Tyler Perry's Mother, Willie Maxine Perry, Madea Inspiration Dies

by Amy Judd | December 9, 2009 at 01:28 pm

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Tyler Perry's mother, Willie Maxine Perry, the inspriation behind his loved character Madea, has passed away at 64.

Tyler Perry wrote a quick message on his website yesterday saying that his mom had passed away, with the words 'thank you for all your prayers'. He posted a picture of him and his mom as well.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Perry has said in the past that he based his most popular creation — a sassy, gun-toting, endearingly wise old lady named Madea — on his mother.

The character of Madea has appeared in films such as Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Madea Goes to Jail and I Can Do Bad All by Myself.

Willie Maxine Perry had been sick for a while, but it is not known what from. She used to be a preschool teacher in New Orleans, and Tyler Perry credits her for making him the man he is today. He has spoken in the past about how his father beat him and his siblings and his mother, and that she was strong enough to get her children out of that relationship.