Tyler Perry's Mom Dies; Was Inspiration for Madea

By PopEater Staff Posted Dec 9th 2009 03:00PM

Movie mogul Tyler Perry has announced on his Web site that his mother, Willie Maxine Perry, has died. She was 64.

"Thank you for all your prayers," Perry said on the messages section of TylerPerry.com. He did not disclose details on where she died or the cause. In a previous post on his FaceBook page, Perry asked fans to pray for his mother and that she has been "sick since late August."

In a 2006 interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Perry revealed that his mom was the inspiration and "wisdom of Madea," his most famous character.

Mabel "Madea" Simmons, the feisty southern woman that Perry himself portrays, is featured heavily in most of Perry's wildly popular films, including 'Madea's Family Reunion,' 'Madea Goes to Jail' and the recent 'I Can Do Bad All By Myself.' He has also said that his aunt is also an inspiration for the character.

Maxine Perry was a pre-school teacher and worked at a community center for much of her life. Perry or his publicist have not responded for comment by the Associated Press.

Tags: tyler perry, TylerPerry

Comments

(97)

Wednesday 09 December

By Cheryl Lynes Hall

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Mr. Perry,
I am sending my deepest condolences and prayers your way. God bless you and yours, in Jesus' name. Amen!

Sincerely,

Cheryl

By Sexy BlackGirl

My prayers and sympathy go out to the Perry family

By Alix

I just lost my mother as well November 17th. There are no words that can soothe this kind of pain. My condolences to you and your family Mr. Perry. We will all pray for them.

By Babygirl

Alix, my sentiments to Mr. Perry and family as well.

Phil, I truly hope that when you lose someone very close to you as a parent, sibling or even a wife and child. That the obit reads "Another one down, good bye"

Tuesday 15 December

By Phyllis Ford

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I send love, prayers and sympathy at hearing of your loss. May the Lord keep you always. He is near in this time.

Sincerely your in Christ,

Phyllis Ford

Love from Pittsburgh, PA.

By Rose Rogers

Remember her for who she was and most of all for the inspirational contribution she made into your life. My prayers for your strength Tyler are with you and your family. We loved her too, for giving us you..though never having met either of you personally. She birthed a son that brought 'laughter' to a sad sad world. Thank you both. God bless and keep you.

By Shirin Cooks

My deepest sympathy to Tyler and his family. God bless you and keep you.

By Jamie Lee

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God Bless You to Tyler and his friends and family. May your strength in the Lord carry you now at this difficult time you are enduring, while your mother starts a wonderful life of eternity in heaven. Until you are reunited, know she will always be with you and your every move. Hold on to your strength, keep friends and family close and cherish every hug.

By Nancy

To the Perry family, We are sorry for your loss and this difficult time you're now faciing because of it. The loss of a loved one is never easy, and it can take a long time to heal from the pain it causes, but with the support of family and friends and strength from God, you'll begin to heal. Though Mrs. Perry may not be here physically, she will always be with you in spirit. The Speaks Family

By Vanessa

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with the Tyler and the Perry family.

By susie q

hi tyler im soo sad for you you were was soo close to your mom ihope you & dad can make mends now she would want that she is with the mighty lord she is soo proud you came this far as an adult and the man you are love susie Q ilost my mom 14 years ago in october ihave her picture with me all the time

Think on the wonderful things and the godly concepts that she deposited into your life. You'll always carry a part of her with you. I love her for giving this down-trodden world a glimpse of hope by birthing you Tyler; someone that brought 'laughter' to us all.

By `Shirley

Mr Perry and family,
I am so sorry for you loss, she will always be in your heart and memories.
I lost my Mom 4 years ago, so I know how you feel.
My deepest sympathy,
Shirley Mix

By Stephanie

Brittany Spears was the overexposed person for awhile now it's Lady Ga Ga, she's a great singer and performer but doesn't anyone know that if you over expose anyone, people get tired of hearing about them? That people might start hating them or thinking...'here we go again.' I got tired of hearing about "the balloon boy" and I'm tired of hearing about Tiger Woods. Isn't there anything better the media can report on? Not that they don't deserve airtime but maybe Tiger doesn't want airtime at this time in his life.

By lisa rainwater

We are so sorry to hear of your loss my mother was the same age and it hurts so bad but I do this everyday she is in a much better place and has no pain. May God Bless you and your family.

By jwa1976743

my deepest thoughts & prayers go out to Mr.Tyler and his family. Your Mom was a true inspriation to the world. And know she is looking down from heaven, smiling at you, with love and peace.

By gloria mask

So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing- My family andI extend our deepest sympathy.

By Jessica

Hi Tyler
I am so sorry for your loss!!! My deepest prayers and sympathies are with you and your family!! Your mom had a great son, and please keep doing great work, you know she is proud!!

God Bless U!!!

My prayers are with you.

By Cheryl Lee

TYLOR U HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY CONCERNING THE DEATH OF UR MOTHER,JUST REMEMBER SHE IS AT PEACE NOW AND SHE WILL ALWAYS BE SHINING DOWN ON YOU,ALSO GUIDING YOU THROUGH ROUGH TIMES MAY GOD BLESS YOU &PEACE BE WITH YOU GOD BLESS!!!

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