Guy Raz - Tyler Perry on Forgiving His Father, Building an Empire, and The #1 Secret to His Success
Tyler Perry shares his inspiring journey from a difficult upbringing in New Orleans to becoming a prolific writer, director, and producer. Despite facing racial and economic barriers, Perry's ambition and belief in his potential drove him to pursue a career in the arts. He began writing plays, drawing from personal experiences and the influence of his mother, who he made laugh despite her struggles. His breakthrough came after forgiving his father, which he believes shifted his perspective and success. Perry emphasizes the importance of understanding and serving his audience, which he learned through years of performing on the 'chitlin circuit.' He discusses the challenges of maintaining creative control while scaling his production company and highlights the significance of faith and forgiveness in his personal and professional life. Perry also talks about his latest project, "The 6 Triple 8," a film about an all-black female battalion in WWII, showcasing his commitment to telling untold stories.
Key Points:
- Forgiveness can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs, as seen in Perry's career after forgiving his father.
- Understanding and serving your audience is crucial for success; Perry learned this through direct engagement with his viewers.
- Scaling a creative business requires balancing personal involvement with delegation, a challenge Perry faces with his production company.
- Faith and self-belief are central to overcoming adversity, as Perry's upbringing and career demonstrate.
- Perry's latest film, "The 6 Triple 8," highlights his dedication to telling important, untold stories of black history.