Tyler Perry's Mom Passes Away at 64
Dec. 9 2009, Published 6:17 a.m. ET
Tyler Perry's mother, Willie Maxine Perry, passed away Tuesday at the age of 64, the Associated Press reports. Tyler announced the news of his mother's death on his Web site and thanked fans for their prayers.
Tyler did not say what the cause of Willie's death was or where she passed away.
Tyler said in a 2006 interview, quoted by The Atlantic Journal-Constitution, that his mother was the basis for his popular character, Madea.
- Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Are 'Struggling to Compete' With Kate Middleton and Prince William's Rising Popularity in the U.S.
- Moving Again? Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Rumored to Be House-Hunting in Malibu
- Tyler Perry Wanted Meghan Markle and Prince Harry 'to Have a Safe Place to Land' After the Couple Fled Canada
The newspaper said Maxine Perry worked most of her life as preschool teacher at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center.