Tyler Perry's Leading Ladies
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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.

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Essence.com
Mar, 24, 2013
1 of 15 Michael Rowe

Jurnee Smollett

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

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2 of 15 Michael Rowe

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).

3 of 15 Getty Images

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. 

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4 of 15 Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Viola Davis

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

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5 of 15

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).

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6 of 15 Steve Meddle/Rex / Rex USA

Thandie Newton

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

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7 of 15 Michael Rowe

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.

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8 of 15 Todd Oren/ WireImage

Mary J. Blige

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

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9 of 15 David Livingston/Getty Images

Taraji P. Henson

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


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10 of 15 Michael Rowe

Jill Scott

Jill Scott
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11 of 15 Venturelli/ WireImage

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson
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12 of 15 Jim Spellman/WireImage

Angela Bassett

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

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13 of 15

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).

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14 of 15 Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Sharon Leal

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

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15 of 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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