Tyler Perry has starred as Madea for over 20 years He first introduced the character in the play I Can Do Bad All By Myself in 1999 In addition to Madea, Perry has also played Joe Simmons, Brian Simmons and Heathrow Simmons Tyler Perry is more than just Madea.

Tyler Perry’s Madea franchise has not only become a cultural phenomenon but has also played a major role in establishing him as one of the richest and most influential Black figures in Hollywood. The success of the Madea films, stage plays and spin-offs ...