Tyler Perry's Amazing Journey to the Top

60 Minutes: He Is One of America's Top Filmmakers, Yet Few Have Ever Heard of Him

(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."

[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.

[MPHgrad]

Tyler Perry is the worst. The ignorance of the masses is what has catapulted him to stardom. I don't often agree with Spike Lee, but in this case I certainly do.

[jclark7613]

by Zulagirl2

Unfortunate but your comments are so true. It's this way when blacks make it in this country. Blacks like Oprah feel that they have something to prove and usually end up turning their back on the people that helped them get there. By the time I was 13 I realized the type of person Oprah was and the only people she was really concerned about. I don't know if you remember last year during the election when a group of white women from Florida by attempting to boycott Oprah for not letting Sarah Palin on her show before the election and actually made the statement that we meaning white women is what made you what you are and attempted to boycott the show and didn't get that far. On a lighter note Tyler Perry speaks to every race. I watch every movie he has that come out and there is just as many whites as black watching his movies.

[Zulagirl2]

Although I adore Oprah, everything she does is to please her white middle class audience base. They helped her to be where she is, but they did not do it alone. Even the movies she makes her characters are always light skinned women, seemingly as not to offend them in any way.

All through our history lighter women have never encounted the hardship her darker sisters have lived through. So, why are they always in roles representing us. While Oprah takes some sort ofjoy showing the illiterate, poorest, ugliest, and loudmouths, and darker women. She promotes white businesses but never black businesses in this country. Look how she made millionaires out of Dr Phil, and Rachael Rae, and see how they have thanked her. Fortunately, it will be different with Dr Memeth Oz, as cares about people of all races, and speaks to some of the different among us. Dr. Phil, heard about Oprah giving Dr Oz his own show so he rushed to offer one of his own. It is safe, and sadly, to say they are missing the mark by a long shot. However, they all have beautiful smiles.

Oprah took her staff, of over 300 people, on a cruise and there was hardly a handful of black faces among them, So, what did that tell the world, and me. The saddest story ever told.

Tyler Perry write about all shades of black, among women especially, and that is what makes him so successful. He has the ability to bring to the surface, from every angle, without preaching, what the black experience is all about. I am a senior and have waited all of my life to see this happening in the movies, and on TV. Thank you Mr Perry for your beautiful gift of communication.

Another thing, Tyler Perry does is he hires cosmatitians who know how to use makeup that is complimentary to black people. and also others. Oprah allows her Cosmatitians, to use minstral makeup on her guests, and her movie characters, and dress them in the drab colors when showcasing fashions, while the other models wear the pastel colors.

Why is it that Gale, and Oprah wear red lipstick, and beautiful makeup, and black women guests on her show are shown wearing dark brown, purple or very light pink, and that awful lip gloss that does nothing to enhance their features. These are colors no self respecting black woman would wear.And lip gloss is used to give the illusion of
"body," that black women never need. Our lips or full enough not to need any.

The last insulting makeup on her show was the two African sisters who were reunited with their family members on her stage. Their lips were outlined in heavy black liner, framing bright pink lipstick... Ugh...Oprah should fire her make up people and hire others who would do black women, justice. All shows that have black actors are guilty of the same thing. Black actors also are the ones on the program who wear the darkest clothes. Which makes them appear as shadows of their fellow actors. Maybe that is why they are always following the white actors on the same show. That would be funny if it were not so very pathetic.

Thank you Tyler for the good sense you, and Tyra Banks are using in all you do, to acquaint other Americans about the black experience.
Oprah did not mentor Tyler from obscurity. He had "made it" already, and his successful movie review preceeded his being a guest on the Oprah show. Nor did she promoter Tyra, who is now her competition at the same time, on TV here in Los Angeles. Both of these "newcomers" will be surpassing Oprah in a few years because they have given black people the voice we never had before. I am hoping Oprah will follow their lead, and return to the foal. We need her, and she needs us too. And I love all three of them with all of my heart, because we're family.

[Iamthemango]

Recently Jiminy Cricket (aka Spike Lee) was quoted as saying Mr. Perry's movies are nothing more than 'coonery and buffoonery' - if a white man used the word '****' to describe Perry's films he'd be trashed as a racist.

An ugly comment from a jealous little imp in goggles. His movies stink and Lee only gets face time when he shows up at the Knicks games.

[Iamthemango]

Everybody's got an Uncle Joe or aunt in the family, the individual who embarrasses everyone but still you love them. There are stereotypes that transcend culture and race.

Personally, I find the character Madea cryptic and scary. A 40-something 6 foot plus black man in old lady drag with a cigarette hanging off his lip waving a pistol is the stuff of nightmares.

Yet everyone can relate to the recurrent universal themes of forgiveness and redemption, something we need more of in our present society.

[rownm]

I'm not Black but I've got relatives just like Tyler Perry's characters in all his comedy skits. I certainly understand the sensitivity but maybe it's time to get past that and incorporate the whole picture. All races have stereotypes that have always been great material for comedians. All of us should be able to laugh at ourselves.

[EbonyWoodpecker]

Black people tend to support their own. His success is noteworthy and does demonstrate a formula for success that Hollywood should note. However, that does not negate the fact that he uses gross stereotypes in his movies. He is successful because black people support him.

[jbrooks45]

We all tend to support what we're familiar with. I think tyler is funny and I know some of the charachters. It is not stereotyped - it is a variety. If you saw a movie with rednecks and hicks would you think it was stereotype? I love George Lopez and his sitcom was about his family and his race. We need to broaden our minds.