Tyler Perry opened his new studio in Atlanta on Saturday night with a star-studded party. Guests included Cicely Tyson, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Dee, Will Smith, Sidney Poitier and numerous actors who have appeared in his movies.
Lamman Rucker - Why Did I Get Married? Additional PhotosPerry has secured his place in entertainment history by becoming the first African-American to own a full-service movie and television studio. His movies, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Daddy's Little Girls, Madea's Family Reunion, Why Did I Get Married?, and The Family That Preys have cemented his success. House of Pain is Perry's first television sitcom. The spin-off, Meet The Browns is due to air soon.
To read the entire Essence magazine article and view more pictures of Perry's party guests, click here: Party pics
The festivities surrounding the opening of Tyler Perry's new studio did not seem to be impacted by a planned picket and allegations of illegal firings by former writers for his sitcom, House of Pain. The writers claim to have been paid wages well below scale, denied health care benefits and residuals for writing what has become the highest rated basic cable television show in cable's history. The show has already gone into syndication. The writers had asked party guests not to cross their picket lines, apparently to no avail.
Read the writers' appeal letter here: Letter requesting support
WGA Creators, Showrunners, and Executive Producers Submit an Open Letter to the Producers of Tyler Perry's House of Payne
Statement of Support from SAG National Board member Anne-Marie Johnson
Of those Perry fans who have heard of the plight of the writers, some are voicing their support but many remain loyal to the highly admired screenwriter, producer, director and actor. Hopefully, the controversy can be worked out in a manner that benefits all who worked hard for the success of House of Payne.
