Tyler Perry

His plays often reference The Color Purple (1985), which starred Oprah Winfrey. He credits "The Oprah Winfrey Show" (1986) with inspiring him to write.

Often quotes famous black-focused movies such as What's Love Got to Do with It (1993) and The Color Purple (1985). These two are especially quoted in Madea's Family Reunion (2006).

Before becoming a successful film-maker with Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005), he was already the owner of a successful play company that tours the country and caters to African-Americans. His plays are also recorded and sold as DVDs.

Has been writing plays since he was 18. As of March 2005, his eight plays have grossed over US$75 million in tickets and DVD sales.

2007 - Ranked #7 on EW's The 50 Smartest People in Hollywood.

His mother, Willie Maxine Perry, passed away on December 8, 2009 at age 64. She was a preschool teacher who worked at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center for most of her life.