Why Did I Get Married Too?
Press Junket, New York, NY

By Stephanie Mohorn

March 30, 2010

Call it another Tyler Perry Production. True to his films, today’s press junket for Perry’s new film, Why Did I Get Married Too? was filled with laugher—raucous laugher—and stories from the talent that were inspiring, serious, funny and heartfelt. The entire cast: Tyler Perry, Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Lamman Rucker, Malik Yoba, Michael Jai White, Sharon Leal, Tasha Smith, Richard T. Jones, and the magnificent Cicely Tyson, were all on hand to continue the discussion presented in the title: Why Did I Get Married Too?

Following a few personal insights from the cast.

I’d like for Tyler to tell me what inspired you to bring these cast of characters back together again? Tyler Perry: I wrote this because this was the only group of characters that I’ve written that I felt like had more to say. So just following it up…. And I loved working with this cast; I love working with this team, so I wanted to recreate the fun we had on the first one. That’s what it was about more than anything. And I l felt like the character had more to say.

Tyler, what makes Michael Jai White the perfect person to play the put upon husband?

TP: Because he is a put upon husband. (Laughter from the room) No, Michael is so great at so many things…action heroes…and just to doing all this other stuff, it was just good to see him comedy because the guy is funny. He’s funnier off screen that he is on. He was the best choice for this. The chemistry between them is electric.

This question is for Tyler, Janet and everyone else. Why get married? TP: Can’t answer that because I’m not. And most people up her have been through a divorce. Janet Jackson: I’m really the wrong person to ask. I’ve been married twice and divorce twice. I don’t think I should be answering this question.Malik Yoba: My name is Malik and I’m a divorcee. Tasha Smith: I’ve been divorced but I’m gonna get married at the end of the year. I say get married so you can have love partnership, companionship and a best friend. Cicely Tyson: To give your kids the proper parents. That’s why I think you should get married. Children should have a balanced start in life—a mother and a father. I think that’s the only reason to get married. Richard T. Jones: Marriage is an inheritance so I just really believe in…you have a partner to journey with.

Jill, Can you talk about Sheila’s fashion? Jill Scott: I have to say that Sheila and I are two different entities. She wears some things that I wouldn’t. I think she is a woman legitimately. Sheila is very very honest. I think she allows her spirit to b her focal point.

What do you feel annoys you the most about how black love is portrayed? Sharon Leal: What annoys me as an actress is the containment. What I love about this movie…is that from the moment the movie started there was freedom in the dialogue.

Fortunately for us, Tyler and the cast didn’t have all the answers, which hopefully means there will be a Why three in the future.