E-mail a friendFebruary 23, 2006
The cast of the new film Madea's Family Reunion, Tyler Perry, Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood and Lynn Whitfield, discuss their characters and rewriting the rules of Hollywood success.
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry
Tyler Perry poured his childhood pain into a letter, which became the basis for the stage production that launched his career as a playwright, screenwriter and producer. His plays have grossed more than $75 million, and his first film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, was a box office hit. The New Orleans native moved to Atlanta to pursue his dream, but found himself homeless several times. His turning point came in '98 with the play I Know I've Been Changed. Tyler's new film project is Madea's Family Reunion.
Cicely Tyson
Cicely Tyson
A trailblazing actress and humanitarian, Cicely Tyson has a film and TV career spanning more than five decades. She won an Oscar nod for her role in Sounder and was the first African American to win a TV movie lead actress Emmy for her riveting performance in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman. A National African-American Museum of History and Culture Commissioner, Tyson is resolute in taking roles that make positive contributions to her heritage. She can be seen in two new films, Because of Winn-Dixie and Diary of a Mad Black Woman.
Lynn Whitfield
Lynn Whitfield
Actress Lynn Whitfield has garnered recognition for her work in film, TV dramas and on the stage. Her credits include Eve's Bayou, Head of State, The Women of Brewster Place, The Wedding and her Emmy Award-winning portrayal of the title character in the HBO biopic The Josephine Baker Story. Whitfield first received attention on the stage in For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf. The Baton Rouge native and Howard University grad is next up in Madea's Family Reunion.
Blair Underwood
Blair Underwood
Blair Underwood was a Carnegie Mellon drama major when he signed on to play a lawyer in the hit series, L.A. Law. That 7-year stint helped open other doors. He continues to play a variety of roles on the big and small screen, with credits that include Full Frontal and HBO's Jackie Robinson biopic, Soul of the Game. His latest film is Madea's Family Reunion. Along with friends in the arts community, Underwood co-founded Artists for a New South Africa and is involved in numerous charitable organizations.