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As Tyler Perry's latest installment in his 'Why Did I Get Married' franchise hits theaters today, the award-winning director-producer has decided to recast a living legend to help develop his vision on the silver screen.
In addition to reuniting the film's original cast which includes Perry himself, Sharon Leal, Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Jill Scott, Lamman Rucker, Richard T. Jones, Tasha Smith, and Michael J. White, the Madea creator has also tapped Cicely Tyson as a wise old sage named Ola, who along with her longtime husband (played by Academy Award winner Louis Gossett, Jr.) share some of their marital history with the young couples.
Tyson's appearance in the sequel to Perry's 2007 blockbuster film (Click here for Wilson Morales' 'Why Did I Get Married Too?' Film Review) comes as no surprise since the three-time Emmy Award-winning Harlem native previously appeared as Myrtle in 'Madea's Family Reunion' and 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman.'
In speaking exclusively with Black Voices last month during the third annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, Tyson expressed how much she admires Perry's collective body of work in addition to keeping her relevant amongst a new generation of fans.
See video below:
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: (6)
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By: meanvee on 4/03/2010 1:47AM
Cicely Tyson, a living legend, i wish somebody would do a celebration of this wonderful women's life while she's alive, and not wait till she's dead to celebrate her life.
http://www.BestChoicePayday.com
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By: Jewel on 4/04/2010 1:19PM
Ooohh! I second that! She is still my all-time #1 favorite actress.
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By: Cleo on 4/03/2010 6:34PM
Tyler Perry, Thank you so much for bringing our wonderful actors back to the screen. Cycely Tyson, is just one that many of us have loved all of her life. It is so wonderful to have her back and in a role that makes me proud. Thank you for giving our actors wonderful roles and letting us see them in a beautiful light. Thank you for resolving all of the conflicts that the all of your movies bring to light, and not allowing conflict to leave a movie inside of us. Thank you for the laughs, and the tears we shed, and the joy your movies bring.
Thank you for showing that nudity, and sex is not needed to bring us to the movies.
I am so proud that the family can watch your plays and movies with grandmother, and we all laugh,together. Keep up the good work.
All of my family will be going to see MARRIED TOO...at the movie.
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By: BETTYEJ on 4/05/2010 7:36AM
Louis Gossett Jr. and Cicely Tyson characters brought the movie full circle with their insight on marriage.
Me and my family would like to thank Tyler Perry and the entire cast for this beautiful work of art that made us laugh as well as cry because it was so deep and soulful.
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By: Jason Wang on 4/12/2010 10:57AM
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By: Jason Wang on 4/12/2010 11:04AM
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