The Untold Truth Of Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is most famous now for his movies, but he got his start as a playwright. This is where the character of Madea first came to life, and many of Perry's movies have been based off plays he wrote. However, Perry didn't initially set out to be a writer. But after struggling with depression and a childhood of abuse, he was inspired by something he heard on Oprah Winfrey's show — that writing could be a therapeutic tool. So he began writing a series of letter that dealt with his deeply personal problems. Eventually, Perry began to compile enough of these letters that he felt like they had to be shared to the world.

These letters inspired Perry's first play, "I Know I've Been Changed." A deeply personal work that immediately solidified how Perry's projects are full of life lessons, this inaugural piece of playwriting initially struggled to garner any attention. During its first run, just 30 people showed up, and according to Biography, Perry had to work random jobs and live out of his car while taking the show to various cities. Eventually, he found success in Atlanta, with the play giving birth to his dedicated fanbase. Who knew a bunch of personal letters would be the inspiration behind such a long and successful career?

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