Movie Producer Tyler Perry's Mother, Willie Maxine Perry, 64, Has Passed Away

Willie Maxine Perry, mother of movie producer Tyler Perry, has died. Tyler Perry announced the news on his website, where he thanked fans for their prayers. He did not say where his mother died or the cause of her death. My thoughts and prayers go out to Tyler Perry and his family.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted a 2006 interview with Perry in which he said his mother was the basis for his most popular character, Madea.

Willie Maxine Perry was a preschool teacher who worked at the New Orleans Jewish Community Center for most of her life.

Source: Willie Maxine Perry & Tyler Perry, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images