Tyler Perry To Deliver Emory Commencement Address In May

ATLANTA, GA — Hellur, Emory University! Ms. Madea herself, oops, we mean Tyler Perry, will grace the campus May 9 to serve as its 2022 guest commencement speaker.

The commencement ceremony will be the first on the Emory Quadrangle since 2019, university officials said.

"I am so honored to announce that I will be the commencement speaker for this year, yeah that's right, y'all asked for me, so I'm coming, OK?" Perry said in a video message posted to the university's Facebook page.

"I know it's been a few years since you've held the ceremony on campus, and I can't wait to all of you on the Quad again in May," he continued. "I'm grateful to Emory's board of trustees for making this happen, President Fenves, and so many at Emory for making this happen."

Born and raised in New Orleans, Perry is a successful film producer, director, actor, screenwriter, playwright, author, songwriter and entrepreneur. To date, he is responsible for 17 feature films, 20 stage plays, seven television shows and a New York Times bestselling book.

He is perhaps best known for portraying his iconic character, Madea — the elderly, tough woman — on stage and in film. In fact, Netflix released his latest film, "A Madea Homecoming" starring his no-nonsense character on its streaming platform Friday.

“Tyler Perry is a visionary creative force — writing, directing, producing and performing in plays, films and TV shows that move, entertain and inspire,” said Emory President Gregory L. Fenves in a news release. “Equally impressive are his endeavors as a philanthropist, humanitarian and social justice advocate. Whether funding scholarships for talented students, covering the grocery bills of elderly Atlanta residents, or supporting global disaster relief, he is renowned for creating opportunities and giving back to his community.”

In 2006, Perry founded Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, and in 2015 he announced plans to expand operations with the acquisition of Fort McPherson. The studio has brought more than 400 jobs to the Atlanta community as well as major feature films and television shows, according to the university.

During the upcoming commencement ceremony, Perry will receive an honorary doctor of letters degree.