Tyler Perry's Madea became a staple figure within popular culture, and her character is surprisingly inspired by real-life. The famous caricature made her first appearance off-screen in the 1999 play I Can Do Bad All By Myself, a hit stage show about a divorcee who moves in with his grandmother, Mable "Madea" Simmons, written, directed, produced, and headlined by Tyler Perry. Since her introduction into the public eye, Madea has spurred the production of several more plays, countless movies, and iconic pop-cultural references that have made her a mainstay in the entertainment industry and Tyler Perry's catalog.

https://screenrant.com/madea-true-story-character-tyler-perry/