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 linda j. mccoppin

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dear tyler,
sorry to hear of your mother's death. praying God will see you and your family through this time of sorrow.being someone whose lost her mother ,i can sympatize with what you are going through.
God Bless And Keep You

By Brandon

The relatives and friends of the Perry family have my prayers and condolences during this time...

Thursday 10 December

By Claron johnson

My brother were only here for a moment when we do what he put us here for a moment hen we do this he call us home our real home so keep your head hi and thank him

By RodSquad

She found out that Madea was how he lived his homosexual lifestyle autonomsly,through that character,either that,or he would not stop stealing her dress's,both of these reasons are being looked at for her breakdown,which led to her untimely death.May she RIP.

By Tyler

Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
God Bless & Merry Christmas

Saturday 12 December

By KIM

TYLER, SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR MOTHER. I CAN TOTALLY RELATE TO YOU, WHEN YOU HAVE LOST YOUR MOTHER. THATS A VOID, THAT WILL ALWAYS REMAIN UN-FILLED. HOWEVER, GOD CARES & KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT. IN DUE SEASON, MAY GOD GIVE YOU PEACE & STRENGTH TO MAKE IT...EVEN THROUGH THE HARD TIMES.
LOTS OF LOVE,
KIMBERLY

By A.M.D

Heartfelt prayers to the Perry family during this difficult time.

By Felisa Taylor

Tyler sorry to hear of your lose. You and your family are in my prayers. You have my deepest sympathy. I Love You Keep Up The Good Work.

Friday 11 December

By mike

I first would like to tell you i think u are a great and funny person. On aug.1st. of this year I lost my Dad He was a very mean and hard person to love due to Wild Turkey and his love of beating up his family.Sence He has walked before god I have let that part go, with the help of YOU and you'r great movies I have forgiven hem. Thanks. I hope that in you'r time of need that you know that there are some people that u never met love u very much. Not for you'r money but only as a brother of god and i am that. May the lord look down on you and hold you'r hand an heart an ease the pain. Mike

By Marilyn Jennings

We are our weakest in sorrow, but God is the strongest in our sorrow. I am sitting here in my apartment where my next door neighbor's mother has passed away I feel their pain, it is a deep pain. I start to cry and pray, it hurts so bad, then God says what is DEATH.... Leaving one life to go to another. God is good his mercy endures forever!

By DIONNE K. ROBATEAU

SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE PASSING OF YOUR MOTHER, MAY YOU HOLD ON TO GOD'S UNCHANGING HANDS.BE STRONG HE CARES FOR YOU MAY GOD BLESS THIS BEREAVE FAMILY.

Sunday 13 December

By DeadGorilla

She looks DEAD in that picture!!! Dang! Oh well. No shortage of unhealthy ugly black women in this country. SMD Tyler!

Monday 14 December

By alw2pj

My condolences go out to you and your family.I didn't know your mom, but I thank God for the gift that she was to you and for the gift that she's given us through you,Tyler. I lost my mom at 17 and I do know as Donnie Hathaway sang, "Giving Up Is Hard To Do, When You Really Love Someone".As I'm sure you know, she's in a better place, Glory to God. You be blessed and my prayers are always with you.

Al Wilkins

Tuesday 05 January

By judi

you have my deepest sympathy our prayers go out to you and your family at this very tough time.

Sunday 17 January

By terri

tylor IAM SO SORRY YOU LOST YOUR MOM SHE WAS STILL SO YOUNG I to lost my mother around that age about 16yrs ago It still seems like yesterday seems they as our parents live their lives for us but as childern we want to be successful so we can live our lives for them.take your time everyday for the rest of your life you will feel your mother.some will be sad some will be laughter of funing things were she made you laugh you will remember so many things about your mother.their will be times when she will speak to you on things you want to no that the sprit of her life speaking back through the universe.so take whatever time you need amd I mean whatever time.but I know you have a good support group of friends and that s God being with you through people. you will be in my prays and remeber she just on the other side useing her energy through the universe their for you may God keep you and continue to bless.

Tuesday 19 January

By Cindy Stewart

I am so sorry for the loss of your Mom. Please keep up the great work that you do. I believe that you have made all of us realize that we are all God's children and no matter what color we are we have the same problems and the same joys. Abuse and drugs touch all of us. God Bless you in this time in this time of sorrow.
Cindy Stewart

Sunday 21 February

By Barbara Brown

You are in my prayers God Bless you.

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