Tyler Perry works as a comedian.
David Anthony Mann ( born August 7 , 1966 ) is an American stage actor , gospel singer , and stand up-comedian who has starred in many Tyler Perry plays , including I Can Do Bad All By Myself , Madea 's Family Reunion , Madea 's Class Reunion , Meet the Browns , and What 's Done in the Dark . Tyler Perry ( born Emmitt Perry Jr. ; September 13 , 1969 ) is an American actor , comedian , filmmaker , writer , and songwriter , specializing in the gospel genre .