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BlackVoices.com caught up to Tyler Perry and cast members of the new film 'Madea Goes to Jail,' in theaters Feb. 20. The acclaimed filmmaker talked candidly about his alter ego, Madea Simmons, while Keshia Knight Pulliam (of 'The Cosby Show' fame), Derek Luke and David Mann also shared their experiences working on the eagerly anticipated Lionsgate movie.
Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
In just three years, Tyler Perry has become the toast of Hollywood. Could you name another director black or white who can boast of having released six feature movie projects within a three year period? Nope. Not only did the New Orleans native write all of the storylines for the films, he starred in four. Combined, five of the films have grossed upwards of $250 million worldwide, some within budgets below $6 million. And with the major money train also comes associating with some of the biggest names in and out of the entertainment business. BlackVoices.com takes an introspective look at how a former homeless man turned chit'lin circuit theater czar has connections to the likes of Michael Jackson, Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Will Smith, to name a few. Check out Six Degrees of Tyler Perry.
Tyler Perry
The best-selling playwright turned Hollywood hot-shot (real name: Emmitt R. Perry, Jr.) was born Sept. 14, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Ray Nagin
Another New Orleans native, Ray Nagin, Jr. was elected into the office of Mayor of the Crescent City on March 6, 2002.
Labelle
Known as the music capitol of the Gulf Coast, New Orleans was also the setting for 'Lady Marmalade,' a hit song from 1970s glam-soul trio Labelle, comprised of Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sara Dash.
Lenny Kravitz
Modern day rock & roll demigod Lenny Kravitz is one of the top-notch talents chosen to produce Labelle's long-awaited reunion album, 'Back to Now,' due out later this year via Verve Records.
Lisa Bonet
'The Cosby Show' and 'A Different World' star Lisa Bonet eloped with Lenny Kravitz in November 1987. Their daughter Zoe Isaballe Kravitz was born the next year. The couple separated in 1991.
Gary Dourdan
'C.S.I.' actor Gary Dourdan played Cree Summer's character's love interest Shazza Zulu on the NBC sitcom 'A Different World,' which was originally developed as a spin-off vehicle for Lisa Bonet. The Philadelphia native appeared on 13 episodes from 1991 to 1992.
Janet Jackson
Gary Dourdan also played the love interest of Janet Jackson in the music video for her chart-topping ballad, 'Again,' in 1993.
Tyler Perry
Janet Jackson starred in the lead role of Tyler Perry's box office smash, 'Why Did I Get Married?' The twice divorced pop star won an NAACP Image Award for her performance.
Ruben Cannon
One of the most respected executives in Hollywood, Ruben Cannon has served as a casting director of film and TV projects dating all the way back to 1977. He co-executive produced Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?'
Comments: (53)
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By: SolShine7 on 2/18/2009 12:07PM
Good interview.
http://reelartsy.blogspot.com
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By: august on 3/02/2009 2:42PM
I agree! - thekylereport.com
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By: Herndon Davis on 2/18/2009 10:46AM
Great summary of interviews. I loved the Tyler’s playfulness and Keisha’s feistiness. Here’s more cast interviews and movie review of Madea Goes to Jail.
Keisha Knight Pulliam portrays “Candace”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkHs5THJXWY
David Mann portrays “Mr. Brown”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3x3e8pOR1Y
Derek Luke portrays “Joshua”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w-JLJuxoqA
Madea Goes to Jail Movie Review
http://herndondavis.com/diversitynews_Madea_Goes_To_Jail.html
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By: Janice Camp on 2/19/2009 12:35PM
I have seen the play also of Madea Goes To Jail, it is so funny, and hope to see the movie on DVD, when it comes out. I saw Marriage Counselor also last wek end, I just about wet my pants from laughing so hard. You are such an inspiration to me, I just love all your movies and plays, May God Continue to Bless you in all that you, just remember to put GOD first and you will succeed!!! Love you man, Janice.
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By: katie on 3/09/2009 8:45PM
I saw Madea goes to jail this afternoon. How awesome and hiliarious it was. The crowds were great inside and outside waiting to see this movie. One of the best comedies/touching pictures Tyler Perry produced. Thanks for the great quality.
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By: Fox' on 2/18/2009 9:45PM
Tyler,
I'm always looking forward to seeing any movie you come out with. I will be there on Friday standing in line to purchase a ticket to see your new movie. I have the play already. I have all of your DVD's. I enjoy placing one of your movies in the DVD player to get a good laugh to cheer myself up. I'm going through a divorce and watching your movies has been therapy for me to remain strong through the process. Hope to see a lot more of you.
Fox'
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By: Eric on 2/20/2009 11:45AM
No, I will not be going to see this movie at all! And, there are several factors for my decision. First, we have far too many of our young BM going to prison these days, and many of them only glorify that experience, and wear it as though it were a badge of honor! Sorry, but it's not! Or, as if it were some kind of accomplishment! You want to accomplish something? Then try going to college, get a degree, instead of a record!Try being a graduate, instead of just another convict! Or, try going into the military, see some other part of the world, develop yourself, and "MAN UP"! It's just plain crazy that our children view doing jail time as something other than what it really is! If, anything you'll only now have a record that will follow you for the rest of your life, deny you certain employment opportunities, stigmatize you as just "another" person of color that once again ends up in the big house, and along with other pitfalls wherein. There's also an increase of BW that are also going to prison these days as well, so why in the world do "we as a people" want to see/support yet another black film (comedy or not)that see's yet another African American being carted off to jail! Especially, (as in this case) if it's someone's "grandmother" going to jail? Tell, me what is so funny about that? How do you feel about your children sitting there watching that, and only laughing? Perhaps, it doesn't bother most because they'll be sitting there too laughing right along! That could be your children's grandmother, or perhaps even your mother! I'm sorry, but I think this is the last thing that we as a people (or anyone in general) needs to continue to see! Blacks going to jail....still! Come on... enough already! That will only continue to reinforce the already negative stereotypes and images that "supposedly" we say we hate! But, upon closer examination it seems as though we also at the very same time "embrace" those stereotypic images in a heartbeat! And, just can't wait to throw our money down to see only more nonsense of this nature! What I can't and don't understand is "why" do we (as a people) continue to think that these kinds of images are funny, or even entertaining? I'm sure that Mr. Perry has talent, but are Mr. Perry's creative juices limited to only promoting the same, tired, old worn out, negative images of black people? I know that the man has far more talent than this. We've all seen the many portrayals of overweight BW in movies like "Big Mama's House Parts 1&2, Norbit, Monique's foolishliness , and others...oh please enough! And, now this latest sad spectacle! And, "again" why do we as a people continue to embrace this kind of self destructive stereotypical mind set? We're just laughing ourselves to death, and everyone's also laughing too, but they're not laughing "with" you they're laughing at you...still! This isn't the kind of real change that we need now...sorry!
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By: Mike on 2/20/2009 12:34PM
Give me a break. What have you done lately for the Black community. You self rightest baster. You have nothing better to do but hat on this man who's making a different. I bet you are a fat pig and don't like seeing nothing that reflects you. This man took money out of his pocket and brought a transfer truck full of food for a food pantry. He also help in other areas making donation and helping to raise money for different causes. (What have you done lately?) I am sick of you self rightest uppied jerks. Have a nice life.
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By: renee on 2/20/2009 6:35PM
I respect & enjoy Tyler Perry's work. Tyler's story is one of hope and admiration. He, with the help of
God was able turn his life around, and use his creative and God given talents to move his life in a positive direction. He is a positive role model for Black Americans.
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By: YB on 2/20/2009 5:12PM
Not being funny but are you an overweight BW? Is your husband, son,daughter or other family member incarcerated? I'm just asking 'cause you sound mighty bitter.
Give the man a break ~ it's just comedy. Maybe our kids can learn from this that we can come from "any" background or social situation and still become successful. I don't think his success is the amount of money he's earned but moreso in his resilience and determination to overcome his past.
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