Here’s how Tyler Perry retired his most famous creation in A Madea Family Funeral. Tyler Perry’s first movie was Diary Of A Mad Black Woman, which was based on his play of the same name. Perry also played the part of Madea in the 2005 film, a tough, unfiltered grandmother, in addition to portraying other members of the family. The movie was a surprise success, grossing over $50 million on a modest budget. This launched the Madea movie franchise with Perry reprising the role in movies like Madea Goes To Jail and Boo! A Madea Halloween and its sequel.

Perry also became a powerful producer and director, helming movies like Why Did I Get Married? and The Single Moms Club. He produced television shows Too Close To Home, House Of Payne, and For Better Or Worse, a spinoff of the Why Did I Get Married? movies. Outside of his own projects, he starred as the title character in thriller Alex Cross and played a supporting role in Gone Girl.

Tyler Perry has been playing Madea for well over a decade but has decided 2019’s A Madea Family Funeral would mark the end for the character. Given the title, naturally fans of the series worried Madea herself was destined for the grave, which didn’t turn out to be the case. Instead, the title funeral is for Anthony, the husband of Madea’s relative Vianne (Jen Harper, Kill The Messenger). Vianne was due to celebrate 40 years of marriage to Anthony - who died from a heart attack after having sex with her friend Renee. Adding to the family drama is Vianne’s son having an affair with his brother’s fiancee.

This leads to many comic hijinks in A Madea Family Funeral, with Madea trying to keep Anthony’s exact cause of death a secret. She has to plan his funeral, which is made all the more difficult by the fact Anthony’s erection keeps lifting the casket lid. The service goes on for hours, but the drama only continues after the service, with more of Anthony’s affairs being exposed, including his relationship with Renee. A.J. is also exposed as a cheater and his wife leaves him.

Vianne ultimately confesses she knew the marriage wasn’t perfect and she was aware of Anthony’s many affairs. A Madea Family Funeral ends with her running off with Roy (Mike Tyson, The Hangover) and deciding to live for herself. Like most of the Madea movies it received mostly poor reviews, but it was a hit nonetheless. It appears Madea is retired for now - but she may come back sometime in the future.

Next: Tyler Perry Interview: A Madea Family Funeral