While doing press rounds to promote his newest film, 'Madea Goes To Jail', which opens Feb. 20, producer-writer-director Tyler Perry discussed how he wanted music legend Diana Ross for an upcoming feature.
Tyler Perry: ... Print This: Tyler Perry is after Diana Ross! I laid off (from approaching her), because I didn't want to be arrested, but I was sending flowers and everything. I just have to get the right cast. She would be a major part of the film, along with Ben Kingsley, Cicely Tyson, and Kimberly Elise, and myself and someone else. I'm no closer to getting it done.
Diana Ross Pictures
Motown recording artist Diana Ross is seen in this circa 1960 publicity photo released to Reuters on January 9, 2009. As the soul empire turns 50 on Monday, its founders are looking back at its brand of music dubbed the "Motown sound" that remains popular today and the record company's role in breaking down racial barriers in America. REUTERS/Motown Records/Handout (UNITED STATES) QUALITY FROM SOURCE. NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.
Reuters
Diana Ross performs at the 2009 CES - Monster Retailer Awards at the Paris Hotel on January 9, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada..2009 CES - Diana Ross Live At The Monster Retailer Awards.Paris Hotel.Las Vegas, NV United States.January 9, 2009.Photo by Barry Brecheisen/WireImage.com..To license this image (56475164), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
Diana Ross performs at the 2009 CES - Monster Retailer Awards at the Paris Hotel on January 9, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada..2009 CES - Diana Ross Live At The Monster Retailer Awards.Paris Hotel.Las Vegas, NV United States.January 9, 2009.Photo by Barry Brecheisen/WireImage.com..To license this image (56475123), contact WireImage.com
WireImage.com
OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Nobel Winner Martti Ahtisaari heads to the stage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson are hosting the gala event which features performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Nobel winner Martti Ahtisaari walks to the stage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Ahtisaari for his efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson hosted the gala event which featured performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Actor Michael Caine, Nobel winner Martti Ahtisaari and actress Scarlett Johansson stand onstage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Ahtisaari for his efforts to resolve international conflicts. Caine and Johansson hosted the gala event, which featured performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Actor Michael Caine embraces Nobel Winner Martti Ahtisaar as actress Scarlett Johansson looks on, on stage to present the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson are hosting the gala event which features performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Actor Michael Caine embraces Nobel Winner Martti Ahtisaar as actress Scarlett Johansson looks on, on stage to present the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson are hosting the gala event which features performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Actor Michael Caine embraces Nobel Winner Martti Ahtisaar as actress Scarlett Johansson looks on, on stage to present the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Martti Ahtisaari for his important efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson are hosting the gala event which features performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
OSLO, NORWAY - DECEMBER 11: Nobel winner Martti Ahtisaari walks to the stage during the Nobel Peace Prize Concert 2008 at the Oslo Spektrum on December 11, 2008 in Oslo, Norway. The Norwegian Nobel Committee yesterday awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2008 to Ahtisaari for his efforts to resolve international conflicts. Actors Michael Caine and Scarlett Johansson hosted the gala event which featured performances from Diana Ross, operatic quartet Il Divo and Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Is the script ready?
TP: The script is done. I wrote it in 1995. I have to do a rewrite, and I don't do rewrites.
Do you have a title for the film?
TP: 'A Jazz Man's Blues.'
Are you stalking her?
TP: Yes, Tyler Perry is stalking Diana Ross. I want her in the film. I've been sending flowers. I've been sending people by her. I've been sending e-mails to people who know her. I've talked to the man who walks her dog. I've been trying to locate where she's at. Is she in this part of the country? Is she doing a concert somewhere? Can I get back stage? Tyler Perry is stalking Diana Ross.
Didn't you reach out to her daughter, Tracee Ellis Ross, when she did your film 'Daddy's Little Girls?'
TP: I had Tracee in the movie, but I'm afraid I will have to go younger. I may have to go and get the baby (actor Evan Ross). If I get him in the film, then she'll come.
Why Diana?
TP: Because we haven't seen her act in a long time, and because of what she brought to 'Lady Sings the Blues.' My film is set around 1947, around that same time. I would love to let people know how powerful an actress she is.
Is the film set in stone with the names you mentioned?
TP: These are the people I want, and until I get them, I won't put the movie on the books.
Comments: (97)
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By: Rossia on 2/06/2009 9:49PM
Tyler Perry and I are in the same boat, unfortunately he has more clout. Would love to See Miss Diana Ross back on the scene and especially in a Tyler Perry Dramedy. Well actually I would rather see her in my movie. Go Tyler
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By: DRIKA WILSON on 2/13/2009 7:51AM
I KNOW SHE IS GOOD PERSON AND WE WILL BE WAITNG FOR THE FILM IN SOUTH AFIRCA ,CANNOT WAIT GO THROUGH CONECCTION WHAT ABOUT UR FRIND OPRAH?
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By: James Everett on 2/06/2009 10:01PM
I would love to see Diana Ross on the big screen; she is an incredible actress. Though "Mahogany" and "The Wiz" were not the best vehicles for her, "Lady Sings The Blues" and TV movie "Out of Darkness" were incredible.
Tell Tyler to tell Diana that James, the guy who has been buying her music since 1964, who saw her on the Ed Sullivan Show and all the other TV shows, and who stood in the rain in Central Park is ready for another movie with La Ross.
james
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By: msshugga on 2/06/2009 10:28PM
I love her. I would love to see her on the big screen again.
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By: jillian on 2/06/2009 10:01PM
I'v read that Tyler doesn't deal with actors who have a "divatude" Ms. Ross certainly has one, as she should! She's the Boss!!! Tyler are you sure you want to work with Ms. Ross?
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By: Thursten on 2/16/2009 8:32PM
jillian you do not know Diana Ross ... you people are so silly making up stories on this woman simply because she is a successful BLACK Female with standards -- luckily her standards were never as low as yours and Rhianna's
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By: Mary on 2/06/2009 11:00PM
The sooner the better!
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By: Freddie on 2/06/2009 10:59PM
Do it Diana! Tyler Perry is a talented, award winning guy and has made some great stage plays and movies. You should be on that big screen, small screen stage, whatever. Come on! Why make the man beg? He loves you and would not make a piece of crap for you to be in! He is going to do re-writes for crying out loud! He is putting the movie on hold for y-o-u and may even put your name above the title. Don't make him send Madea! By the way Black Voices; the selection for votes are kinda mean spirited. Yes she should do it but her career does not need a makeover!
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By: Junior on 2/06/2009 11:00PM
I dont think he needs miss Ross, Cicely Tyson will be sufficient. At least she's approachable.
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By: Ms Walidah on 2/07/2009 1:17AM
Ms Ross is absolutely beautiful, talented and simply amazing!!!!! She does not need a career make over. I, along with millions of her fans would love to see her in Tyler Perry's new movie. Tyler Perry is brilliant and talented!
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