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.

By the Reel Culture team · Updated September 2026

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.