Tyler Perry Reflects on Grief During the Holiday Season

The holiday season always brings bittersweet memories for Tyler Perry as he remembers his late mother, Maxine. Thanksgiving and Christmas were her favorite holidays, and her absence, especially during this time of year, still weighs heavily on Perry even 15 years after her passing.

In a recent episode of his “All There Is” podcast with CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Perry opened up about how grief has a way of resurfacing unexpectedly. “Grief shows up when it wants to,” he shared. “No matter how much time has passed, it’ll show up.”

Perry shared a special bond with his mother, who had a passion for singing despite not having the best voice. He attributed much of his success to her unwavering support and love, as highlighted in his 2023 documentary “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story,” which explores the impact of her death on his life and career.

The loss of his mother not only took away the love he felt but also the driving force behind his hard work. “Losing her was losing the purpose to keep working and grinding that hard,” Perry admitted to Cooper.

It took Perry nearly a decade to come to terms with his mother’s passing. Initially, the grief was overwhelming, leaving him breathless at times. However, he eventually found solace in his work, using it as a source of strength during difficult times.

As the anniversary of his mother’s death approaches each year, Perry tends to keep himself occupied to cope with the pain. He emphasized the importance of allowing oneself to feel grief when it arises, acknowledging it as a natural part of the healing process.

Perry described grief as a visitor that shows up unexpectedly, urging others to embrace it rather than resist. “In order for it to get better eventually, it’s gotta move through you,” he explained.

Perry’s conversation with Cooper took place before the tragic passing of Steve Mensch, the president of Tyler Perry Studios, in a plane crash. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Perry honored Mensch as a “kind soul” and a “great leader,” expressing his deep sorrow over the loss.

Reflecting on life’s fleeting nature, Perry reminded his followers to cherish their loved ones and express their feelings openly. “Life is but a moment. Hold strong to the people you love AND TELL THEM!” he urged.