Tyler Perry & Madea Movie Trivia
Heller! From the chitlin circuit to a 330-acre studio. Fourteen questions on Mabel Simmons and the man behind her.
Questions & Answers
What does Madea's name come from?
Answer: 'Mother Dear' — a Southern term of endearment
Perry based her on his mother and aunt.
Which film introduced Madea to movie audiences?
Answer: Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005)
Critics hated it; it opened #1 anyway and built an empire.
Before films, where did Madea live?
Answer: Tyler Perry's touring stage plays
The 'chitlin circuit' plays sold out arenas for years before Hollywood noticed.
What's Madea's full name?
Answer: Mabel Simmons
Her rap sheet — assault, reckless driving, forgery — spans every film.
In Madea's Family Reunion, what two events collide at the house?
Answer: A wedding and the family reunion
Maya Angelou and Cicely Tyson deliver the film's showstopping speeches.
Who plays Madea, Joe, and Brian in every Madea film?
Answer: Tyler Perry — all three
He writes, directs, produces and stars — often in the same scene with himself.
What Atlanta landmark did Perry open in 2019?
Answer: Tyler Perry Studios, on the former Fort McPherson army base
One of the largest studios in America — 330 acres, 12 soundstages.
Which Perry drama film features Kimberly Elise leaving an abusive marriage?
Answer: Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Shemar Moore is the gentle mover who restores her faith.
Why Did I Get Married? centers on what annual tradition?
Answer: A couples' retreat
Janet Jackson leads the ensemble; the 80/20 rule speech became famous.
Which Perry film sent Madea to the big house?
Answer: Madea Goes to Jail (2009)
It remains one of the franchise's biggest openings.
What supposedly 'final' Madea film arrived in 2019?
Answer: A Madea Family Funeral
Retirement lasted three years — A Madea Homecoming hit Netflix in 2022.
Which acclaimed 2010 Perry film adapted a Ntozake Shange play?
Answer: For Colored Girls
An ensemble including Phylicia Rashad, Thandiwe Newton and Whoopi Goldberg.
What does Madea famously do to a car with a chainsaw... or was it a couch?
Answer: She saws a couch in half in Diary of a Mad Black Woman
'Half for you, half for her.' Division of assets, Madea style.
Who was Perry's first choice to say 'Hallelujer'?
Answer: Madea herself — the catchphrase is hers
Along with 'Heller!' it's quoted at every family function.
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