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.
Smollett stars in her first Tyler Perry film, playing marriage counselor Judith in the romantic thriller Temptation (out March 29).
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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).
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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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Viola Davis
The Oscar-nominated actress played Ellen, a born-again Christian and counselor in Madea Goes to Jail (2009).
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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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Thandie Newton
The British actress has starred in Tyler Perry’s Colored Girls (2010) and Good Deeds (2012).
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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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Mary J. Blige
Blige played nightclub bartender Tanya in Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself (2009)
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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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Jill Scott
Jill Scott
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Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson
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Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett played fiesty matriarch Brenda in Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns (2008).
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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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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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.