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Home · Celebrity

Tyler Perry's Leading Ladies

The question is which Black actress in Hollywood hasn't starred in a Tyler Perry production. One of the busiest directors around (Perry has been known to churn out two movies a year since 2007) is also a master at casting Hollywood's most talented Black actresses. From Gabrielle Union to Jurnee Smollett and Brandy—who star in his latest film Temptation—the list is endless. Here's a look at Perry's impressive roster of leading ladies.

By · March 25, 2013October 28, 2020
01
Jurnee Smollett

Smollett stars in her first Tyler Perry film, playing marriage counselor Judith in the romantic thriller Temptation (out March 29). 

Michael Rowe
02
Gabrielle Union

The 2013 ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood honoree has starred in two Tyler Perry movies: Daddy’s Little Girls (2009) and Good Deeds (2012).

Michael Rowe
03
Brandy

Brandy plays Melinda in Tyler Perry’s Temptation (out March 29). Brandy describes Melinda as “meek.” “She’s been very abused in her life and she’s running from something,” she told AOL. 

Getty Images
04
Viola Davis

The Oscar-nominated actress played Ellen, a born-again Christian and counselor in Madea Goes to Jail (2009).

Jason Merritt/Getty Images
05
Tasha Smith

Smith is one of Tyler Perry’s favorite leading ladies, having worked with him in films like Daddy’s Little Girls (2006), Why Did I Get Married? (2007) and the TV spin-off For Better or Worse (2012).

06
Thandie Newton

The British actress has starred in Tyler Perry’s Colored Girls (2010) and Good Deeds (2012).

Steve Meddle/Rex / Rex USA
07
Alfre Woodard

The 2013 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood honoree actress took a turn as strong-willed matriarch Alice in The Family That Preys (2008). “She’s put everybody ahead of her in life,” said Woodard of the character.

Michael Rowe
08
Mary J. Blige

Blige played nightclub bartender Tanya in Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)

Todd Oren/ WireImage
09
Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson played Pam in The Family That Preys (2006) and April in I Can Do Bad By Myself (2009).


David Livingston/Getty Images
10
Jill Scott
Jill Scott
Michael Rowe
11
Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
Venturelli/ WireImage
12
Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett played fiesty matriarch Brenda in Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns (2008).

Jim Spellman/WireImage
13
Tamela Mann

Gospel singer Tamela Mann is a Tyler Perry all-star, having starred as the same character—Cora Brown—in over five productions, including Meet the Browns (2008) and Madea Goes to Jail (2009).

14
Sharon Leal

Leal starred in Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married? (2007) and Why Did I Get Married Too? (2010).

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
15
Kimberly Elise

Elise played Helen in Tyler Perry’s breakthrough film Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005). She worked with Perry again in 2010’s Colored Girls.

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