Media Personality Report: Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry: From Pain, to Perseverance, and Success “What is important to me about my movies is that the stories and messages are for anyone. Anyone who needs to learn about forgiveness will enjoy it no matter who they are. ” -Tyler Perry Tyler Perry-born Emmitt Perry Jr. on September 13, 1969, has become an icon in his own right. Whether one agrees with his work or not, the fact that cannot be avoided is that he has made pivotal strides in the entertainment industry.

He is the true definition of one who exudes perseverance. Perry has turned his past hurts and struggles into an ever-growing empire, with a strong fan base that follows suit. Perry’s work is mostly known for its drama/comedy mix. He knows how to create the perfect blend of making his audience laugh, however not failing to get the moral of the story across. Perry first hit the entertainment scene in 1992, with the production of his first play, “I know I’ve Been Changed.

He then went on to produce countless other plays such as “I Can Do bad All By Myself”, the play which first introduced his infamous signature character, “Madea. ” With much success with his play, producers soon took notice of Perry’s talents, and he was initially collaborated with evangelist T. D. Jakes to make a film adaptation of his book “Woman Thou Art Loosed. ” He gained much praise for his film “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”. He delved into the small screen on June 2006 with the premier of his sitcom, “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”.

Get quality help now

Bella Hamilton

Verified

Proficient in: Internet

5 (234)

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” drew an average of 5. 5 million viewers, a record for an advertiser cable-supported original sitcom premiere (Nasson). Perry’s story is unique in a sense that he came from absolutely nothing, to anything that he could have possibly imagined. His personal background speaks volumes and opens his audience to a better understanding as to why he approaches his play and filmmaking the way that he does. Perry talks openly about the abusive relationship with his father.

He once tried to commit suicide, and by age 16, he had changed his name to “Tyler” in order to separate himself from his father (Manheim). Perry went on to working odd-jobs, saving up enough money to produce his own play. Perry’s first play “I Know I’ve Been Changed. ” initially flopped with the audiences bringing in a total of only 30 attendees and ran for one weekend. After homelessness and poverty, Perry was able to refurbish his work, and it drew in a larger audience which ultimately catapulted him into success.

Perry is known for wanting complete control over all of his work, as he feels that he has put in the blood, sweat, and tears to do so. Tyler Perry’s work does not come without criticism. Notable director/actor Spike Lee has referred to Perry’s work as “coonery” and “buffoonery”, stating that he has taken the Black race back to the “chitlin circuits”; Perry’s rebuttal is that “ It’s attitudes like that make Hollywood think that these people do not exist and that’s why there’s no material speaking to them” (Tedesco). Today, Tyler Perry is still going as strong as ever.

In 2008, he opened his 200,000 square foot studios based in Atlanta which consists of 5 sound stages, a post production facility, a pond, a back lot, a 400 seat theater and private screening room and designated areas for entertaining and holding events (tylerperry. com). He is currently working on his latest film “For Colored Girls Who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf” with many more in development (imdb. com) I truly admire Tyler Perry’s story. He gets my utmost respect in regards to the trials he has overcome, his drive, and just being a wonderful spirit overall.

I have not seen any of his plays, but have watched many of his movies and was well entertained. Although I do feel conflicted because I can see how some critics may say that he work is a stereotype, and that he has “sold-out”. Many African-Americans do feel that in someway Perry’s work embraces a typecast that we have tried hard to move away from. I think what makes Tyler Perry smart is that he is going with what works. He would not have obtained the success that he has if he were not appealing to the masses. I do consider some of his comedies a little off the wall and far-fetched.

But I also feel that way about some of Jim Carrey’s work. It is all away across the board for me. Perry’s purpose is to entertain and at the same time bring issues to light that may in turn help his audience. Overall, I just take his work for what it is: entertainment. It is his perseverance that I respect the most. And for that, he deserves all of the success and happiness that his heart desires. Works Cited *Nasson, Tim. “Tyler Perry Biography. ” http://www. wildaboutmovies. com . March 21, 2008. *Manheim, James M. Tyler Perry Biography – Inspired by Oprah, Perseverance Paid Off, Concentrated on Madea Character. <a href=”http://biography. jrank. org/pages/2872/Perry-Tyler. html”>Tyler Perry Biography – Inspired by Oprah, Perseverance Paid Off, Concentrated on Madea Character</a> . * Tedesco, Kevin. SPIKE LEE’S CRITICISM OF TYLER PERRY’S WORK AS “COONERY AND BUFFOONERY” SPEAKS TO A PROBLEM IN HOLLYWOOD PERRY TELLS “60 MINUTES”. http://www. cbspressexpress. com. October 22, 2009. * “Biography,” Tyler Perry, www. tylerperry. com * http://www. imdb. com