Tyler Perry's Time to Take a Break

Filmmaker is taking the rest of the year off to look after ailing mother and rest up

By Natalie Finn Oct 22, 2009 10:05 PMTags
Terry Perry, Madea's Family ReunionJerome Ware/ZUMA Press; Madea Productions

Tyler Perry is hanging up his Madea muumuu.

The prolific producer, who's been churning out a Tyler Perry's Something-or-Other film every six months while also helming the hit sitcom House of Payne, says that after the Nov. 1 premiere of the gritty indie drama Precious, which he executive-produced, he's taking the rest of the year off.

"I just need a break," says the barely 40-year-old filmmaker, whose seven family-friendly movies, most of which feature him fat-suited up as sassy matriach Madea, have grossed more than $360 million at the box office after being made for comparably negligible sums.

We think he's allowed—not that Perry is even really thinking of himself at this time.

His mother is sick and "I've been flying back and forth trying to keep my obligations all over the country and at the same time be by her side," Perry wrote in a message on his website.

"It is very hard to see her this way, as well as my having to sit ten feet from my father when I do...God is funny; He will make you deal with stuff even when you think you're over it."

Perry has spoken publicly about his father being abusive toward his mom, hence the apparent bad blood.

"I said all of that to say, it may be a while before you hear from me again.  I need to take some time away... I thank God for you and, again, thanks for being there and understanding."

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Family matters to Tyler Perry. We like to think these Famous Families are there for each other the way Perry is for his mom.