Mar 21st, 2007 · Before Martin Lawrence's Shanaynay character, or Tyler Perry's Madea, Flip Wilson set the bar high with his portrayal of the sassy Gerladine Jones. She was one of many characters from the late comedian's award-winning series, The Flip Wilson Show.
Feb 26th, 2007 · Two recent film portrayals of African-American women have drawn huge audiences: Tyler Perry's Madea character, which has spawned a franchise; and Eddie Murphy's Rasputia in Norbit. The large, boisterous characters have sparked outrage along with ticket sales.
Apr 24th, 2006 · Until it was flattened by the latest Ice Age movie, Madea's Family Reunion had the biggest opening weekend of the year. This was the second hit for writer, director and star Tyler Perry, who is transforming himself into an entertainment empire.
Mar 3rd, 2006 · Madea's Family Reunion grossed more than $30 million in its opening weekend at the box office. The movie's writer, director and co-star, Tyler Perry, talks with Ed Gordon about the lure of his main character, an outspoken black woman.