Tyler Perry recently opened up about his deep emotions surrounding his late mother, Willie Maxine Perry, during an appearance on The View. The 54-year-old filmmaker was there to promote his new documentary series, Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, which reflects on his life and his close relationship with his mother, who passed away in 2009 at the age of 64. The series honors one of the most significant women in Perry’s life, and it’s clear that she left a profound impact on him.
During the interview, co-host Sara Haines shared a touching observation after watching the documentary. She remarked that it felt like she had met Perry’s mother through the film. Perry, clearly moved by her words, struggled to hold back tears as he processed the sentiment. “You met my mother through it? Wow,” he responded, visibly emotional. “Thank you. Oh my God. Wow.” Haines’ comment resonated deeply with Perry, as the project was intended to honor his mother’s legacy.
Perry explained how much this connection meant to him, stating that his mother had endured a lifetime of pain and hardships. “She didn’t have some legacy, but she had me,” he said. For Perry, the idea that the documentary could introduce his mother to the world and showcase her strength and love was incredibly moving. His tears underscored the emotional weight of the moment, and he expressed his gratitude to Haines for her heartfelt words.
Willie Maxine Perry was a woman who, according to Perry, always put others before herself, even as she battled illness, including cancer. Despite her struggles, her primary concern was the happiness and well-being of those around her. “She never thought she was important,” Perry shared, emphasizing how deeply it affected him to see his mother’s story shared with the world through his documentary.
Perry first announced his mother’s passing in 2009, sharing a simple yet poignant message on his website: “My mother is the wisdom of Madea, she was 64. Thank you for all your prayers.”
Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story, co-directed by Perry’s former partner, Gelila Bekele, will be available for streaming on Prime Video starting November 17. This heartfelt tribute is sure to resonate with viewers as Perry continues to honor the legacy of his beloved mother.
