Tyler Perry Contemplates Killing Madea

LOS ANGELES — Tyler Perry wants Madea dead.

That may come as a surprise, given the big-hearted but foul-tempered, pistol-packin' granny has emerged as director-writer-producer-actor Perry's signature character _ and, now, his cash cow.

"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail" topped the U.S. box office last weekend with $41 million in its first three days of release. The dramedy marks Perry's all-time opening weekend, and is poised to sprint past the overall take of his top-grossing film, "Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion" (2006).

Still, Perry confesses: "I would love to see Madea die a slow death in the next film."

The reason? It takes a lot of effort to turn the 6-foot-5-inch Perry into big momma Madea.

He knows she's "a whole lot of fun to watch. But to do it is a nightmare," Perry says.

"It's all one suit that I'm zipped into, so it's all heavy. The hips are heavy. And the more I sweat, the heavier it gets. I see why women have back problems who have large breasts. Holding those things upright can be tough."

Come summer, the 39-year-old Perry _ whose Atlanta-based media empire includes films, books, videos, theatrical productions and TV shows _ will be back on the big screen making a cameo appearance in director J.J. Abrams' "Star Trek."

Next is Perry's own period drama "A Jazz Man's Blues."

Then, more Madea, with "Madea's Class Reunion."

Perry said that it's clear that fans want more of her. "As long as they want to see her, she'll stay around. But, I'm telling you, if they ever stop coming, she's going to die a quick death. `Madea's Funeral.' That's what you look forward to."

Comments

[rejoiceinit]

02:43 AM on 02/28/2009

The thing is Tyler is quite a good actor--he should move beyond this character for good.

[krayonc]

12:53 AM on 02/28/2009

I haven't seen the movie yet, but the play was fantastic. I love the Madea character.

[jaymcb]

12:37 AM on 02/28/2009

Finally a good idea form Tyler Perry. Kill her and please let this be the end to men dressing as old fat ladies.

[jalowe1957]

11:54 PM on 02/27/2009

Madea is to Tyler Perry what RuPaul is to RuPaul Charles.

[katedog]

09:41 PM on 02/27/2009

It's about time. Sure it made Tyler Perry millions, for which I give total props, but this character jumped the shark years. Time to move on. Hand me the gun, i'll do it for him.

Best of luck Mr. Perry on your future endeavors.

[trudem2]

07:45 PM on 02/27/2009

The un-funny shtick of black men ridiculing black women while in drag got lame many, many years ago. Yes, please do kill off this very un-funny character. It has always been uncool, disrespectful,
and utterly lame -- beginning when Flip Wilson started the trend years ago.

[zepfan81]

02:48 PM on 02/27/2009

Will he then come out of the closet?

[gjohntheterrible]

01:35 PM on 02/27/2009

What exactly is the appeal? Sorry I just don't get it. Why would anyone want to sit and watch a guy dressed in drag playing an angry black woman?

[TheApeMan]

12:03 AM on 02/27/2009

"Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail"

Wasn't this movie already made in the 80's when it was called,
"Ernest Goes to Jail"

what's next?

"Madea Goes to Camp?"

[harriettubman]

12:30 PM on 02/27/2009

Did Ernest carry a gun and get back at people who did him wrong? I don't think so.

[giselley]

07:24 PM on 02/27/2009

This movie was really funny. And I'm a person who NEVER goes to the movie to see comedies. Perry's movies have real heart.

[harriettubman]

11:13 PM on 02/26/2009

Madea is FUNNY!!!! Please don't kill Madea. She has followers and the people complaining are the ones who didn't make her #1 at the box office any way. I've seen some real Madea's in my life time--brash on the outside with a warm heart. Keep her coming Tyler. Every 2 yrs in a film is good and to pop up on your series from time to time.

[katedog]

09:47 PM on 02/27/2009

It's time to move on, it's time to grow. Killing her is smart b/c there can't be some lame reunion show.

I've been to three live Madea productions, and after the 3rd one, it was like seeing the first. The formula was no different. Really, how much more can Tyler Perry do with this character that he hasn't already done?

RIP Medea.

[Lotus19]

10:37 PM on 02/26/2009

Don't do it.

[sweetmoses]

09:26 PM on 02/26/2009

As a Black man, I find Madea offensive in the first place so I'm glad he/she is dying. Madea plays on a hypermasculine stereotype that Black women have been carrying around for a long time and which needs to die.

[harriettubman]

11:11 PM on 02/26/2009

Please, you probably have someone in your family or neighborhood just like her. LOL.

[WADIIAH]

11:41 AM on 02/27/2009

PAHLEASE U KNOW GRANDMA IS JUST LIKE THAT, MINE IS!

[POLINUT]

07:14 PM on 02/26/2009

Proud Buffoonery Supporters READ THIS

If you like Tyler Perry and others like him, you will no doubt not object to bringing back these:

Steryotypes for you and your children

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LMrdcs4ucc&feature=related

Stepin Fetchit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oxOoFEFzJg

Something you NEED to watch (minus the gov't conspiracy angle):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36vgBn6CAyU&feature=related

[harriettubman]

11:14 PM on 02/26/2009

BORING!!!

[sheikwil4]

10:37 AM on 02/27/2009

For those who have problems with MaDear's character, why aren't you out protesting the fact that when White people make movies, they usually have black folks as the thugs, drug dealers and any form of bad guy you can come up with. You don't you sit back and go to their movies and think they are just great. Then a young AA man, who hollywood thought they could ignore his movies, is now laughing all the way to the bank and he know has to bolt his office door closed to keep out hollywood because as usual they under estimate what black audience will go to see at the movies. Give it a rest. some of these sterotypes we have against us we earn, like the Michael Steeles and those idiot black republicans that we only saw on CNN, MSNBC, FOX fakes New and others media was when President Obama was running for office. I say support Tyler and his movies because no matter what you think of MaDea, Tyler always has a positive message in his movies in the end and so does MaDea, even though he just make her good advise be given in a funny way.

[giselley]

07:27 PM on 02/27/2009

Well put, sheikwil4!!

[ABCD]

06:36 PM on 02/26/2009

Ha-Lay-Lou-yerrr

I love Tyler Perry & Madea is funny as all get up! But hating a man because you don't find him funny is suspect.
I think the "hate" some of you feel has to do with a healthy, smart, black man with a boat load of money!
But whatever your issues are you should work them out!
Me? I will always be front and center when it comes to Tyler Perry!

[harriettubman]

11:14 PM on 02/26/2009

i AGREE!!!! lol

[TallyLass]

04:29 PM on 02/27/2009

Hi,

My name is Gloria Rozier. I am on David Schechter's network. I am a screenwriter and director. I wrote, directed, and produced the pilot for the sitcom entitled "Veverly". Logline: Her name is "Veverly", with a "v", not a "b" and if you want to get her riled up call her Beverly. She manages an urban record store as well as the patrons who frequent the establishment. Small Shop. Big laughs. I have several episodes of the Veverly already written.

I have other completed projects, which includes a feature length drama entiltled, a stage play/musical complete with lyrics. I am currently working on a WWII african american love story. I am also researching my next feature, about a 20th century union organizer. I also write lyrics and would love to work with a (some) musician (s).

I need agency representation, however, since the norm is to get recommendations from people in the business, perhaps we can meet to see how we can work together.

Thanks So Much,
Gloria

[VegetableMan]

10:31 AM on 02/27/2009

i don't give a crap that's he's healthy. i don't give a crap that he's smart. i don't give a crap that he's black. i don't give a crap that he has boatloads of money. i do give a crap that he's REAL untalented and don't understand everyone's fascination with him when other, incredibly more talented writers/ actors/ etc go unrewarded. sorry.

[typhanie]

05:50 PM on 02/26/2009

stepintothelight: My grandma has past away about a year ago, and I do not appreciate you calling her a clown.

If you do not like Mr. Perry or Madea do not watch, but do not criticize thoughs of us who do.

If you would pay attention to these movies, instead of trying to find fault with them. You would see that he is trying to teach you something.

OPEN YOUR EYES.

[stepintothelight]

12:01 PM on 02/27/2009

"IF" being the operative word ... Now go call a wambulance. I could care less about what you do or do not appreciate ....

SELF-RIGHTEOUS TOOL!!!