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."
CLICK HERE to follow Action News on Twitter
CLICK HERE to get Action News on your website
CLICK HERE to find Action News on Facebook
