'Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family' Hits the Big Screen in 2011

Lionsgate has announced that director-producer Tyler Perry will reprise his signature role as the straight-shooting Madea in 'Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family.'

The film is adapted from his new stage play, 'Madea's Happy Family,' which is currently on tour in the United States.

"It's very important to me to make movies that audiences can relate to, and I can't think of a more relatable subject than family," Perry said. "I'm looking forward to bringing back Madea and the gang, and I'm glad to have Lionsgate with me for the journey."

"No one makes a big-screen entrance like Madea, and we're very excited to welcome her back with 'Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family.' To us, the title of the film couldn't be more apt. Not only is Tyler a cherished member of the Lionsgate family; his unique brand of storytelling, humor, music and uplift has created a big happy family of moviegoers," stated Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate president of motion picture production.

Perry's 10th film for Lionsgate, 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,' is scheduled to begin principal photography on June 1 in Atlanta. Perry directs his screen adaptation of the Obie Award-winning play by Ntozake Shange and produces alongside Paul Hall. The film's cast includes Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Whoopi Goldberg, Phylicia Rashad, Jurnee Smollett, Kimberly Elise, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Anika Noni Rose and Macy Gray. It is scheduled for nationwide release on Jan. 14, 2011.

Currently in theaters is his ninth film, 'Why Did I Get Married Too?' which stars Perry, Sharon Leal, Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Jill Scott, Lamman Rucker, Richard T. Jones, Tasha Smith and Michael J. White. To date, the sequel his brought in nearly $58 million.

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Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry
In just three years, Tyler Perry has become the toast of Hollywood. Could you name another director black or white who can boast of having released six feature movie projects within a three year period? Nope. Not only did the New Orleans native write all of the storylines for the films, he starred in four. Combined, five of the films have grossed upwards of $250 million worldwide, some within budgets below $6 million. And with the major money train also comes associating with some of the biggest names in and out of the entertainment business. BlackVoices.com takes an introspective look at how a former homeless man turned chit'lin circuit theater czar has connections to the likes of Michael Jackson, Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Will Smith, to name a few. Check out Six Degrees of Tyler Perry.

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry
The best-selling playwright turned Hollywood hot-shot (real name: Emmitt R. Perry, Jr.) was born Sept. 14, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Lenny Kravitz
Modern day rock & roll demigod Lenny Kravitz is one of the top-notch talents chosen to produce Labelle's long-awaited reunion album, 'Back to Now,' due out later this year via Verve Records.

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Lisa Bonet
'The Cosby Show' and 'A Different World' star Lisa Bonet eloped with Lenny Kravitz in November 1987. Their daughter Zoe Isaballe Kravitz was born the next year. The couple separated in 1991.

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Janet Jackson
Gary Dourdan also played the love interest of Janet Jackson in the music video for her chart-topping ballad, 'Again,' in 1993.

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry
Janet Jackson starred in the lead role of Tyler Perry's box office smash, 'Why Did I Get Married?' The twice divorced pop star won an NAACP Image Award for her performance.

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Ruben Cannon
One of the most respected executives in Hollywood, Ruben Cannon has served as a casting director of film and TV projects dating all the way back to 1977. He co-executive produced Tyler Perry's 'Why Did I Get Married?'

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

The Color Purple
Ruben Cannon helped cast the star-studded film based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning, best-selling novel by Alice Walker.

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Whoopi Goldberg
The New York City native born as Caryn Johnson starred as Celie Johnson (a.k.a. "Miss Celie") in the 1985 epic film, 'The Color Purple.'

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry

Steven Spielberg
One of the most powerful men in mainstream Hollywood, Cincinnati, Ohio native Steven Spielberg directed the 1985 movie, 'The Color Purple.'

Six Degrees of Tyler Perry