“Refuse Hate” is the powerful message heard worldwide when celebrated writer, filmmaker, and philanthropist Tyler Perry accepted the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at this year’s Academy Awards. These are the words Perry has lived by that have helped him overcome his traumatic childhood and become the maker of countless television shows and films, including Diary of a Mad Black Woman and the first African-American to own his own studio.
Legacy Distribution is proud to present Tyler Perry: Man of Many Faces. This new documentary exposes the devastating secrets of Perry’s past and how his faith gave him the strength to fulfill his destiny.
Produced by Dana Webber (Michelle Obama: Life After The White House; Jennifer Aniston: More Than Friends), Tyler Perry: Man of Many Faces will be available on Roku Channel, Google Play, XUMO, Glewed, STIRR, and LocalNow on June 1, 2021.
Born Emmit Perry Jr in New Orleans, the “Madea” creator and his mother endured years of domestic abuse at the hands of his father. There were dramatic attempts to flee their home in the middle of the night, and the young Perry attempted suicide believing it was the only escape from the cruelty of his father.
After changing his name to Tyler Perry to distance himself from his father, he found solace in his faith, which plays a significant part in his life and art. It was ‘The Oprah Show’ that inspired Perry to become a writer, and his gospel musical “I Know I’ve Changed” became his first show to be performed in Atlanta in 1992.
His rise to fame has inspired many. He is credited by many for changing Black cinema with his successful series of Madea films, where Perry, a champion for strong women, takes on the persona of the passionate and crazed middle-aged woman herself. Inspired by his mother’s strength, many of Perry’s films, including the Madea films, The Family That Preys, The Single Moms Club, Acrimony starring Taraji P. Henson, and Nobody’s Fool with Tiffany Haddish features strong female characters.
Legacy Distribution founder and CEO, Dana Webber says:
“Tyler Perry: Man of Many Faces is a tribute to a truly remarkable man, who had an extremely violent childhood that he was fortunate to survive. His faith gave him not only the strength to rise above this, but to help and encourage others who are in need.”
Synopsis:
Despite humble beginnings, Tyler Perry established a successful career as a writer, director, and producer for stage, television, and film. Perry’s acclaimed work has led to international stardom, making him Hollywood’s highest-paid man.
Trailer:
