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Director Tyler Perry's mother, inspiration for Madea, dies
Tyler Perry, the director of the wildly popular "Madea" films, is mourning his own matriarch.
The filmmaker announced his mother Maxine Perry's death on the "Messages" page of his official website Tuesday.
"In Loving Memory/ Willie Maxine Perry/February 12, 1945 to December 8, 2009/ Thank you for all your prayers," the post reads next to a picture of Perry and his mother taken at the "Madea's Family Reunion" premiere in 2006. No other information was included. Perry's publicist has not responded to a message seeking comment.
Maxine Perry, 64, was a preschool teacher who worked at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center for most of her life, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which also says that the character of the tough, gun-toting Madea (whom Perry portrays himself in a wig and dress) is based on his mother Maxine and Aunt Mayola.
We wish Perry the best during this difficult time.
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Photo credit: Tylerperry.com
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There is one thing that is sure. Mama Willie Maxine Perry is in our future. To be absent from the body is to present with the Lord. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.
I will keep Mr. Perry in my prayer. May GOd keep you and give you the strength to go through your storm everything is for a reason and he never ever puts more on us than we can bear.
Mr.Perry
I just read about your mother. I send you all my love and my sympathy. You are in my prayers.
God bless you.
Ms.Joe
If your portrayal of Madea comes from your Mom,then you were blessed beyond belief.
I'm so sorry for your loss, but it is only a temporary separation.One day, we will all be united with our loved ones and spend Eternity with them and our precious Lord.You have given me hours of laughter,love, and insight thru your Mother's sense of humor. GOD bless you and your family.And may the HOLY SPIRIT give you comfort in these sad times.
May God keep u and iam sorry for your lost
Mr. Perry, My prayers are with you during this very difficult time. I pray you will gain strength during this time in knowing how many love and care about you.
God will continue to bless you. You have brought enjoyment to millions of people through your plays, movies, and sitcoms. Continue to look to GOD from whom all your blessing comes.
god could have sent ten thousand angels to save her , but it was her time to be with him now so dont cry for her shes with god, and u mr perry will see her again.
GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU TYLER.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Mr. Perry,
I am sorry to hear of your mother's departing. I know that her body has left this world but her spirit is safe in the bosom of The Father. She was the inspiration for the your Madea character (a favorite to many), and because of this a major part of her will always be with us. I thank God for the gift she was, I thank Him for the gift you are, as well as Madea (smile).You and your famliy are continually in my prayers and I know God will comfort your heart during this difficult time.