, this is one seriously generous and open-hearted guy. I'm old enough to play Madea myself and Tyler definitely has one big fan here!

[Gregw1999]

It is unfortunate that Mr. Lee chooses this very public forum to discredit one of our own. If we follow his logic should we not condemn him for characters such as "Mars Blackman", "Buggin-out" and "Radio Raheem". The blatant stereotypes throughout School Daze are certainly not images we want to portray.
Like Mr. Perry, Mr. Lee has a series of statements,questions and issues that are important for us as a people, embedded in the movies and TV shows with which they are affiliated.
In Mr. Lee's comments he makes reference to our diversity, perhaps we should be more tolerant of the diversity he clearly realizes does exist.
Would it not make more sense for Mr. Lee to communicate directly with Mr. Perry before this becomes yet another devisive media tool?

[ATLNATIVE]

I don't always go to the movies to stimulate my intellect - I normally do that with a book. I generally go to the movies to just have a good time. I know a lot of Madeas (not all of them gun toting) and a lot of Uncle Joe's. And I love them all. That's Tyler's draw among middle class blacks. But I like Spike's movies too. He didn't have a Madea but he had a Marvin Gaye Daddy situation in Jungle Fever. And Spike did a little bafoonery with School Dayz. So yes Tyler does take some of us back - to memories of our own Madea or Mother Dear. And I am happy to go back there.

[cleocouture06]

I always thought I did not like Spike Lee movies because they were too complicated for someone such as myself who did not complete college. But after the display of ignorance that was allegedly displayed by Mr. Lee, I feel that anyone who could say such critical and insulting things about Tyler Perry and his success should take a long look in the mirror. Find out what you did wrong in ALL the movies you made. Talk with Mr. Perry and find out his secret to success because you cant seem to get it RIGHT. 1 black among many.

[phyllismlebl]

I have watched Tyler Perry's work and in all honesty, it bores me. The Madea character makes me laugh. I love the spiritual portions of his shows, but they really do bore me. It's the same story over and over and over and over. I'm trying to get past my past, not relive it everytime Mr. Perry makes a movie. I think it is a disservice to the African-American audience who supports him in every movie he makes. Give us something elevated! And for God's sake, use some different actors/actresses!! The House of Payne is unbelievably boring!!! 'Diary was really good, but I agree with Spike, it shows people outside of our race that we are one way and that b.s. It's time for Mr. Perry to grow up, come out of the closet, and give us what we deserve...Respect for the money we've made him rich with. Period. "Precious" is going to bring him into a new light, but again, this is not something he wrote or Oprah wrote, this is Sapphire's story and God Bless her for writing it. My questions to the many, many followers of Tyler Perry's movies are: How has his movies changed your life? I mean really, really changed your life? Or do you just watch them, laugh and go back to your life as it were? How do these movies enrich your lives? Stereotypes of African-Americans seems to be a battle our own race is determined to keep us locked into. Why? Comfort. Fear. We can do better. I am proud that Tyler has come into his own. Do what you know. I was told that as a writer, write what you know. But just like the rappers who sing song after song after song after song about hustling, jail, death, and "hoes" after they've "made it" it's time to move on to a higher level. But that's what sells. I have given each and every one of Tyler's movies a view and sadly, each time, I am disappointed and left wanting something of substance. Spike Lee is speaking his mind and Tyler should not be offended if there is no guilt that he is using his own people for his own personal gain, knowing they will come if he builds it.

[Iamthemango]

Tyler Perry has a built-in loyal fan base that is millions strong. He might be a billionaire by now. His success story of coming from homelessness and abuse to a hollywood mover-and-shaker is an inspiration.

My black friends love his films and I must admit the character Madea is hilarious at times, heavy-handed with the morality themes at others, but always transcendent of racial and cultural lines when it comes to redemption and forgiveness.

People love his films and plays. He's give-back guy and most black people I know are proud of him.

[scubbasteve01]

Coonery and Buffoonery, Amos N' Andy is right. This isn't the proper image to be showing to young black kids and the people that are helping you make money with this garbage need to stop supporting you.
This isn't uplifting entertainment the black guy always thought of as the guy who always has to make all of the jokes. The TOKEN black guy another racial stereotype.
Lamthemango better get your MANGO somewhere else. JIMINY CRICKET? The next time you open your mouth make sure your FOOT isn't it. DO THE RIGHT THING is a lot more realistic than you will ever know.
Coonery and Buffoonery isn't a RACIST statement it reflects the NEGATIVE images of blacks seen in movies and print. As well as the slavery era it's words have nothing to do with anybody being a racist. Do some research.
It's roots are drawings of black-men seen as unintelligent people with big black lips and nappy hair sometimes sen walking around carrying spears in animal skins images that have long been presented in Klu Klux Klan propaganda and movies and cartoons from the Hollywood's Golden era.
When D.W. Griffith did A BIRTH OF A NATION he presented the false image of black men as animals out to rape white women and painted the Klu Klux Klan as heroes and received an endorsement from the President Of the United States at that time in history confirming that America was a racist and sexist country like it still is to this day. Along with allowing the Klan to recruit more members for their cause. So decades would pass and members of this racist organization would later contribute to the deaths of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman and Michael Schwerner in Philadelphia, Mississippi 1964 and the death of 4 Little Girls. May they all rest in peace.
The black woman the maid of the house or as it was known in slave times the House Negro.
Yes the black man long thought of as ignorant, unintelligent not even close to being book smart.
The black man the custodial worker, trash-man and shoe-shine boy.
Yes, Mr. Perry is doing wonders for enhancing the positive images of blacks in Hollywood.
So when will everybody go back to '' Yes, Sir and Yes, Mam? '' Are the white and colored water fountains about to come back? What about the segregated eating areas in restaurants?
HMMM. It kind of makes a person wonder about stuff like this doesn't it?

[iam06]

I agree 100% w/ Spike Lee about Tyler Perry.
Its about time someone said it. He is only promoting stereotypes. Not the "madea" character because everyone knows she is a caricature.
However, most others-- meet the browns, house of payne, and black educated men in his madea series are all negative stereotypes.
If Tyler were a white producer/director we'd all be boycotting. Why have a double standard for a black director/producer. He has to be accountable.

[fromthechi]

I agree with you and Spike Lee as well. We have to hold each other accountable. I am not a fan of Tyler Perry movies at all. I am glad that someone finally had the guts to say what Spike Lee said. I just hope that Tyler Perry listens!!

[ATLNATIVE]

I find it interesting that you don't have a Uncle like Brown. The one that still believes he is a sharp as a tack but is still wearing bellbottoms from the sixties. Or there isn't a deacon at your church that sorta like Brown? He's religious and strong in his belief - and that's negative? Or do you surround yourself only with doctorial canidates. And House of Payne is headed by two firemen. There's a barber and a student all of these are male figures. Where's the negativity. The writing has improved a lot since it first began. I like Spike why can't I like Tyler too.

[Iamthemango]

Tyler Perry is an astute businessman who paid his dues and has been rewarded with an incredibly loyal fan base.

People either love his work or hate it, but the good news for Mr. Perry is that there are more people who appreciate his craft, and they've made him a very rich, very happy, very powerful man in the business.

If you don't like his movies, don't pay to see them. There.

[bonita09]

The comments that Spike Lee made should have been kept to himself. This comment reminded me of JRLynch. As long as people are at odds or fighting they can be controlled. I am so glad that Tyler took the high road. What is happening in the USA today, the lack of jobs, people loosing their homes, wondering where their next pay check is going to come from, we need Tyler Perry's uplifting entertainment. Also, Tyler's plays, as well as, movies are not directed at color. As soon as, people really understand what he is trying to project, it will not be color based. There is a message for all people that surpasses hatred and bigotry. Open your heart and your minds and you will understand the LOVE.