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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: pressplay on 2/15/2009 9:25PM
This might be a great opportunity for Miss Ross to get on the big screen working with Tyler Perry. Come on Diana do not disappoint your fans again by not doing this movie, it anything do it for your fans. Remember you passed on The Bodyguard that was an event vehicle for you.
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By: Kevin on 2/20/2009 5:09PM
TylerPerry and THE BOSS! DIANA ROSS Man! what a colaboration! I would love to see THE DIVA on the Silver Screen once again like her or not the LADY has CLASS! and it would be a pleasure to see this living LEGEND grace the Movie Theatre one more time.I agree with a previous blog Hollywood and The GRAMMY AWARDS have not been nice to her since she has never won a GRAMMY solo or with The LENGENDARY SUPREMES!!!!!! DIANA " IT'S YOUR TURN!
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By: Larry Wright on 2/23/2009 8:14AM
Coming soon Nick
http://www.hiddenbeachfamily.com/profile/Pitchvine
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By: Bernard Jackson on 3/03/2009 4:22PM
I would love to see Miss Ross in any movie!!!!! The time is now Tyler make it happen and make it BIG!!!! I do not like the choice "Yes she needs a career makeover" I just think she need to do more be out there more get back into the Hollywood sence one more time
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By: patricia on 3/03/2009 2:01PM
Would love to see her in your next movie, she's black & beautiful with class. I think she need to be around you and the atmosphere of spiritually you present. It would be a plus postive.
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By: Mitch Anderson on 5/14/2009 4:03PM
Tyler,
Do what you want and have to do in your power to get the people to read your lines. I put on shows for the Air Force and I would love to have any black artist in my show on July 18.
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By: Sharron Middleton on 10/26/2009 8:35PM
Diane Ross is a Queen all by herself, she doesn't need any new film to validate herself, in fact, her being in the film would make Tyler Perry, most definately not the other way around. Stalking an established actress and singer such as Ms. Ross is so out-of-touch reality. I think Mr. Perry is out of his league on this one, and it is an insult to continue to pursue her this way.
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