Tyler Perry: a look back at the filmmaker, philanthropist (28 images)

By Wade Sheridan

Actor and director Tyler Perry is best known for his "Madea" saga and for starting Tyler Perry Studios. A documentary on his life, titled "Maxine's Baby: The Tyler Perry Story" will premiere on Friday on Prime Video. Here's a look back at his life through the years.

Tyler Perry arrives at the premiere of "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" in Los Angeles on February 21, 2005. Later that year, Perry attended the United Negro College Fund's annual "An Evening of Stars" fundraiser. Photo by Francis Specker/UPI

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Perry arrives for the premiere of "Madea's Family Reunion" in Los Angeles on February 21, 2006. A few months later, the film competed for No. 1 in DVD sales. Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI

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Perry signs copies of his new book "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings" in New York City on April 11, 2006. The book won Perry the Quill Award. Photo by Laura Cavanaugh/UPI

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Writer and director Perry attends the premiere of "Daddy's Little Girls" in Los Angeles on February 7, 2007. Photo by Phil McCarten/UPI

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