By JANINE COOPER
Observer Staff writer
Oct. 25, 2007

Sharon Leal and Tyler Perry star in Why Did I Get Married? Photo By Alfeo Dixion (LIONSGATE)

Tyler Perry is a household name amongst the African-American community and has made his way into the mainstream over the past few years. Once homeless and living in his car, Perry has now established himself as a credible playwright, director, producer and actor.

Perry has turned his self-written plays into a multi-million dollar industry. Perhaps known best for his portrayal of Madea, the infamous, but lovable back-talking grandmother, Perry has shown his ability to step outside of the character and make movies that have gone against typical African-American stereotypes.

Perry grabs audiences by keeping his main focus on faith and Christian beliefs. In his movies, characters are usually faced with dilemmas, which are overcome by their strong belief in God.

As a writer and director, Perry attacks stereotypes about the black family, which include broken homes, street violence and living in the “ghetto.” In his film, Daddy’s Little Girls, Perry breaks the stereotype that African-American men don’t take care of their children by showing a single-father who works hard to gain custody of his three daughters.

Numerous African-American movies highlight the dramatization of gang life, and some of the disturbing incidents usually associated with black culture. Perry chooses to take a step forward by showing the positive side of the African-American community.

Perry’s recent movie, Why Did I Get Married? ranks number-one at the Box Office last week and takes a good look at the married relationship through every situation imaginable, from the cheating husband to the workaholic wife. The movie follows four couples, all college friends who take vacations every year to reminisce and reaffirm their reasons for getting married. After meeting at a cabin in Aspen, Colorado, the couples are left with revealed secrets and doubts in their relationships.

Perry, who wrote, directed, and starred in the movie, shows his ability to go to battle with other Hollywood Box Office hits. The movie has grossed over $35 million since its opening, surpassing the opening weekend for George Clooney’s Michael Clayton and Mark Wahlberg’s We Own the Night.

Perry continues to be a successful playwright, selling out shows across the country, while continuing to make movies that will be hitting theaters over the next few years. Audiences continue to make their way to the theaters to show their support of his films, while also getting Hollywood to finally recognize the power of African-American movies.

His movies give audiences a good laugh, with a reassurance that as long as you have your faith, anything is possible.