Our Stories COO Tracey Edmonds arrives flawless for the Tyler Perry studio opening.
Breakout star from Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?”
“My relationship with Tyler Perry Studios is still one with a lot of hope and faith. This is an encouraging day for all of us, and I’m looking forward to the work we’ve yet to do together," said Rucker.
Costar from Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married?”
“I’m here because Tyler Perry is living my dream.”
Movie legend and Oscar nominee
“This place has promise, and not only for the sake of African-Americans and to satisfy the hunger of this audience, but to branch out as Americans and people of the world, putting the arts into perspective in a universal context. I think the imagination and spirit of Tyler Perry will accomplish that next move for all of us.”
Actress
“I would say my favorite Tyler Perry project is the Tyler Perry Studios. I’ve been in television many, many years, and we’ve never seen anybody with this type of power in the business to generate content for us, and that is so key.”
Costar from Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Family Reunion"
“There are no words. This is Dr. King’s dream. This is Mandela’s dream. This is Sojourner’s dream. This is us telling our stories. This is an African-American man opening a movie studio. It’s wonderful. I’m grateful. I’m amazed. I’m moved. I’m happy.”
Singer
“What I admire most about Tyler Perry is his realism, his faith, and that he tells a wonderful story about us.”
TV personality Star Jones keeps it simply beautiful in a fitted gown with a tiered ruffle trim.
Singer and author
“I admire how grounded Tyler Perry is, how even he is, how respectful he is, and how if he sees me and three other people, like my hairdresser and makeup artist, he’ll speak to them too, which means a lot to me. I can’t stand when people come up to me and don’t see people around me. Can’t you see these people? Speak! He does that.”
Gospel artist
“[For Tyler Perry to have] something like this in the South, [in the heart of] the Bible belt, and something that’s built on faith, that’s a big thing,” said Kirk.
Singer
“This is a great year for Black folk. We’re seeing barriers being broken down and this is another one. Seeing someone [like Tyler Perry] who’s done so well in Hollywood, knowing he came from next to nothing and exceed beyond his imagination and beyond anyone’s wildest dreams, I think, and to have this great studio here in Atlanta is impressive.”
Costar in Tyler Perry’s “Daddy’s Little Girls” and “Why Did I Get Married?”
“I saw the beginning of this. This was Tyler’s dream and he said, I believe God is saying for me to do this and he took that step of faith and did it. Not only that, he’s employing so many African-Americans within this community. Tyler just raised the stakes in the community. It’s an honor, blessing and I’m excited.”
Film legend and costar in Tyler Perry’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and “Madea’s Family Reunion”
“I’m so grateful to God that I lived long enough to see this. I never dreamed that in my lifetime I would see this monument. It means that more things are to come. And that if you really want something, you have to believe that it’s going to happen. Be willing to work to get it there. And that’s what Tyler has done all along. He has not forgotten, from whence he’s come and that he can come from such a lowly status and rise is…It’s a blessing for all of us. And I’m not talking about a specific race of people, because if you watch his work you can see Tyler intends to include everybody, which is what we’re supposed to do. I’ve watched his work from the stage to his last movie and I see what he’s done and it’ll make a difference culturally for others who’re in the business.”
Costar in Tyler Perry’s upcoming “Madea Goes to Jail”
“I admire his dream, his vision, and his uncompromised art. It takes a lot to be rejected and still go forward,” said Derek.
Tyler Perry
“You don’t understand what I feel right now. If I was in `cherch’, I’d be dancing.”
In sultry lace and satin, costar Malinda Williams from Tyler Perry’s “Daddy’s Little Girls” and her husband, Derrick “D-Nice” Jones, are on hand to celebrate Tyler Perry’s studio opening.
“This is a really huge event and there’s something happening in the world right now that’s powerful," said Will Smith. "I can’t articulate it, but I absolutely wanted to be here to support Tyler Perry and support what he stands for.”
