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Tyler Perry

October 25, 2009 5:00 PM

When Hollywood refused to produce his films his way, Tyler Perry started his own studio in Atlanta. Now his movies are drawing huge audiences. Byron Pitts profiles the new and unlikely movie mogul.

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by acro47 November 24, 2009 6:44 PM EST
I love this man! I am not a black person but I come from a huge family and find it amazing and deeply touching how many humorous traits and peculiarities of my own family are shared with Tyler Perry's characters. I am 62 years old and will gladly play the white version of Madea free of charge if Mr. Perry ever chooses to venture into that arena. In the meantime, thank you Tyler for the themes of love, faith, conflict & redemption, growth, humor, gritty determination and learning from others that we have come to count on in your characters. You are using the gift God has given you of understanding all those things which make us human, in a way which honors us all. Thank you!
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by shawcys November 12, 2009 2:31 PM EST
I knew that I liked Tyler Perry and absolutely love his work, but after this viewing of this 60 Minutes interview... I love the man! I don't say that casually; I mean I utterly love and respect his journey and the person that he has determined to be despite the challenges to keep him from being his best self. What an awesome testimony!
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by Reneep34 November 10, 2009 11:46 PM EST
I'm so sorry that Spike Lee didn't talk to Tyler Perry like a man before he made such ignorant statements. I love Tyler Perry's movies, especially "Diary" and "Daddy's Little Girls". These were very well written movies and it was heartwarming to see black actors on screen.

I hope that Spike Lee and Tyler Perry will work together one day.
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by Metamorphoo100 November 8, 2009 9:54 PM EST
When Mr. Lee was making the MONEY it was all good. Now it somebodys else's turn. The man is touching lives SPIKE you did too, be happy for your brother and stop HATEN.
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by nana607 October 31, 2009 3:15 PM EDT
I am white and I enjoy Tyler Perry's movies. I can especially relate to Madea because Ann, a woman who resembled Madea in thought, dress, and action raised me. Ann was a woman of character,strength, and principles who taught me how to get along in the world, even if she did not use the most conventional (white) methods. I do not think Mr. Perry's characters are sterotypes or cartoonery baffoonery. I work with, ride the bus with, and live in the same neighborhood with people just like his characters. These are honest, caring, godly, and wonderful people; people whom I am proud to call my friends. Keep up the good work, Mr. Perry - I'll be watching and enjoying your movies and television shows. Thank you.
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by peekatu2 October 29, 2009 7:49 AM EDT
Cudos to Tyler Perry! Keep your positive messages of love, healing, redemption, and Faith(!!!!)coming!!!

Raspberries to Spike and those of his ilk who portray, glamourize, and aggrandize the negative images of self-hatred and violence which generate desperation and depression!!!

In our current world both social and economic we need and respond to positivity!!!
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by lighthouse124 October 29, 2009 1:15 AM EDT
Hey I know a lot of whites who enjoy Tyler Perry's movies. I think he is a talent individual with a great future. The message is always the same, positive. Spike less, is just jealous his audiences are not as loyal to him. As soon as Tyler Perry's movies come out, we can't wait to see another one. Then we go out and buy the dvd, even though we saw the movie. I have seen his plays, so many times I can quote some of the actors parts. He relates to everyday folk, therefore we love him, and will always support him, no matter what!
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by blkrain1991 October 28, 2009 11:36 PM EDT
Mr. Spike Lee how can you compare what Tyler Perry is doing to "Coonery/Bafoonery". I have watched all of your movies and Tyler Perry's. What I will say is all of Mr. Perry's movies have some substance to them. I recall watching your movie "She's Got to Have It", "School Daze" and you want to call that good movie making, it was more "coonery" than anything that Mr. Perry has ever made. Mr. Perry's moves speak to everyone who has grown up with hardship, hardache and pain. What Mr. Perry gives is his view on the way he sees things. I find it very unfair that you would make such remarks about another mans vison. How bout you stick to what Spike Lee does and let Mr. Perry do what he has done and is doing so well.
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by memaryt October 28, 2009 8:15 PM EDT
Mr.Spike Lee if you care to read these comments. I would like for you to be the intelligent man you are, and sense you want to represent black's in such a positive way. Then do me a big favor start off by apologizing to Tyler and all of us you have affended. Mr.Spike Lee. Tyler really is a person who cares about how he represent himself. He just not just throwing out trash and you of all people should know this or maybe be not. Please don't let pride and self get in your way of support for a man who is bring so much love, hope, joy ect back into everybody lives .Just take a moment out of your day and think about your comments. Because you really missed this one. Do the right thing apologize. Remeber your movie. Do The Right Thing. Represent the real true us we are a humble people with a great deal of pride but we do know how to forgive and asked for it. (Real Truth) thats us : ). memaryt.
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by MsNitaG October 28, 2009 6:15 PM EDT
Okay for the first time in a long while I disagree with African Americans who speak on the negative images of black people in film. Typically I agree because they have been right. Those bootleg movies about drug dealers, prostitution and drugs, Or movies about something being ghetto or made to be ghetto just because it's black does happen baffonery happens in both films made by African American people and other races. I'm not sure about you all but I have women in my family who are represented well in Tyler Perry's films. I'm sorry that Spike Lee has not been able to garner the same type of financial gain and support that Perry has. The type of movies that they both create are unique and speak differently to different people. There are movies and shows that cast African Americans into negative light but the stuff from Tyler Perry is not that. When I go see a Tyler Perry movie I want to see a movie that is going to warm my heart. That I will be able to laugh at and that gives me a powerful message. When I go see a Spike Lee joint typically I go to see pure drama that may have a message but ultimately when I leave the theater I don't feel hope and that is what Tyler does for his fan base. He gives you a movie that both adults and children alike can watch and can relate to. My Aunt is over 400 pounds and the only time she goes to the movies is to see a Tyler Perry movie. It is an event for our family and when it is over we are left with a satisfied feeling. That is what makes going to the movies fun. When I want to be scared I go see a scary movie, When I want to laugh and cry I go see a Tyler Perry movie. Where all facets of people are represented from the rich to the poor, from the bad to the good. Spike dont hate learn from him. You make movies that people dont go and see and then when your broke you borrow from the next. Now I think it's all good however capture a fan base and stick with them.
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by NoMaminfo October 27, 2009 3:04 PM EDT
Recently, Spike lee had given an interview where he stated that basically Tyler Perry was perpetuating stereotypical thoughts of the African American, community while keeping us in Black Face 9.0.

I believe that Spike Lee is unequivocally, a H-A-T-E-R. Anyone who has seen a Tyler Perry movie can see that there is a very deep message embedded in each one, whether they want to admit it or not. I have yet to watch one of his films where I myself have not been in a similar situation, or know someone who has. Back in the day when Spike lee created School Daze and had everyone thinking that Black Fraternities and Sororities were a breeding ground for self hate; he spoke of how his movies were a reflection of the black community. Furthermore, that he is no longer as iconic in the African American film industry and not the first name on our tongues when it comes to black movie power players; he is trying to take down the number one stunner if you will.

I have a Madea and a Mr. Brown in my family, except their names are Auntie Cali and Uncle Gene. Tyler?s characters are not myths or idiosyncrasies, they represent one facet of our history and community. The words of wisdom that Madea gives to her family are the same old sayings and beliefs my aunts and grandmother told us in times of peril. The comedic relief that Brown brings to Meet the browns is the same genuine malapropism and antics my Uncle brought in times of doubt in sorrow.

Moreover, Spike Lee?s crab in the bucket mentality is why our community is so divided. There are millions of TP fans that would agree that his films are motivational. His movies evoke a spirit of love, peace, God, and family into my heart every time I am in the theater on the first day one of his films debuts. If this were not the case for many of us, he would not be selling out the box office. Imagine if Spike and Tyler could collaborate instead of Spike attacking Tyler. Why be this vocal about one of your own. Spike is asking Tyler how can you show this, I am asking Lee how can you hide it? Are you embarrassed by these characters that exist throughout African American families? Raise your voice in regards to many of the other inequalities and injustices that are perpetuated on the African American Community daily. All in All shame on you Spike Lee. Tyler Perry movies are a time of reflection and I think you need to evaluate whether you are protecting the image of your race or if it?s just hateration, I think it?s the latter. I am the first to admit that Spike has created powerful thought provoking films and I would never minimize the positivity that he has injected into our lives with his creativity. Nor, do I believe that if you are African American you need to be a proponent of Tyler Perry Films. I just believe that if you don?t have anything nice to say don?t say anything at all, words to live by.

www.nomam.wordpress.com
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by NoMaminfo October 27, 2009 3:03 PM EDT
Recently, Spike lee had given an interview where he stated that basically Tyler Perry was perpetuating stereotypical thoughts of the African American, community while keeping us in Black Face 9.0.

I believe that Spike Lee is unequivocally, a H-A-T-E-R. Anyone who has seen a Tyler Perry movie can see that there is a very deep message embedded in each one, whether they want to admit it or not. I have yet to watch one of his films where I myself have not been in a similar situation, or know someone who has. Back in the day when Spike lee created School Daze and had everyone thinking that Black Fraternities and Sororities were a breeding ground for self hate; he spoke of how his movies were a reflection of the black community. Furthermore, that he is no longer as iconic in the African American film industry and not the first name on our tongues when it comes to black movie power players; he is trying to take down the number one stunner if you will.

I have a Madea and a Mr. Brown in my family, except their names are Auntie Cali and Uncle Gene. Tyler?s characters are not myths or idiosyncrasies, they represent one facet of our history and community. The words of wisdom that Madea gives to her family are the same old sayings and beliefs my aunts and grandmother told us in times of peril. The comedic relief that Brown brings to Meet the browns is the same genuine malapropism and antics my Uncle brought in times of doubt in sorrow.

Moreover, Spike Lee?s crab in the bucket mentality is why our community is so divided. There are millions of TP fans that would agree that his films are motivational. His movies evoke a spirit of love, peace, God, and family into my heart every time I am in the theater on the first day one of his films debuts. If this were not the case for many of us, he would not be selling out the box office. Imagine if Spike and Tyler could collaborate instead of Spike attacking Tyler. Why be this vocal about one of your own. Spike is asking Tyler how can you show this, I am asking Lee how can you hide it? Are you embarrassed by these characters that exist throughout African American families? Raise your voice in regards to many of the other inequalities and injustices that are perpetuated on the African American Community daily. All in All shame on you Spike Lee. Tyler Perry movies are a time of reflection and I think you need to evaluate whether you are protecting the image of your race or if it?s just hateration, I think it?s the latter. I am the first to admit that Spike has created powerful thought provoking films and I would never minimize the positivity that he has injected into our lives with his creativity. Nor, do I believe that if you are African American you need to be a proponent of Tyler Perry Films. I just believe that if you don?t have anything nice to say don?t say anything at all, words to live by.

www.nomam.wordpress.com
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by dmarcheta October 27, 2009 12:51 PM EDT
Spike Lee has a right to his opinion. But, he should remember that a lot of us felt the same way about some parts of many of his movies. I absolutely love the works of Tyler Perry and Spike Lee. They both speak to parts of me. There's a difference between being laughed at and laughed with. I'm old enough to know when to be offended. I'm much more offended by Mr. Lee's strange sexual situations and having a little girl urinate in front of the whole world. He chooses to exploit us sexually, often! But, I still find the good in his films. And I, along with many others, wish him great success. Tyler Perry's works are not only prosperous but they are good for our souls and our communities. He's GOOD to us and for us. And we wish him many more years of good success, peace and health.
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by sepiagoddess October 27, 2009 12:36 PM EDT
I find it sad that we still have the crabs in a barrel mentality that was ingrained in us during slavery. I agree with Tyler Perry in that his characters represent people that he knows, as I know many of the same type of people, however I also know people a lot like the characters in Spike Lee's movies. There is room enough for both men to make the amazing movies that they make, but it is important that we know that each of them has an important and vital place in the arts as well as our culture and community. We have bigger issues and bigger fish to fry than to try and put each other down. I am sure that if Spike feels that there is shucking and jiving in Perry's movies, if he thinks really hard he will realize that that is also apart of the Black culture. I have seen plenty of shucking and jiving in real life, enough to make one sick. So, if that is the case as Spike sees it, then Tyler is again not off base. We are not a fairy tale people, there are a lot of ugly, grimy, sideways folks that are black and that is what Perry shows. What I like best about both men is that they represent their own truths, and that is what should be discussed and celebrated not the derisive division that is being created as fodder. There is enough room for everyone Spike.
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by tmjoseph October 27, 2009 12:00 PM EDT
Tyler, keep doing what you do. God has given you a precious gift and he has created you in a unique manner; there is other like you. You are right we had the same type of person in our neighborhood, and it takes a village to raise child. If it wasn't for people like your charter Madea and my neighborhood Madea, there is no telling what I would be doing right now. I think Spike Lee should be lifting you up as a brother and as a fellow artist. He should not be putting you down because you have done something that he was not able to do throughout his movie endeavors. He has been trying to get Hollywood to notice him and Tyler did the same thing, but the difference is Tyler didn't take what Hollywood was dishing out and he decided to make his own Hollywood. Tyler Perry is doing it, please give credit where credit is due. Give this man the props he deserves. Keep giving us the wonderful films, plays, and sitcoms that keeps us laughing in such difficult times.
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by pitchvine October 27, 2009 10:08 AM EDT
samirlarry@bellsouth.net
www.hiddenbeachfamily.com/profile/pitchvine
Coming January 2010?Prince Of Hitsville, starring Will Dalton. A young talent who will ?Make You Wanna Holla? when you see him play one of our greatest, writes, composer and singers of all time. ?Prince Of Hitsville? is a story about the events leading up to the making of the greatest album of all time. With original music and a great cast we are sure people will love what we have created.
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by rightonwithlighton October 27, 2009 8:53 AM EDT
"I have seen 'many' of this man's works and I find them very inspiring!!!!"

"Not as an 'impoverished' African American, but as an 'older' SINGLE white man. I believe that his final statements in 'defending' his work is, if you please, 'RIGHT ON'!!!"

"Spike Lee" or how ever he spells 'HIS' name could 'LEARN' a great deal from this man, his motives and 'THAT' true 'REALITY' that he is bringing to the 'screen'!!

Thank You,

"Mr. Jim"
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by krissypooht October 26, 2009 10:45 PM EDT
Tyler this touched my heart. I wish you could have talked more, as far as Spike Lee comment, sound like he is jealous oh what has he done lately.When spike was popular,I did not like his movies then and I do not like them now,when they are on I change the channel. I relate to the Madea character,that was my grandmothers nickname, I do believe every black family can related to at least 1 or 2 characters in your movies,but you have those few that will not admit this, I think its funny. With the way the world is today, everyone needs to laugh more and this is what your movies do, And Spike I will be going out and purchasing, the other Mr.Tyler Perry movies I do not have just to give him some more money. And remember when you are in Gods favor(blessing)the hatters come out the cracks in the wall. Be strong Mr.Perry God has your back. Spike is just a hatter. Love you Tyler
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by Paradisa1 October 26, 2009 9:36 PM EDT
I did NOT enter my ealier comment twice, it must have been a technological glitch in the system because I surely didn't think it was important enough to be there two times. All I can do is apologize and ask for everyone's forgiveness! After re-thinking the story, I have come to transfer the point "everything happens for a reason" this way - Followed up quickly by "Give Tyler what is Tyler's, give Hollywood what is Hollywoods". We are all dealt a different hand of cards, it is what we do with OUR OWN that determines our fate! For too long we have been comparison shoppping with other people in other places instead of just taking care of our own business ... For this I salute Tyler Perry, he fought through the hard times, listened to God and those who cared, made it through the desert and is still headed toward the mountain showing the way for others. He may not be a preacher, but we need more positive examples in the world of today! Especially for young black men, one of which I have as a step-son and means the world to me.
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by gilchrib_bag October 26, 2009 8:58 PM EDT
Spike writes about thinks he knows and believes in what is wrong with Tyler doing the same. Tyler brings comedy with a purpose. If Spike could open his mind up enough to see another mans point of view on life maybe he would understand there is more to life than DO THE RIGHT THING.
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