*Tyler Perry has hit a roadblock in his pursuit of movie making.
The filmmaker expressed interest in producing a film with Diana Ross, but apparently, she won’t return his calls.
“She’s been ignoring me for years,” Perry told Essence.com while promoting his latest movie, Madea’s Witness Protection. “She’s the only person that I have dreamed of working with that will not return my phone calls.”
But he does recall a time when they had a short conversation.
“That was it, she never called me again. She said, “No!” And that was it.”
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He says not even having a close association with Oprah Winfrey can’t get her to call back.
“Not when it comes to Diana Ross,” he jokes. “You can be friends with Obama, Oprah, Trump — that is Diana Ross! So, no.”
Not all is lost, however. Perry has managed to get two other childhood idols, Maria Gibbs and John Amos, into his latest movie.
“To be around Florence from The Jeffersons and James [Amos] from Good Times… to stand in the presence of people that I’ve admired is amazing.”
he’s just being nice, i say screw her. he shelf life is wayyyyy past being over. i would ignore her just as hard as she is ignoring him.
It’s MARLA Gibbs!
Why in the hell would Tyler be interested in some old snobby ass bitch like Diana Ross who’s a damn alcoholic. Has anyone checked out them yelllow or brown rotten ass teeth of hers? Unbelievable she is almost 70 years old, sporting that wild bush afro weave, and people still consider her some damn diva. Diana is too damn rich and wealthy to avoid the dentist.
WOW!! going kind of hard on Ms Ross1 LOL!! I have not noticed her teeth lately anyway, I still love Ms Ross and her divaness!! LOL!
Babycakes, as you can see there’s no admiration on my part for Diana Ross. What divaness in her at 70? LOL
Nice. I hope no one ever says that about you or your loved ones. Darn right ugly and viscious. The lady returned his call and declined his offer case closed.
Ms Ross is a legend in her own right and can pick/choose whomever she wants to work with. TP can have a whole coliseum of seats. trying to front her in the media is not going to work. She has paid her dues and then some.
This is one of the reasons I don’t respect a lot of todays celebrities. They talk to much. If asked whom he would love to work with, all he needed to say was “I would love to work with Diana Ross, but it just hasn’t happened”. What was the point of talking about how she doesn’t returns his calls? No one is obligated to work with him. I give Tyler credit for using some of the best actresses such as Angela Bassett and Kimerly Elise in his movies, but let’s be real. They accepted those roles for the paycheck not because of the depth of the scripts or characters. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I doubt Diana needs the money.
I co-sign. I love and adore Diana Ross (and always have). I am confused as to whether this is a NEW ranting of Tyler’s or if it the same ranting I heard about a year ago and EUR is just late in printing it. If the woman said “No,” then Tyler should just accept it and STFU.
I wonder whether he has asked Beyonce. It would be a challenge for him to whip her into shape and make an actress out of HER. Maybe he doesn’t want any challenges though. He probably only wants to work with seasoned actresses.
Maybe she dosent want to associate with anything that is “too black”, the way she just said NO sounds like she is a snob. TP don’t waste your time, some people of color get a big head when they get success and feel to good to do anything for anyone. I think it would have been a good thing personally but forget it move on to the next one!!!
Tyler you don’t need Diana Ross even though she may be your idol. I don’t know her personally but shes known for being a snobby person so just keep on doing what you’re doing and don’t sweat the small stuff.
I bet if a white producer approached her, she’d have no problem. I’ve always despised Diana Ross. When you look at how she gained her success and how she threw everyone else under the boss, who’d be really interested in seeing or hearing from her. I’d rather watch my dog do circus tricks then to see her in a concert. A real Diva bitch and why? You screwed a married man, lied and sold out your friends for 50 pieces of silver or less.
You know the deal that extends beyond the legend & diva status. I agree, and very well said.
I’m not even a Diana fan but can’t knock her hustle, acclaim and pure legend-like status.
Tyler Perry is NOT the black producer that black folk should fall all over themselves just to be involved in one of his projects. Oprah believed your hype. The Obama’s believed it. Neither of them are great representations for what black folk should or shouldn’t like.
Maybe she’s just not into your style of moviemaking Tyler. Have you considered that? Have you considered that she’s not “in need” of the attention your movies garner…good nor bad?
I really hope that Diana Ross will at least CONSIDER Tyler’s offer. He is a big name in the movie biz now and many people would love to see her in a new film. She still tours but sings the same songs over and over every time. She has gotten boring and too comfortable.
Diana use to always be so current with the times. It would be nice to see her do something fresh and current again. Her fans have been missing her acting. Some think she is a better actress than she is a singer and I am one of them.
Streisand is not “too big” or “too old” to be doing supporting roles so why can’t Diana Ross? Come down off of your thrown Queen Ross and make a new movie!!!! We miss ya!
Don’t give up on her Tyler!!
I’m so confused. Everyone is talking bad about Diana Ross hair and teeth simply because she doesn’t want to be in a TP movie? Keep in mind that not everyone is a TP fan. I have never seen any of his movies and I feel proud saying that.
AMEN! And if you happen to know the original PBS taping of “For Colored Girls Whose Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf”, Tyler has shown that he doesn’t yet have the skills to handle much beyond “Madea” movies.
Spike Lee has very pointed views on Tyler’s work.
But most of all, it seems to get lost that she did return his calls and politely refused interest.
Her daughter appeared in a Tyler movie so I really question if Diana said anything at all.
But, of cours, the haters smell blood and they are going in for the kill, fair or not,
Sorry, I have to come to bat for Miss Ross. Why can’t she simply say “no” because she simply doesn’t want to act? What’s the last movie we’ve seen her in? Surely folks are not beating down her door with scripts, so maybe she’s over it all and just want to do what many of us want to do…things that make us happy. I would love to see her act again, I’d even love to hear her sing her same ol’ songs over again. She is a legend and deserves respect. At this juncture, she obviously isn’t feeling the acting bug, so it is what it is. I wouldn’t give up if I was TP either, you never know, we all change our minds sometimes. The next time someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do AND you don’t do it…think about the harsh, unnecessary and unfounded comments made here.
I’m the least confused. I totally read & understand word for word, or verbatim. As you can clearly see that everybody here is NOT talking bad about Diana Ross. And, everyone here did NOT initiate or make references to Diana Ross hair & teeth. However, I did because I elected to do so, and so what? Furthermore, NOT at all did I make statement just because she didn’t want to be in TP movie, LOL. Therefore, I’m not understanding why the attempt to twist things out of context that was never stated to begin. In no manner would i need to keep in consideration that everyone is not a TP fan. With that said, it’s certainly understandable that NOT everyone is a Diana Ross either. I agree that individuals will jump in on a discussion in regard to an artist without knowing one damn thing about the artist whether it’s movies, or songs, LOL. Personally speaking I don’t give damn whether anyone else likes Diana Ross or not. It’s just that plain & simple, to each is own. I’ve said what I’ve wanted to say and is pleased. My point of view would not be modified due to you, or others!
Because you are rude and terribly immature, that’s why.
“Maria” Gibbs, surely EUR – is that your mistake or did Tyler Perry say that? Tyler, Ms. Ross owes you nothing, and since you chose to speak out publicly about this, I am quite sure you can forget it now. You can still admire her from afar, but you should’ve been able to take a hint – move on!
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Hi tp,I too say move on.Diana is dealing with for to many demons at this timeShe’s being exposed as a Judas Iscorit.Sold her friends for 30ty(thirty) pieces of silver.Gave flo,and the rest a Judas kiss.How she looks herself in the mirror I will never never know.It is really true tp.You quote the Bible many times ITi.6:9.Those who are determined to be rich have stabbed them selves over with many pains of distress.Miss ross in 1983?Never should’ve pushed Miss Wilson on stage.Changed wardropes at the drop of a hat.When Miss Wilson came out on stage with that red out dress!she made a statement like no other could.In other words what you do in the dark will come back to hunt you in the end.It’s called you reap what you sow I stand by my comments. We know her past now she will not get by with the dirt she’s pulled. They all thought that they were burying the past but it turned out to be an achilles heel. It reminds me of a Greek tradegy.It basically means you thought you buried something but later it comes back to bit you in the behind.Thati s what Berry did for the funk bros. brothers.For too many lives have been lost and dreams shattered. Mr James Jamerson was denied a seat to the the 25th anniversy of motown.He had to scalp for a ticket.He too died broke and broken hearted.Berry had a system and lawyers who knew how to steal names in other words deny their use of those names they helped to make.It spells robbery extortion.So tp read the books. Trust me you can find a better Idol.No man is one any way.Fame is shame.Never fails Remember MIKE and Whitney.Diana is no Idol.Beautiful voice and actress that’s ALL! invite deserving ones Cily Tyson J.Hudson.YOU CERTAINLY deserve better I am so proud of you.You stand by Blacks and never forget where you came from so many in Hollywood are over looked.Keep up the good word.Love your pictures.Keeping it Real.Real.
@florence68 Are you serious? Diana Ross has been ignoring people like you for 50 years. The woman has never gotten a break from people who repeat lie after lie so often they start to believe their lies. People like you are under performers in life and are sooooo jealous of Diana Ross who stepped over people like you and Mary Wilson to become the pop culture icon that she is today. So go ahead and spew your hate. Drown in your own despair. Go kiss Mary’s ring. Sad.
Hi Mic.I enjoy my life grew up believing in Miss Ross.It is stupid to think that all will be, are want to be rich in life.I am 60yrs old now.My achievements in life have been quiet rewarding.I am an underachiever thats true.However I have worked all my life.I am realistic.I have the Funk brothers Standing in the shadows of Mototown.I have seen court Documents.I donot seek great things for myself in this dying world.I live a good life Iam neither rich nor extremely poor.My life is rewarding.I love Miss Ross her voice is smooth.Miss Wilson has admitted her mistakes toward flo.She made a serious mistake.I must give her credit she revealed her past as honest as she could.Who ever you are Sir I came out of school right into school to support my child.All alone.Flo was a lost soul and Miss Ross will pay.We all pay.I have been poor all my life but not sitting on my can waiting for a hand out.I know my liminations.I can not sing I can not act.So I worked in a field where my mind could take me.So baby do not worry about me. I am just fine as an underachiever.Rich does not always mean better.I much rather have a good concious than be rich.The one thing I do regret in life is not having the chance to hear Flo sing.I know how mary sings.She does a bad “fields of gold”.”I am changing”In the right key she does well.Many are very protective of Miss Ross I am very respective of her.Plus her achievemets.Now one last thing.I am no fan or idol seeker.I am just a plain growing old underachiever.Thanks for the comment.I will now go and enroll in Harvard Law shool.no Baylor School of Medicine in Houston where I worked as a serious underachiever.So I know about over achievers.They can and are seldom kind.You calling me an underachiever only brought back some painful memories.How sad when we think more of ourselves than necessary.Excuse my miss spelled words.But what you care an underachiever can write and spell.We’s ignant thats right ignant!when storms come they they don’t say pay me and I’ll pass over you.You ever tried to pay an earthquake,lighting,Tornador ect.not to hit you.Try telling a sorme volcano.Heres a million bucks.So in the end Money can only do so much.So Mr Tyler Perry I say ask Miss Wilson now shes an actress.She acts up ALL the time.Later from underrcahiever.Diana is Gold compared to The Drs.That IMve passed by.They can make you feel small.However man is so so limted.Don’t forget TP call Mae.Smile.!Mic all books do not lie.The cat is out of the bag now.I close my comments forever.I am far too busy for nonsence.
Watching Diana on Inside The Actors Studio a few years back – she indicated she wasn’t ever really that crazy about making movies. She said she hated the long hours on the set and the waiting around to shoot scenes was bothersome. She said at times she rather be home with her kids. So with that being said..Diana set the records straight on this topic years ago. I don’t know about her ignoring him – but she already told him no – so maybe he needs to stop bugging her! If Tyler cannot convince her to be in one of his movies perhaps she would consider contributing to the soundtrack. TYler should pursue that option with her. Afterall singing is her first love, she enjoys it and has always been her main source of income. Let’s move on people.
I’m still shocked at everyone attacking Dianna for making a grown woman decision not to be in his movies. It’s not a dream come true for most established celebs to be in his movies, but for the D list celebs it’s a delight.
There is a segment of the artistic community, many black, who though congratulate Mr. Perry on his commercial achievements, but, don’t necessarily respect it’s content. I fall into that category. I have seen a couple of “Madea” movies, they are like the black version of Will Ferrell or Adam Sandler movies, which are not my cup of tea either.
I mentioned earlier how I was hoping that “For Colored Girls” would show another side of Mr. Perry’s talents, but, unfortunately, he failed.