Mabel "Madea" Earlene Simmons (née Baker/Murphy) is a character created and portrayed by Tyler Perry. She is described as an elderly and tough African-American woman. Madea is based on Perry's mother and his aunt.

Is Tyler Perry a man or woman?

Tyler Perry (born Emmitt Perry Jr., September 13, 1969) is an American actor, director, producer and screenwriter. In 2011, Forbes listed him as the highest-paid man in entertainment, earning US$130 million between May 2010 and May 2011.

Who is behind Madea?

After the success of his debut play, Tyler Perry created the character that would go on to become a loved figure in all of his productions, Madea.