The collaboration between Tyler Perry and Cicely Tyson is a testament to Perry's deep respect and admiration for the legendary actress. Their partnership extended beyond the screen, marked by mutual appreciation and Perry's commitment to ensuring Tyson was valued and compensated for her contributions to the industry.
Last year, Tyson died at age 96, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced the next generation of Black actors. With over 60 years of experience in Hollywood, Tyson had more than 95 credits to her name.
A Lasting Friendship and Collaboration
Tyler Perry first worked with Cicely Tyson on set of his film Diary of a Mad Black Woman in 2005, according to TODAY, going on to collaborate with her on more of his movies. The duo crossed paths in several films, starting with 2005’s Diary of a Mad Black Woman as well as Why Did I Get Married?, Madea’s Family Reunion (2006) and Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010). The two grew to develop a close-knit friendship, with Tyson even revealing in her memoir Just As I Am that she was named Perry's son's godmother, along with Oprah (via the New York Post).
News of the heartbreaking death of Cicely Tyson rocked Hollywood, as the family of the iconic actress released a statement announcing the death of Tyson on Thursday, Jan. The 96-year-old made her mark in film and on stage, beginning a decades-long acting career in the 1950s after first dabbling in modeling.
Perry's Tribute to Tyson
In an online tribute, Perry spoke from the heart after Oprah Winfrey informed him about the unfortunate news of his “grandmother” figure. The media mogul wrote an emotional message at the time of her passing to honor her legacy and remember their time spent together. "... I got this overwhelming feeling to watch Miss Jane Pittman. ... I didn't even understand the feeling to turn it on, but I did anyway," Perry wrote, alongside photos of him with Tyson.
Read also: From wrestling ring to transgender advocate: Gabbi Tuft's story
"Not 12 minutes into the movie my phone rang. It was Oprah calling to tell me that Cicely had died. This one brought me to my knees! She was the grandmother I never had ...," he shared. "My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next. To think that she lived for 96 years and I got to be a part of the last 16 brings me great joy." Perry continued praising the late actress: "Always so regal, always so classy, always a lady, always a queen. Every time we would talk I would ask, 'How are you?' and you would say, 'I'm still here. He must have something he wants me to do."
“She was the grandmother I never had and the wisdom tree that I could always sit under to fill my cup. My heart breaks in one beat, while celebrating her life in the next,” he wrote. “To think that she lived for 96 years and I got to be a part of the last 16 brings me great joy. She called me ‘son.’ Well, today your son grieves your loss and will miss our long talks, your laughter from your belly, and your very presence.
Tyler Perry recently reflected on the late, great Cicely Tyson and why he paid her $1 million for a day of work. In an interview with AARP, the 52-year-old mogul said, “I’ve never said this publicly, but I took care of Ms. Tyson for the last 15 years of her life. She was a proud woman, and the only reason I mention this is because she wrote it in her book. This woman had done so many amazing things, but she wasn’t well compensated for it. She made $6,000 for Sounder, you know? I wanted to make sure she knew that there were people who valued her.”
He continued, “So, she did one day of work on my 2007 film Why Did I Get Married? I paid her a million dollars. I loved working with her. And it makes me feel great that I was in a position to give this incredible woman some security in her later years.” Perry cast Tyson in several of his movies including Diary of a Mad Black Woman, and Madea’s Family Reunion.
“This woman had done so many amazing things, but she wasn’t well compensated for it,” Perry stated. “She made $6,000 for Sounder, you know? “So, she did one day of work on my 2007 film Why Did I Get Married? and I paid her a million dollars,” he added. “I loved working with her.
Read also: The story of Tyler Lillard's wrestling success
Along with Tyson, Perry has collaborated with some of Hollywood’s big names, such as Taraji P.
Remembering Cicely Tyson
Tyler Perry's Broader Impact and Philanthropy
The conversation was all in reflection of AARP presenting Perry with an honorary AARP Purpose Prize Award for his leadership of The Perry Foundation. The award honors extraordinary people 50 and older who tap into the power of life experience to build a better future.
“I’ve tried to align myself with people who have the same sensibility when it comes to helping others,” Tyler notes. This sentiment has been present throughout his life as instilled in the lessons he learned from his mother, Maxine Perry, who always aimed to aid those in need. Tyler talks about his passion for building up his own community from within and cultivating opportunity through teamwork and collaboration.
Whether with fellow celebrities like Oprah Winfrey or Cicely Tyson or the thousands of talented individuals who staff TPS today, Tyler honors the value of everyone he comes in contact with, allowing successful partnerships to blossom anywhere.
Read also: The Rise of Tyler Tracy