Filmmaker Tyler Perry opens up about midlife crisis

Tyler Perry, the creator of the Madea film franchise, has opened up about going through a “midlife crisis”.

In a candid Instagram post, the billionaire filmmaker shared a picture of himself in gym clothes and wrote: “This is what a midlife crisis looks like. I’m 51, single and wondering what the next chapter in my life will look like.”

The 51-year-old – who had been in a relationship and has a child with Gelila Bekele – added: “Whatever it looks like I’m going to walk with God, be the best father and man I can be, hold my head up high, and try to look my best doing it!! In a world with so much sadness, please try and stay in the good! Merry Christmas and let’s look forward to 2021 bringing us peace!”

His words sparked an outpouring of support and messages of solidarity from fellow single people.

This autumn, Perry was given billionaire status by Forbes . His net worth is estimated to be $1bn. He is best known for his Madea movies, which he wrote, produced, directed and starred in as the titular character, a tough older woman.

He has also starred in the films Star Trek, Alex Cross, Gone Girl, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Vice.

Perry is included in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2020.