12/10/2009

in

Willie Maxine Perry died on Wednesday of unknown causes

Ingrid Bergquist

Tyler Perry's mother died on Wednesday at age 64, reported [The Associated Press](http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hg-ThkUZDEPh9Kk7XxRiEGQmRXNwD9CFRCOO0).  
  
Willie Maxine Perry, Tyler's mother, was the inspiration for Tyler's movie character Madea.  
  
The movie producer announced his mother's death on his Web site and thanked fans for their prayers. He did not comment on the details of the death.  
  
Much of Tyler's popularity is due to his Madea character, from films such as "Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail," played by himself in a wig and dress.  
  
A very controversial character, Madea, also gained him some criticism about reinforcing stereotypes of black women being violent and brash.  
  
In an interview with CBS' "60 Minutes" in October, Tyler told the interviewer the character is a celebration of strong black women and part was based on his mother.  
  
Willie had worked as a nursery school assistant for about 10 years since mid 1980s to mid 1990s.  
  
Willie died two months after Tyler announced he would be taking time off to spend time with his mother.