Tyler Perry’s journey from a challenging childhood to a billionaire filmmaker is a testament to resilience. Raised in New Orleans amidst poverty and abuse, Perry found solace in his imagination. He vividly recalls his troubled upbringing as a “living hell,” marked by violence from his father. Struggling in his early adulthood, Perry faced homelessness and hunger.
Despite the hardships, Perry’s determination led him to success. Starting with odd jobs, he saved money to produce his first play, “Know I’ve Been Changed.” Living in his car for months, he eventually hit it big with the character Madea, grossing over $670 million in box office sales.
Now a billionaire, Perry owns a vast production empire, Tyler Perry Studios, surpassing even Warner Brothers in size. His success stems from owning everything associated with his studio. Perry’s down-to-earth life includes philanthropy, combating homelessness through The Perry Foundation, supporting charities, and providing relief after natural disasters.
Living in a $100 million mega-mansion in Atlanta, Perry remains grounded, driving a replica of his old car as a reminder of his journey. Despite his wealth, he continues to inspire and uplift others, emphasizing gratitude and perseverance.
The Corpse of Drew Barrymore’s Grandfather Was Stolen for One Last Celebration
John Barrymore came from a long line of theater actors. He himself first appeared on stage alongside his father in 1900, and in 1903 officially began his career, starring in the likes of Justice (1916) and Richard III (1920). His greatest role was his 1992 appearance in Hamlet, for which he was dubbed “the greatest living American tragedian.”
Barrymore also starred in a slew of silent films, most notably Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1920), Sherlock Holmes (1922) and Beau Brummel (1924). He later made the transition to sound movies, starring in the likes of Grand Hotel (1932) and Midnight (1939).
On May 29, 1942, Barrymore died at the age of 60 from pneumonia and cirrhosis. What happened next has been the subject of many rumors. It’s alleged his friends, Errol Flynn, W.C. Fields and Sadakichi Hartmann snuck into the morgue where his body was being held, propped him up against a poker table and allowed him to experience one final celebration.
As it turns out, these rumors are true! In an August 2020 episode of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones, the acting legend’s granddaughter, Drew Barrymore, revealed his corpse had actually been stolen.
“Not only yes, but there have been cinematic interpretations of it,” she exclaimed. Those interpretations include S.O.B., starring Julie Andrews, and allegedly the 1989 comedy Weekend at Bernie’s, in which two friends pretend their deceased boss is alive.
Barrymore added that she wants the same to happen to her. “I will say this, I hope my friends do the same for me. That is the kind of spirit I can get behind. Just prop the old bag up, let’s have a few rounds.
“I think death comes with so much morose sadness and I understand that, but if it’s okay, just for me, if everybody could be really happy and celebratory and have a party, that would be my preference.”
Vintage Hollywood certainly was a different era…
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