Tyler Perry Gets Emotional Reflecting on His Mother’s Legacy
By Extra-Ordinary Women
In a recent interview on The View, Tyler Perry couldn’t hold back his emotions as he discussed his late mother, Willie Maxine Perry, and their profound relationship. The 54-year-old multi-talented artist appeared on the daytime show to talk about his upcoming documentary, “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story,” shedding light on his deep connection with his mother, who passed away in 2009 at the pinnacle of his success.
During the conversation, co-host Sara Haines shared a touching moment with Perry that moved him to tears while discussing his mother. Perry initially explained that the title of the documentary emerged from a question posed by the filmmakers: “Who do you think you are? Are you a writer, a producer, a director?” To this, Perry replied, “I’m Maxine’s baby. I am my mother’s son. That’s what’s most important to me. When I’m walking around or whatever I’m doing, I’m carrying her in my spirits.”
Haines expressed her deep empathy after learning about Perry’s mother, saying, “When I met Maxine through all of it, I didn’t know her. But it shows just how much you endured as a child.” Perry was taken aback by Haines’ statement and interrupted her, saying, “Wait a minute. That took me. You met my mother through that. Wow.”
The live studio audience erupted in supportive applause as Perry took in Haines’ words. He continued, “To say that you met her through that takes me somewhere because she had so much pain. And she didn’t have some legacy, but she had me.” Overwhelmed with gratitude, Perry began to cry and said, “And to say that I was able to do this — You got me there. Man, I’m sorry. Lord, have mercy. Thank you for that. I appreciate that.”
As Perry composed himself, Haines acknowledged the strength of Maxine’s legacy, saying, “Thank you for sharing her with us because her legacy remains very strong.” She also mentioned Perry’s traumatic childhood and the pain he endured, but Perry interrupted once more, saying, “Sorry, but my mother… You really got me there. I need to get myself together.”
Haines continued to offer support, encouraging Perry to sit with his emotions. “If you want to stay with that, you can, because I understand.” Perry shared more about his mother, saying, “She would never put herself on the list. She never thought she was important, and she never thought anybody would care. So to say that this documentary that Gelila [Bekele] and Armani [Ortiz] did about my life introduces her to the world, that moves me. Because she was very much that… that special to me.”
“Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story” is set to premiere on November 17th on Prime Video, offering an intimate look at Tyler Perry’s life and the profound influence of his mother, Maxine.
