From The Archive: Tyler Perry

This week, Krista takes a look back at her 2022 conversation with Tyler Perry. Perry currently sits atop an empire built on 26 feature films, 20 stage plays, 18 television shows, and his 330-acre studio located in the heart of Atlanta. However, once upon a time, Perry was a struggling playwright. He initially began writing after watching an Oprah segment on its therapeutic benefits, which then led to his first play, "I Know I've Been Changed."

Although the play failed to attract an audience, Perry refused to give up, working tirelessly to raise money and support. At one point, he resorted to living in his car, not far from where Tyler Perry Studios now exists. Success found him after the run of his second play, "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," which introduced the world to his character, Madea, who Perry played himself. As his influence on the entertainment industry grew, Perry uplifted those around him, jump-starting the acting careers of people like Tessa Thompson, Lance Gross, Jill Scott, and Mary J. Blige, and also reinvigorating the career of the late, great Cicely Tyson.

In this interview, Perry discusses his journey through the industry, digs into style as a director and producer, and shares his favorite hobby.

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