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Mention Tyler Perry’s name, and the internet divides into two passionate sides. While half the timeline defends the drama, the rest fiercely condemns the writing. But there is one universal truth that both sides can agree on: Tyler Perry’s wig department does Black actors filthier than the plot’s villain.
The trailer for “Why Did I Get Married Again?” recently sent the internet into absolute shambles—mostly because Richard T. Jones’ character, Mike, is suddenly rocking a full-fledged afro despite being notoriously bald for two previous movies. (Perry addressed this on Instagram, encouraging folks to “WATCH DA MOVIE!”)
Still, people online wasted no time inducting this new afro straight into the Tyler Perry Hall of Shame, right next to Shemar Moore’s legendary dusty cornrows from “Diary of a Mad Black Woman.” While we’re on the subject, we’ve gathered some of the most unforgivable TV and movie wigs from the Tyler Perry universe, which suggest his wig budget was probably $3.50 and a dream.
Related: Tyler Perry’s ‘Why Did I Get Married Again?’ Trailer Just Dropped, and Fans Have Lots of Questions
Shemar Moore in “Diary of a Mad Black Woman”
This movie could have easily been re-named “Diary of the Unhinged Wigs” because what in the Jim Jones-braids is this?? These are the kinds of braids that look like they’ve been in for six weeks while the person is still sitting in the braider’s chair. Do better.
Boris Kodjoe’s Afro
In “Madea’s Family Reunion,” actor Boris Kodjoe’s character Frankie was the utmost gentleman and as sweet as pie, sweeping Vanessa (Lisa Arrindell) off her feet. Somehow, he managed to do it with a terrible afro wig.
The Wig That Wouldn’t Stay Put
In one of the most egregious examples yet, Crystal R. Fox’s character’s wig in “A Fall From Grace” just couldn’t decide which direction it wanted to lie in the same scene. In one cut, her wig faced forward, and in the very next, it had not only turned, but it grew in volume, too!
We Have Questions…
“A Fall From Grace” gave viewers endless quotables (“Ashtray, b*tch!”), but it also gave us Mehcad Brooks’ wig, which had a moisture level that was actively disrespectful to the Sahara desert.
Pixie Cut Fail
This wig from BET’s “Sistas” had the potential to be a sleek pixie cut, but in reality, it looked more like a slab of carpet instead.
The Wig From Chucky’s Closet
When Madea went to jail in 2009, Keshia Knight Pulliam’s bright orange wig should have been booked right next to her! Give Chucky back his bundles, please and thank you.
Those Infamous Mic Wigs
Tyler Perry’s silver screen productions aren’t the only ones catching heat. His stage plays have also entered the chat. Nobody will ever forget those infamous forehead microphones that didn’t just peek out from under the wigs; they basically functioned as a third eye. It was hard to lock into the actual story when a tape-covered mic introduced itself to you before the character even had a chance to speak.
The Wig That Required a Protractor to Style
Whoever said Viola Davis threw this wig in the air and ran under it should go to timeout! We love us some Viola, but the way this wig in “Madea Goes to Jail” sat perched on top of her head on an upwards slant made us shake our own heads in second-hand embarrassment.
A Fall From Hair Grace
Tyler Perry isn’t exempt from a terrible wig himself. In yet another hair foul in “A Fall from Grace,” Perry’s salt-and-pepper wig left much to be desired. It was obvious that the movie was filmed in only five days.
Tyler Perry Heard the Haters, And Has This to Say…
In a 2020 interview with Hello Beautiful, Perry recalled having a “knockdown, drag-out argument about the wigs in one of the scenes” with “A Fall from Grace’s” leading lady, Crystal R. Fox. “It was very emotional for her,” he added, as Fox explained how important hair is to a Black woman.
“As long as you figure it out before it’s time to shoot,” Perry said. “I’m good. I don’t have time to wait five hours and spend $10 million to figure out which curl is right for you.”
And This…
He told critics who called out his movie’s wig choices to “stop talking about hair to me, please” on The Tyler Perry Show: Sistas After-Show Edition. “I swear to you, these are the things I can do: I can run a company, I can build a house, I can go on stage. I do all of this stuff. I know what I do. I don’t know how to do hair. I don’t know nothing about it.”
Perry defended the budget, explaining that he pays stylists $65 an hour for shifts that stretch up to half a day. “They’re doing a great job. Sometimes, things slip because I move a little fast, but they get it done,” he said.
“Stop Asking Me!”
The billionaire also told people to drop the issue, because he has no plans to change his successful formula anytime soon.
“Stop asking me about some damn hair,” he said. “Go talk to somebody that’s got a hot curler. Like I’m walking around with a damn hot curler.”
But When it Comes to Madea’s Hair…
Madea’s wigs are consistently fried, dyed and laid to the side! You can’t spot the lace with a microscope and every curl is flawlessly in place on the southern, gun-toting matriarch. So Tyler Perry actually does know a thing or two about what good wigs look like!
