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With eight consistent films under his belt, Tyler Perry has overcome the odds of his upbringing and earned a reputation as one of Hollywood's most relentless and profitable directors. As his dear friend and mentor, Oprah Winfrey recently stated, "Do not play him small because he is not just some lucky rich Negro-turned-black man." This and much more was all discussed on tonight's episode of the long-running newsmagazine show '60 Minutes,' where the critically acclaimed director-actor discussed an array of topics including being abused by his father, Emmitt, as a child to firing back at Spike Lee's controversial comments comparing Perry's body of work to "coonery and buffoonery."
Check out a video clip of Tyler Perry's reaction to Spike Lee below.
Oprah on her friendship with Tyler.
Oprah on how Tyler surprised her with a gift.
Comments: (204)
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By: Dwayne Martin on 10/26/2009 8:35PM
Tyler Perry makes films, Spike Lee is a filmmaker. There's a difference. Four Little Girl, The Inside Man, When the Levees Broke, Miracle at St. Anna, and Michael Jackson's "They Don't Really Care About Us" video is among my favorites. Like everyone else, I like to laugh and have a good time. However, please don't compare Spike Lee to Tyler Perry because there really is no comparison. I don't mean to sound like a hater; I saw the story on 60 Minutes and I was moved, and I am happy for Tyler Perry's success. Spike is on another level. He's great at what he does. He's successful in business and in marriage. I like the fact that there's never any drama associated with Spike Lee. He's in show biz but is not of it.
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By: Jones on 10/26/2009 9:26PM
I have much respect for Spike Lee he has proven that he is very talented. However, I think he was wrong to make such a comment about Tyler Perry. Obviously, Spike is entitled to his opinion, but it sounds like Spike is just a little jealous. Tyler's films are hitting number one and when was the last time that Spike had a box office smash?
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By: eduardo on 10/27/2009 7:20PM
Spike Lee is dead wrong on this but I think he is jealous (yuh know-the crabs in a basket syndrom!) since Mr Perry is filling a void with the genre.
We are in a new day where no one is stopping the other from achieving (reaching the sky). Beyond that, Medea is a moral character preaching the Aesop like Hollywood style of filmaking.
It is just a movie without insulting any group or group so how can one go wrong with laughter celebrating such an experience.
By the way, I have a plot for Spike Lee's next movie. It is about the war in Afghanistan where a group of brothers are part of a convoy to deliver supplies to a refugee camp. They are being surveiiled by the Taliban who expect them to be an easy target. They hit the convoy and the brothers show their skill in real war!
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By: leslie.2007 on 10/27/2009 10:52AM
Tyler Perry is an excellent playwright and filmaker. Spike Lee is just hatin' on him, that's just what the white folks want blacks to do as well as act a fool and be against each other. Blacks as a race need more unity. Lee should help him rather than talk negatively about him. They should collaborate together. Besides, I don't see where he has 8 films under his belt.
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By: RED DERRICK on 10/27/2009 10:03AM
If blacks in america look around & truly ask themselves how have we benefited from the the rubbish we support, lets look at it, sanford & son, the jeffersons, goodtimes, thats my mama, whats happening...i mention these "shows" because they all share the same "humor"(Stereotype) that TPerry's Movie does, Take out Madea-Insert Florida Evans. Also these forms of entertainment were ALL greenlighted by white execs who know our children watch a disproportionate amount of television which aids in shaping there world views. These same execs would pander to our fractured sense of self considering WE ourselves wont DEMAND that the stories we NEED to see in film & television be told, Blacks in america hold a powerful influence worldwide-The world is watching us via television & movies which depicts us as crossdressing gun toting bible verse spouting grandmas...& God help you if you think thats fine. RESPECT INTRODUCES ITSELF IN THE MIRROR-Oscar Micheaux did more with less. & Again if you dont know who Oscar Micheaux is again, God Help you.
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By: sharkchops on 10/30/2009 8:47AM
I think we're kind of on a similar page but I think you're a bit off base here. Those old 70s shows were often in-line with our history and the tone of black people at that time. Taken in the context of the times, there was some variety from Sanford and Son, The Bill Cosby Show to the Jeffersons. White execs were trying to take advantage of our hipness and exploit that for mass consumption. We were lucky to even get supporting tv roles much less get our own tv shows. It's another example of what we had to go through in the business to get the advantages we have now. Unfortunately, we haven't stopped watching buffoon tv. We still watch and support minstrel sitcoms instead of the few serious or intelligent black tv shows that have come and gone. We can sit there and watch ER, Grey's Anatomy, Law & Order but when we had a black leads in Chicago Hope, we refused to give it a chance. Then we holler when a show doesn't have enough black people on it. Florida Evans was nothing like Madea. She had class and dignity. Madea is long-running joke and a gun-totin' hothead who has no problem bringing attention to herself. None of those matronly characters from the old black tv shows were like Madea. Madea is Perry's over-the-top version of stereotyped black grandmother who has dubbed "herself" as the black community's granny and godmother. I admit I find the character funny. But Im insulted that a black female character is being played by a man. And Im also insulted that Perry feels black people need to be baited, as he claims, to hear his message. At least, bait us with interesting and less patronizing stories, Perry. At least Spike Lee's movies make you think. I laugh at people who say his movies are too deep. Maybe ya'll need to try to meet Lee half way and try to understand the message rather than seeking cheap laughs for a message you pretty much already see coming in the trailers.
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By: sam salter on 10/27/2009 7:55AM
Spike's contributions can not be dismissed but his is not the only voice, when Jim Carre and other actors perform there craft you do not here there peers saying they are bring down the white race the person that is unable to laugh at there own situation will truly lead a sad and depressed life
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By: DRJ on 12/16/2009 6:04AM
AMEN. THAT'S THE POINT. WE WILL TEAR DOWN OUR PEERS IN THE PUBLIC EYE AND THEY LIKE THAT BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT THAT'S WHAT IT TAKE TO KEEP US WEAK.
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By: No1'sname on 10/27/2009 7:50AM
Blacks are their worst critics & jealousy plays a strong part in it all. I love Tyler Perry & his movies it always gives me something that I can relate to & a sense of worth. It always has a positive ending & is very uplifting. The Family that prays was a serious movie to me without any violence involved, name calling or none of that. Tyler is getting our gifted black actresses & actors back on the movie screens. Keep up the excellent work Tyler I will always be supportive of everything that you accomplish!
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By: ronald crump on 10/27/2009 8:28AM
jealousy and envy is one the world biggest problems if you have to say negative things to make yourself feel better i pity you learn to live and let live.tyler perry movies are meant to make you laugh and they do he dont have to do serious hes good at doing what he do just keep making me laugh.
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