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Tyler Perry was named one of Barbara Walter’s 10 Most Fascinating People for 2009. It was no surprise that Michelle Obama, complete with sleeveless dress, topped the list, which also included Sarah Palin, Bret Favre, Glenn Beck and Michael Jackson’s children. Controversial performance artist Lady Gaga also made the list (and even got Ms. Walters to say “muffin” on air).

During last night’s show, the filmmaker recounted his violent childhood and meteoric rise to fame and fortune by tapping into a faith-based, comedic core that appeals to middle-class African-Americans – mostly women. When asked how he knows what women want, he talked about spending time at shops and hair salons with his aunt and mother, the late Willie Maxine Perry, who were trying to shield him from his abusive father at home.

Continue reading Tyler Perry, Michelle Obama, Glenn Beck ‘most fascinating’ of 2009? »

(Photo by Robb Cohen, for the AJC)

Enough with the enormously successful movies. Tyler Perry misses the stage.

“There is nothing like a live performance,” he told fans in a recent blog posting. “It’s been five years since I’ve been on the road and the timing just happened to fall right into place. I needed to get away from Hollywood for a second (and) clear my head.”

The head-clearing starts in January, as a live touring production of the new play “Madea’s Big Happy Family” launches in Denver. The show makes it back to Georgia for a Feb. 14 performance at the James Brown Arena in Augusta, plays the Savannah Civic Center April 13-14 and will be at the Fox Theatre April 15-18. (Tickets are $41.55 to $126.95; see www.foxtheatre.org).

“Get your tickets early,” Tyler told fans. “I want you to have the opportunity to get good seats first before the rest of the country hears about the advertising, okay?”

Uh, okay.

Continue reading Tyler Perry hits road with new ‘Madea’ stage play »

Want to avoid awkward conversation with relatives you barely know? Use this week’s top celeb news and entertainment items to break the uncomfortable silence.

• ‘Dancing with the Stars’

Donny Osmond took the crown over singer Mya and Kelly Osbourne. Let the “(insert name here) was robbed!” battles begin.

• Adam Lambert

The glam rocker from “American Idol,” who released his debut CD this week, said he has no apologies for the racy AMA performance this week (“I’m not a babysitter”). He said he’s being judged by a double-standard because a woman would not be criticized as much.

• T.I.

The imprisoned rapper’s Atlanta studio/office was vandalized last week. Police say they also found explosive Molotov cocktails nearby and are still investigating.

• ‘New Moon’

The second movie in the “Twilight” vampire series pulled in more than $140 million in its first weekend. With more vampire fans on vacation, we expect the slaying to continue.

More movie times and …

Continue reading What’s the latest celebrity news, gossip? »

Just in time for Thanksgiving, filmmaker Tyler Perry and Food Network personality and author Paula Deen are making sizable gifts to area hunger relief organizations.

Deen and representatives from Smithfield Foods will be here Monday to deliver more than 25,000 pounds of protein to Hosea Feed The Hungry and Homeless.

“We want to get as much food as possible to as many needy families as possible,” Deen said.

Meanwhile, Perry is supplying the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless each with a $50,000 donation of food and a $25,000 contribution toward operating expenses.

“There are so many people who need so much more this year, and Tyler Perry’s generous donation will make a big difference in so many lives,” said executive director Elisabeth Omilami.

Taking a cue from the boss, the cast and crew of “Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns” and “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” are donating more than 2,250 pounds of edibles to area food …

Continue reading Tyler Perry, Paula Deen donate thousands to Atlanta charities »

“I still love those … Doritos, baby!”

— Comedienne, actress and television host Mo’Nique, discussing her whittled physique with People magazine. The mom of three tapes her talk show in Atlanta. She also plays an abusive mother in the movie “Precious,” presented by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, says she’s sworn off red meat, anything fried and junk food. Well, that’s the goal, anyway.

“Precious” premiere photos

Continue reading Say what? Comedienne Mo’Nique »