Tyler Perry's Mother, Who Inspired Madea, Dies
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Tyler Perry's mother -- a New Orleans preschool teacher who inspired his comic Madea character -- has died at the age of 64, the actor and producer announced on his website Tuesday.
"Willie Maxine Perry. February 12, 1945 to December 8, 2009. Thank you for all your prayers," he wrote.
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No other immediate details about her death.
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The 40-year-old Perry -- who executive produced the critically acclaimed drama Precious -- recently recalled details of his troubled childhood, including how his mother tried and failed to leave his abusive father.
