Read our exclusive interview with Bow Wow, who plays Bryon in the upcoming dramedy ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family,’ which is set to be released on April 22, 2011. The movie, which was written and directed by, and also stars, Tyler Perry, follows Madea’s niece Shirley as she faces a health scare. Shirley, who is portrayed by Loretta Devine, wants to break the news to her three adult children, including Bryon, as a family. Since they are all to distracted by their own problems to listen, Madea intervenes to reunite the family. Bow Wow discusses with us, among other things, what attracted him to the role of Bryon, and what it’s like working with Perry.
SY: You portray Bryon in ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family,’ who, after spending two years in jail, feels pressured to deal drugs again. So what attracted you to the role?
Bow Wow (BW): The one thing that attracted me to the role was the story, not really so much of what I’m doing. But the overall story, because if the story’s not good, that means the movie’s not going to be good. At first, I fell in love with the story. Second, I fell in love with my character. It looked like a nice piece of work for myself. Plus I’ve been dying to work with Tyler Perry for a long time. I guess I finally found my roots.
SY: What was it like to work with Tyler, both as a director and an actor?
BW: It was fun working with Tyler. It definitely steps your game up. Your game is definitely elevated. You’re going to learn more stuff. It’s always great to work with people with so much experience. Not only experience, but also has a great brand of what he’s doing. It was really an honor and a privilege to be able to work with him, to help my film career. It was definitely a lesson.
SY: Before ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family,’ you have appeared in several genres, including action and drama. So how did you prepare for the role of Bryon? Do have different methods to prepare for different genres?
BW: Yeah, I never, never prepare.
SY: Have you seen any of the previous Madea movies?
BW: Yeah, I’ve been a big fan for many years. I’m definitely a fan of all of Tyler’s work.
SY: Have you seen the play the movie is based on?
BW: No, I haven’t seen it live. But I have seen the tapes. It’s kind of similar, but then we switch it up a little bit. But yes, I’m familiar with the play.
SY: What is it about Madea that you think audiences enjoy so much?
BW: I think it’s just the fact that she’s just real, she’s honest. I think everybody likes honesty. She’s not afraid to say what’s on her mind. She speaks her mind, so that other people are scared to say what they really want to say. Madea never holds back. I think she’s funny, the character’s funny and believable. It all makes sense.
SY: You reunite with Loretta Devine in this movie, who you previously co-starred with in last summer’s ‘Lottery Ticket.’ What was it like reuniting with her on this film, and what is your working relationship like?
BW: It was definitely fun. I had so much fun working with Miss Loretta again. It’s always a pleasure. It’s always an honor. She really feels like I’m really related to her in some ways. I really do feel like that. That’s how she makes you feel. I love Miss Loretta to death, and every time I get a chance to work with her, it’s always a pleasure. I love her to death.
SY: Tyler’s previous movies haven’t received favorable reviews from critics. What do you say to people who claim his movies give into stereotypes?
BW: The only thing I have to say about that is who cares about a critic, you know? Critics are critics, that’s what they’re here for, to criticize. That’s what they’re here for. We understand that. Tyler knows what his fan base wants, he gives them what they want. That’s why he wins every single time. That’s all I have to say on that, because he continues to win. What’s a better way to shut up all the haters than to keep winning. I’m sure this one is going to make mad money too, and we’re going to see good results on this one too. Obviously he’s doing something right.
SY: Tyler is known for working with several actors on multiple projects, including Loretta and Janet Jackson. Would you consider working with him again?
BW: Most definitely.
SY: Do you have any upcoming movies in the works?
BW: Yeah, I just wrapped up a movie last month called ‘Recalled.’ I’m getting started on another movie next month called ‘The Lowenfish Party.’
SY: Do you have any plans to record music again?
BW: Oh yes, definitely, without a doubt. I’m still in the studio right now, putting the finishing touches on the album, still working. When the time is good. But right now, it’s all about ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family.’
SY: Why should fans go see ‘Madea’s Big Happy Family?’
BW: They should go see it because number one, it’s a good movie. Beside it being a great movie, it has a great story and a great meaning. It’s perfect for right now. It’s Easter weekend, it’s a family film. It’s the perfect time for the family to gather around. Why not go to Church and get some soul food and check out this film? It’s the perfect thing to do this weekend.
Written by: Karen Benardello
