Tyler Perry's mother dead at 64

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actor, writer, director and producer Tyler Perry announced Wednesday his mother, Willie Maxine Perry, has died at the age of 64.

The 40-year-old filmmaker confirmed his mother's death on his Web site and thanked his fans for their prayers, but did not offer any details about the woman's death, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Perry has said his mother, a former pre-school teacher, was the inspiration for his iconic Madea character.

In addition to his hit "Madea" films, Perry is also known for his popular TV series "Tyler Perry's House of Payne" and "Meet the Browns."