How Tyler Perry went from humble beginnings to one of the most powerful entertainers in film and television

The INSIDER Summary:

• Tyler Perry has influenced pop culture with his defining character, a loud-mouthed grandma named Madea.
• Here's how Perry went from humble beginnings to one of the most powerful entertainers in film and television

Tyler Perry has become synonymous with his most famous character, Mabel "Madea" Simmons. Even if you've never seen any of his Madea movies, you most likely recognize the character and know a little something about her.

Madea, always played by Perry, is tough, loud, funny without trying, chronically makes questionable choices, and occasionally spurts a wise truth. Long before she crashed into theaters or appeared on Jimmy Fallon's show, the Madea character, and Tyler Perry, had humble beginnings.

Perry's career isn't just about Madea, though. He has constantly reinvented himself, always trying on a new hat in Hollywood. But it seems we can always count on him returning to the character that earned him a place in Hollywood in the most unorthodox of ways.

With his newest film,"Boo! A Madea Halloween," out this weekend, keep reading to see how Perry's career in film and television took off .